Knowing how deeply his audience fetishizes indigenous cultures, Castaneda artfully presents his own worldview through the character of an indigenous wiseman. By doing so, he manages to shield himself from the criticisms that would be glaringly obvious if the reader hadn't effectively turned off their brain. This literary device allows him to manipulate the reader's perception and draw them into his fabricated world.
Ultimately, the book offers an all-too-western point of view that lies at the center of many life-denying religions. It fails to present reality as it actually is. Instead, it encourages the reader to defer to these so-called wise men, who, in reality, often share many of the same epistemic habits as con men. The book suggests that these wise men have a special connection to the True World, but this is nothing more than a ploy to gain the reader's trust and loyalty.
I give this book 2 stars because, despite its many flaws, I think it does demonstrate the appeal that can draw some people into cults in an entertaining way. It shows how easily we can be influenced by false ideas and charismatic figures if we are not careful to think critically and question what we are being told.