Synopsis

It begins with a glimpse or a passing thought. It ends in obsession.

One day a renowned author discovers that his wife, a war correspondent, has disappeared leaving no trace. Though time brings more success and new love, he remains mystified and increasingly fascinated by her absence. Was she kidnapped, blackmailed, or simply bored with their marriage? The unrest she causes is as strong as the attraction she exerts.

His search for her and for the truth of his own life takes him from France to Spain, Croatia and, eventually, the bleakly beautiful landscape of Central Asia. More than that, it takes him from the safety of his world to a totally unknown path, searching for a new understanding of the nature of love and the power of destiny.

With The Zahir, Paulo Coelho demonstrates his powerful and captivating storytelling.

Reviews

'Coelho's writing is beautifully poetic but his message is what counts he gives me hope and puts a smile on my face.' DAILY EXPRESS

'His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.' TIMES

'One of the few to deserve the term "Publishing Phenomenon".' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

'Coelho's talent to inspire his readers with wisdom and hope ... is as strong as ever. There is a forgiving kindness and humanity that is unmistakeable and tremendously appealing. DAILY MAIL

It's like music, really, the way he writes, it's so beautiful. It's a gift that I envy above all others. JULIA ROBERTS

About the Author

Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August 1947. He attended law school there but abandoned his studies in 1970 to travel throughout Mexico, Peru, Bolivia and Chile, as well as Europe and North Africa.   Two years later he returned to Brazil and began writing popular music lyrics. After a brief imprisonment in 1974 for alleged subversive activities against the Brazilian government, Coelho worked for five years for the recording departments of Polygram and CBS. Between 1981 and 1986 he studied with the order of RAM, an ancient, religious Spanish society. Now a literary phenomenon, he has sold over 65 million books world-wide and has been translated into 60 languages. He has received numerous literary awards from a variety of countries and his books have become permanent fixtures on the bestseller lists of countries as diverse as Brazil, the UK, the USA, France, Italy, Germany and Greece.   Click here to download Paulo Coelho's podcasts about his books.   Author photo © Paul Macleod 2007   More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation