Paulo Coelho’s novel: The Zahir takes the readers to the life of a renowned author who discovers that his wife, a war correspondent, has simply vanished leaving no trace. Right from the first chapter, the plot is well-woven with intrigue and suspense, derived from the predictable and unpredictable occurrences that shape human lives.

To recognize that Paulo Coelho is a great story teller is easy to find out. His style has a certain way of persuasiveness which is gentle, yet, convincing. The author touches so many sensitive aspects of life: the direct description of success, emptiness, companionship, love, good and easy living. Everything in the book shines for the reader. The story is about a man who goes through a journey – wondering whether his wife has been kidnapped, blackmailed (being a war correspondent) or, did she simply walk away from her marriage. Where is she? Paulo Coelho makes The Zahir, an absorbing, captivating tale that is so touching in character…

Since the publication of The Alchemist in the year 1988, Paulo Coelho has written one book every two years. His latest book is: Manuscript Found In Accra.

Geeta Chhabra