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The Zahir

A Novel of Obsession

By Paulo Coelho

(131)

| Paperback | 9780007220854

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Book Description

Set in Paris and in the enchanting landscape of central Asia, this new novel by the author of the international bestsellers The Alchemist and Eleven Minutes follows the journey of a man obsessed with finding the wife who left him without an explanation.

The narrator of TheContinue

Set in Paris and in the enchanting landscape of central Asia, this new novel by the author of the international bestsellers The Alchemist and Eleven Minutes follows the journey of a man obsessed with finding the wife who left him without an explanation.

The narrator of The Zahir is a bestselling novelist who lives in Paris and enjoys all the privileges that money and celebrity bring. His wife of ten years, Esther, is a war correspondent who, despite her professional success and freedom from the conventional constraints of marriage, is facing an existential crisis. When she disappears along with a friend, Mikhail, who may or may not be her lover, the authorities question the narrator. Was Esther kidnapped, killed, or did she simply abandon a marriage that left her unfulfilled? The narrator doesn't have any answers but he has plenty of questions of his own.

Then one day Mikhail, the man with whom Esther was last seen, finds the narrator and promises to take him to his wife. In his attempt to recapture a love lost, the narrator discovers something unexpected about himself.

A haunting and redemptive story about the dark side of obsession, The Zahir explores its potential to both fulfill our dreams and to destroy them. It is also a thoughtful meditation on faith, celebrity, marriage -- and their relationships to freedom and creativity.

Critics

  • Now there's a thought

    The Zahir by Paulo Coelho HarperCollins £14.99, pp342 Paulo Coelho writes because he wants to be loved. I read because I want to be interested. At this point it's hard to say which of us is the more disappointed. A man asks his doctor, an old friend, ... (read full critics)

    guardian.co.uk published on Sat, 25 Sep 2010

  • The Zahir By Paulo Coelho

    Acclaimed Brazilian author Coelho offers an unforgettable story about love and self-awareness that's international in scope and profound in its exploration of human relationships. The novel's narrator, a successful writer of international renown, res ... (read full critics)

    bookpage published on Fri, 10 Sep 2010

4 Reviews

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  • 1 person find this helpful

    I started off well with this book, but ultimately I found I didn't care in the slightest what happened to the characters. Coelho's tried and tested discourse on obsession, fate and destiny grew a bit tiresome, and I came to the conclusion that whatever happened in the end, it would all be summed up ... (continue)

    I started off well with this book, but ultimately I found I didn't care in the slightest what happened to the characters. Coelho's tried and tested discourse on obsession, fate and destiny grew a bit tiresome, and I came to the conclusion that whatever happened in the end, it would all be summed up in neat, pithy, profound sentences to the effect that what is meant to be will be. I just couldn't be bothered to finish it.

    Is this helpful?

    Rachie said on Dec 2, 2006 | Add your feedback

  • 1 person find this helpful

    Now that we have lived to our age, have gained some or many experiences from life.

    We know the skills and all the connections we needs for our works.

    We have savings in banks, some books, houses or cars.

    Friends, who can share our happiness, are around us.

    Our bodies still ... (continue)

    Now that we have lived to our age, have gained some or many experiences from life.

    We know the skills and all the connections we needs for our works.

    We have savings in banks, some books, houses or cars.

    Friends, who can share our happiness, are around us.

    Our bodies still have the strength they need.

    And, if lucky, a lovely companion, and even one or two children, are nearby.

    Our lives seem to be contented. We seem to want the same conditions be continued till the end.

    But...do we have the COURAGE to "give up" all of these, just to search for our dreams? For the deepest desires in our hearts?

    Is this helpful?

    Denise said on Nov 17, 2006 | Add your feedback

  • I found this one the best books by P. Coelho. His books are light, easy and quick to read - so is this.

    Is this helpful?

    zari said on Dec 18, 2006 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

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