Book review: Journey to Ixtlan - The Lessons of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda

I admit I am not a fan of the occult, nor am I into vague spiritual teachings and fairytales with moral lessons in general. This book by Carlos Castaneda is, at first sight, everything I distrust and dislike in one. What got me through it were not its pretentious and oftentimes nonsensical "life lessons" uttered by the eponymous Don Juan, but the style of writing itself. It offers a captivating glimpse into the worlds of two completely different characters and their struggle for self-assertion throughout the book. For the purpose of this review, I have divided the book into 3 main building blocks that made it a surprisingly pleasant read.

1. The Setting

   The setting is captivating, leading the reader through the desert in search for the meaning of life. There is a sense of frugality in the ways the two protagonists engage with each other, as well as an omnipresent feeling of tension and a hint of anxiety. With the exception of the dates given for each meeting between Don Juan and Castaneda, there are no tell tale signs of the historical context of the book, which adds to the general sense that it is a work of fiction. However, the lack of historical intricacies serves another purpose as well and does so quite brilliantly - keeping the interest of the reader solely in the present moment, focusing their attention onto the thoughts and words the teacher and the apprentice exchange with one another. While the ever so rare mention of Castaneda's car brings us back to reality from time to time, the book manages to deliver a remarkably thrilling setting.

   
   

2. The Power Dynamic

   The power dynamic between the two protagonists is as intense as it is frustrating. It is a one-sided and archetypal affair - an unequal relationship between a wise seer and a sophisticated, yet gullible city dweller. The constant back and forth between the two is more often than not a foregone conclusion where wisdom reigns supreme over earthly knowledge, but fear not - the abovementioned frustration with the apparent smugness of Don Juan will lead you to continue reading for just a bit more, and then some more. I found myself eager to side with Castaneda a number of times, which almost certainly is the desired outcome of the author. In summary, the dynamic between the two main characters makes for an interesting, albeit sometimes frustrating and cliched read.

   
   

3. The meaning of the words

   Finally, let me talk about the actual meaning of the spiritual advices of Don Juan. Without giving too much away, I must admit that the style, intensity and vividness of the atmosphere make for an enchanting read. Speaking of the meaning of the words, I found them to be a mixed bag - some I found to be completely outdated and unhelpful, while others did seem to bear some wisdom. What is in my opinion undeniable, is that the words are conveyed in a captivating manner, making you question your beliefs and pitting you, the reader, with all the modern tools of science and instantly available information at your disposal, against a smug shaman of sorts. If you are like me, you will oftentimes find yourself arguing with Don Juan, but at times you will have to concede being outsmarted.

   
   

   Summary

   
   

   As an agnostic of all things supernatural, I started the book somewhat smugly, not unlike Don Juan. What got me through it were the style, the atmosphere and the odd note of wisdom that is undeniably there. Pace yourself accordingly, do not expect a book to change your life as it claims to be, but rather an enjoyable introduction to "the occult", if you will. I would recommend for anyone with an interest in things that are more out of the way of the mainstream.