Chopra, an iconic figure in American popular culture, proves with this biography of Muhammad that he is more than just a New Age talking head. Varying by chapter the narrative viewpoints and using actual characters from the life of Muhammad, such as Muhammad's first wife, Khadijah, and his daughter Fatima, Chopra tells the story of Muhammad's life in this "teaching novel." Similar volumes by Chopra have already profiled Buddha and Jesus. While technically this is fiction, several historical events--including ones dear to many Muslims' hearts--are related. The result is one of the most imaginative and touching biographies of Muhammad. For instance, in the prelude, inventively narrated by the Angel Gabriel, the angel bringing the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad, describes the illiterate caravan trader who had married his wealthy female boss. The next chapter, narrated by Muhammad's grandfather Abdul Muttalib, tells the legend of the Zamzam well, which Muslims visit to this day in their annual hajj pilgrimage. Chopra goes on to describe a people yearning for a message that would liberate them from polytheistic tribalism and the messenger, a trustworthy but frightened man who became a prophet. Chopra's grasp of Muhammad's mission and life is accessible and extends his range in a surprising direction; his popularization is welcome. (Oct.)

[Chopra] produces an imaginative, evocative rendition of what it must have been like to be in the company of such an individual, making his way in an environment in many ways so alien to our own.

His approach is as engaging as it is informative and deeply humanizing. The first-person narratives each paint a new layer onto the picture of the Beloved of God, in all his humanity and complexity and perfection.

...profound summation of his life, teachings, and service of humanity...

It is a positive portrait that nonetheless points to human flaws and complexities.

...the finest of his long shelf of books. ...Chopra returns in his own attractive voice with one of the more level, tough-love, discussions of Islamic religion available.

Compellingly told, this is not only good storytelling, it also helps readers, especially non-Muslims, better understand the complexities and contradictions surrounding Islam.

It’s worth discovering Muhammad through Deepak Chopra.

I am grateful that Deepak Chopra, instead of adding to the often useless pile of [Muhammad] biographies, has instead crafted an absorbing novel based on Muhammad’s life. Any reader will come away better informed both about the prophet himself and about Islam, the world’s second largest religion.

Chopra takes us into the past through the Prophet Muhammad’s journey, and brings wisdom and perspective to an often misunderstood figure. His compassionate and clear depiction is a courageous undertaking, and a valuable effort against the enemy of ignorance. An important and timely book, indeed.

Chopra shows that neither revering nor reviling Muhammad will unlock the meaning he embodied. So what will? Chopra’s answer is bound to challenge Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Prolific best-selling author/New Age motivational speaker Chopra (www.chopra.com) provides listeners with an absorbing and enlightening fictitious account of the life of the titular Islamic prophet. Mecca during Muhammad's days is vividly portrayed through the use of multiple first-person narrators including Muhammad's first wife, his daughter, and even the Archangel Gabriel. Chopra, who has also written the biographical novels Buddha (2007) and Jesus (2008), begins and ends this novel with an author's note and an afterword that offer both a short history of Islam and reflections about the current state of the Muslim world. Appreciators of religious fiction and anyone wishing to understand Islam better will enjoy this compelling work, smoothly narrated by the author. [The HarperOne hc, which was published in September, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Beth Farrell, Cleveland-Marshall Coll. of Law Lib., Cleveland State Univ.