The Assassins Song, M G. Vassanji’s sixth novel, is a multilayered narrative that revolves round its protagonist Karsan, the elder son of the Saheb of Pirbaag, a shrine that originated in the thirteenth century, when Nur Fazal, a sufi wanderer, was permitted by the king of Gujarat to settle in Haripir. The shrine is open to all and does not discriminate between the Hindus and Muslims. Since according to tradition, Karsan is to be the next Saheb, his father seals his succession by whispering the sacred and secret word (bol) in his ear. Because of this, though he is allowed to attend school and take part in games and in several social activities, he is denied permission to train as a cricketer.