Borut’s Comments (group member since Jul 03, 2012)

Borut’s comments from the Q&A with Tahir Shah group.

Tahir wrote: "Hi Borut,

I set off on the journey of TRAIL OF FEATHERS without knowing very much at all, and was constantly surprised by what I found. I never expected to find that the tribes were taking ayahuas..."

Hi Tahir!:) Thank you! That was a great trip, that book I mean!:) Keep writing! I tried to follow your example in 2010, in a way, and started translating 4 books at the same time - 2 by your father, one by your grandfather, and your Sorcerer's Apprentice. Needless to say, it was all far beyond my capacity - and I'm still suffering from it, in the form of a prolonged period of reader's block. I hope to return down to earth, and to translating those books and to your current production as soon as possible! My best wishes and good luck! :)

In Trail of Feathers, which is one of my favourites – I simply like Indian stories – you explore the possibility that Indians of Peru may have mastered the technology of flying long ago. The trail of this framework story shifts magically at the end, when we discover that they indeed knew how to do it – except that their flying was visionary – induced by a the halucinogenic plant called ayahuasca. Now, the question is: Did you know that before setting on this expedition and planned the journey accordingly – to corroborate this ‘research thesis’? Or did the basic plot of the book with its rather surprising finale come from your actual ayahuasca experience? The goal has been reached. One of your ‘happy end’ stories, so to say!?:)

And the question of your fist book – one of my favourite ‘topics’!?:) Is it The Middle East Bedside Book? And if so, could you say some more about it? Your recent collection, Travels with Myself, does seem to resemble it a bit, at least formally, both being kaleidoscopic – written in a shattered sort of way?

The same old story!?:) Your grandfather Ikbal Ali Shah seems to have prepared the way for his children, their careers of writers included? …

I haven’t read your Timbuctoo yet, so I’m just speculating, preparing for the reading experience, so to say:) It’s your first fictional work – as readers we’re accustomed to your powerful presence in your books. Where exactly can we hope to find you in this one!?:)

Hello, Tahir and everybody! I’m Borut, from Ljubljana, Slovenia (EU) – on the sunny side of the Alps (a tourist slogan). Thanks for inviting us, but I’m kind of scared…! A virtual Dar Khalifa experience!?:) I feel a little bit constrained anyway!?:) Be that as it may, seen with the reader’s eyes, it’s been a great journey: from Middle East Bedside Book … to Timbuctoo!:) Thank you!:)