yes, by the magic of love. If it is hard not to squint at some of the flashy paradoxes Patchett uses to construct her narrative, then perhaps a struggle with credulity is precisely what she wants to encourage. Improbable relationships Over the weeks that follow, Todd rehearses with Shandu, and although he makes numerous mistakes, thus earning the ire of his impatient mentor, he is determined to learn from them as Shandu shares Magical Rule #2: "Only let them see what you want them to see." Stage Magician: Shandu the Magnificent had an illustrious career as a world famous conjurer. While embittered by his depleted reputation, he remains a consummate professional, with an undying love of performance.

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As Todd's attention falls on the wand again, Shandu impresses on him the importance of Magical Rule #1: "Never, ever touch another magician's wand unless he hands it to you."Neb., where his mother and two sisters still live, though he hadn't seen them for decades. When the frumpy Dot Fetters and her daughter Bertie show up in Los Angeles to meet Guy's wife and see his grave -- right next to Phan's Exact Words: Todd extracts a promise from Nazrak that he must leave Mrs. Marker alone if he wants the wand. When Nazrak agrees and Todd hands over the wand, the demon points out that he never said he would leave Todd himself alone, and he prepares to banish him to the vortex with Shandu.

The Magician’s Assistant” by Ann Patchett Thoughts on “The Magician’s Assistant” by Ann Patchett

The audiobook was read by Karen Ziemba. She’s a new narrator to me, but I liked the way her cool, polished voice matched the way I imagined Sabine. I very much enjoyed the audio production and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Todd finally asks why Shandu is so grumpy, and the magician ruefully recalls his once illustrious career, performing on Broadway before royalty and starring in his own movie series... which hasn't even been released on video. Shandu arrives and deduces Todd's minimal experience, but Todd insists he is a fast learner and a hard worker. Shandu decides to give Todd a trial run, telling him that he must acquire skill at magic by keeping his mouth shut and eyes open.of her favorite work. A childhood that could be mined month by month. Parsifal would not get older, but what about younger?'' The demon knows that, according to Magical Rule #1, he can only take the wand with Todd's consent - so uses Mrs. Marker as a means of persuasion. Todd agrees to give him the wand only if Nazrak leaves his mother alone. Nazrak agrees, and Todd hands over the wand. what began as a complicated story becomes almost baroque. The Fetterses prove to be tolerant, caring folks. Alarmed by her unhappiness, they invite Sabine to visit them in tiny Alliance, and she surprises herself by going, hoping for Sabine's dreams to report on the afterlife and advise her on her quest. We are reminded several times that Parsifal was a magician, and ''without magicians, the assistants were lost,'' but that answer isn't