Search - The Zahir: A Novel of Obsession (P.S.)

I read this after reading the Alchemist. Frankly, I preferred the Alchemist but I tend to like spiritual mystique so that is probably why. I liked this book, I would recommend it, Paul Cohelo does not let you down. The book was in international bestseller

Maybe it's just me. But I really don't see the big deal behind Paulo Coelho. I've now read three books by him (The Alchemist, Veronika Decides to Die, and now The Zahir), and I've disliked every one. Sorry Paulo. Three strikes and you're out. Way out.

The Zahir is all about a man (who I'm pretty sure is Coelho) who complains the whole time and can't figure out why his wife left him, when to the reader it's pretty obvious why.

Coelho explores various meanings of love and life, but the impact of these lessons is diminished significantly as they are repeated in various forms by various characters.

Please don't waste your time on The Zahir, or any other novel by Coelho. There's so much reading out there that is actually good.

International Best Seller about a novelist who lives in Paris and enjoys all the privileges mondy and celebrity bring. His wife of ten years, is a war correspondent who has disappeared along with a friend, Mikhail, who may or may not be her lovel. In his attempt to recaptue a lost love, the narrator discovers himself and brings meaning to his life. The book is haunting adn beautifully written

I enjoyed this book and found it to be worth the read. The first work I read by this author was Brida, which I enjoyed as well. I have not yet read The Alchemist, so I can't relate or compare the two.

The love story was OK. But the author's insights into love and relationships were often right on, especially when discussing the internal struggle of commitment vs. freedom.

However, it was the author's perspective on the human condition and the acceptable society practices of today that best resonated with me. Why are some human differences and preferences considered taboo? Why are taboo things received so poorly among our culture? Why do humans have an internal desire to "fit in" and belong to a tribe?

If you've made it this far as to read the reviews, go ahead and read the book. If has a lot to offer; everyone will get something different to take away from it.

A novel following a journey of a novelist in search of his wife, or rather of obsessing over why his wife left. But instead of finding her, he finds out things about himself.
This novel had a wonderfully strong start, but started to get very disconnected in the middle. Overall, it was such a joy and such an experience to read. After reading "The Alchemist," I had no interest in reading anymore of Coelho's work, but this novel inspires me to give his work another chance. Looking forward to more Coelho!
Three and a half out of five.