Confessions Of A Conjuror (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
Confessions of a Conjuror was a stream-of-consciousness book by one of my favorite magicians/mentalists. Using the device of describing a performance of close-up card magic to a group at a restaurant Darren worked at, he bounced off to describe any thought that popped in his head. These would often include jumps to things that happened in his life, observations he had, philosophies, and random psychological quirks.If you're looking for an autobiography of Brown, this probably isn't what you're looking for. The book is without a plot, and often, without even a narrative. But if you're looking to get glimpses into the mind and psyche of a great magician, and to know the exact bundle of drive, luck and neuroses it takes to be one of the best mentalists alive, then this book will be interesting.Then he woke up.Then he died. While on TV Derren Brown can often seem aloof and mysterious (which he is), his writing always proves without a doubt he is a lovely and charming person. This isn't an autobiography per se, but something of a reflection on life in general, as told through thought processes relating to the retelling of a single table performance at a restaurant in Bristol. His tale ranges from recounting how he got into magic and how his memory about it is likely to be flawed, poaching eggs, and lift etiquette. This book is more tangential than anything in the fantastic Hitchhiker's series, but it all manages to fit together in the end to provide and enjoyable and quick read.
What do You think about Confessions Of A Conjuror (2000)?
I had high hopes for this one. A beautiful book but drearily written.
—aidanaug5
Derren has been reading Nicholson Baker's The Mezzanine...
—Alyson
I loved it. Fascinating insight into a fascinating mind.
—wafeeq
