Title: O Zahir
Author: Paulo Coelho
First published January 1, 2005
316 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9789727116799 (ISBN10: 9727116795)
Rating: 3.58
Overview
In “The Zahir” by Paulo Coelho, Zahír and his successful wife Esther seem to have it all – fame, money, and professional satisfaction. However, when Esther disappears without explanation, Zahír embarks on a surprising journey of self-discovery, uncovering the truth about himself and understanding the delicate relationship between love and freedom.
With autobiographical references throughout, this carefully crafted novel is a thoughtful reflection on the true cost of the commitments we make in life. As Zahír learns, sometimes losing everything is the only way to truly appreciate the sweet taste of what we have regained.
About the Author
Paulo Coelho, a renowned Brazilian author, was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947. Before dedicating himself to writing, Coelho worked in various fields such as theatre, journalism, and lyrics.
In 1986, he went on a pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostella, which inspired him to write his book The Pilgrimage. The following year, Coelho published The Alchemist, which initially had slow sales.
However, it went on to become one of the best-selling Brazilian books of all time. Coelho has since published several other books, including Brida, The Valkyries, and Eleven Minutes.
In 2006, Coelho celebrated the 20th anniversary of his pilgrimage by traveling around the world for 90 days. During this time, he also held surprise book signings in some cities along the way to meet his readers.
Coelho documented his journey on his blog “Walking the Path – The Pilgrimage,” which he has since expanded to include daily blogs on Wordpress, Myspace, and Facebook. He also regularly shares videos and pictures on sites like Youtube and Flickr.
Coelho is a strong believer in the power of the internet and was the first bestselling author to actively support online free distribution of his work. His latest project, The Experimental Witch, invites readers to adapt his book The Witch of Portobello to the screen.
Despite his success, Coelho remains engaged with his readers and is committed to using technology to connect with them.
Editoral Review
“O Zahir,” published in 2005, is a novel by the acclaimed Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho. Known for his spiritual and philosophical themes, Coelho has written numerous best-selling books, including “The Alchemist” and “Veronika Decides to Die.” “O Zahir” is a work of fiction that explores the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
The novel follows the story of a famous writer, who is married to a successful journalist. The writer’s wife, Esther, suddenly disappears without a trace, leaving him devastated and confused.
As he tries to come to terms with her disappearance, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, travelling to different parts of the world in search of her.
The novel is set in different locations, including Paris, Kazakhstan, and the Mojave Desert. The writer meets different people on his journey, each with their own story and struggles.
Through these encounters, he learns more about himself and his relationship with Esther.
One of the strengths of the novel is Coelho’s writing style, which is poetic and evocative. He uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the emotions and experiences of the characters.
The novel is also well-paced, with a gripping plot that keeps the reader engaged.
Coelho explores the theme of love in a nuanced way, presenting it as both a source of joy and pain. The writer’s love for Esther is both beautiful and complicated, and the reader is left wondering whether he will ever find her.
However, the novel does have some weaknesses. The characters, while interesting, lack depth and development.
The reader is left wanting to know more about their past and inner lives. Additionally, the plot can be predictable at times, with some of the twists feeling forced and contrived.
Overall, “O Zahir” is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of Coelho’s previous works. While it has some flaws, the novel’s strengths make it a worthwhile read.
It explores important themes of love and self-discovery, and its message is relevant in today’s world.
For readers who enjoy philosophical and spiritual themes, “O Zahir” is a must-read. However, those looking for a fast-paced thriller or a detailed character study may be disappointed.
Based on the quality of the writing and the depth of the themes explored, I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
