Sorcerer's Apprentice
Ratings1
Average rating3
15
Ratings1
Average rating3
Sorcerer’s Apprentice opens with Amy Wallace’s first meeting with Carlos Castaneda, the infamous anthropologist-turned-shaman, whose books described meetings with Yaqui Indian spiritual teacher don Juan. Castaneda’s rise was meteoric in the late 1960s as he wrote massive bestsellers, inspired many to experiment with psychedelics, and was dubbed “the Godfather of the New Age.” The possibility that Castaneda’s experiences may have been fabricated did little to compromise his legend.As the daughter of best-selling novelist Irving Wallace, Amy was rarely shy around famous people. When her father insisted she meet Castaneda, she at first demurred. Little did she know that a delightful first meeting would begin a 20-year friendship, followed by her descent into the dramatic and deeply troubled affair chronicled in this book. Sorcerer’s Apprentice unblinkingly reveals the inner workings of the “Cult of Carlos,” run by a charismatic authoritarian in his sixties who controlled his young female followers through emotional abuse, mind games, bizarre rituals, dubious teachings, and sexual excess. Wallace’s story is both specific and universal, a captivating cautionary tale about the dangers of giving up one’s power to a tyrant–and about surviving assaults on body and spirit.
Reviews with the most likes.
Wow! This is a mind blower. Castenada's work has always been a major life influence to me and still is. But after reading this book, I'm no longer regretting not having met him. This book presents an outstanding record of what it was like to be in the inner circle. Amy does a great job reporting her experience and really succeeds in creating a comprehensive view of Castenada's world. Although many questions remain in my mind, I found more answers reading this than I had expected. I think any fan of Castenada's work would find this book fascinating.
One word of caution though, while this work will grab your interest right away, it comes as a result of Amy's admittance into the inner circle, and the honeymoon period doesn't last long. What then begins is a very emotionally abusive relationship that continues for the rest of this story. Carlos is the source of it and the primary offender but his inner circle witches contribute significantly. It gets grueling, and I often wondered why & how Amy could put up with it. While there is an explanation - an obvious one regarding the type of personality that is susceptible to a cult - I still found it difficult aspect of the story. But there is plenty more to the story that held my interest.
I was even pleasantly surprised by the ending - and it's possible I'm being naive - as Amy seemed to be in a good place and had made the most of her experience.
I'd highly recommend this book to any fan of Castenada's work.
