This was one of my most favorite books during my early
childhood/
teens. It was written by
Roald Dahl, who is probably mostly known for "
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". I must have read this book at least 4-5 times. It consists of 6
short stories, including one about how
Roald Dahl began writing, and of course the story about
Henry Sugar himself, a
fictional character.
Henry Sugar is a grown-up rich kid who has no purpose in life than live off the money he inherited from his family. Until one day he finds this book in a library. It is a journal belonging to a man who, while in Bombay, learned the trick of walking over fire. By reading the techniques described in the journal, Henry learns how, by deep concentration, to see through playing cards. He zips off to the nearest casino and immediately wins a large sum of money. By a sudden change of heart, Henry decides to use his powers only for the sake of good. He then embarks on a many-years-long journey of breaking casino banks and founding orphanages with the money.
A nice, uncomplicated read.