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

Rating: - An inspiring read.
I am new to Coelho's books and having recently read (and really enjoyed) "The Alchemist", I thought I would give his latest work, "The Zahir", a look. I found this book insightful, thought provoking and spiced with little gems of wisdom. A page turner right up until the climax at the end of the book. Well worth the read.

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Rating: - an important book
This book is very important to me, especially as I'm going through relationship issues of my own. I won't say much for those who have not yet read it, but I would suggest this book is excellent for those going through relationship change and evaluation.

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Rating: - It's an Obsession
This is a very interesting read if you like the Post-Modern, quasi-deconstructive feel. He is now a very famous writer and no longer is merely telling tales. Now he telling tales about telling tales and about him telling talkes. He is know revealing his process and his thoughts. Most of the novel is filled with brilliant asides, interesting conversations (although his women are really men that somehow give vaginal sex), and concepts that mean something. What is always great about Coelho is that he is really saying something meaningful. Maybe that's why there are stacks upons stacks of his books in every bookstore. If you're looking for classic Coelho, this book may not be your first choice, but it's still a great book.

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Rating: - When the time is right
When the stars align in such a way and time is right only then can the right person appreciate the right book. If you do not enjoy this book then perhaps it wasn't your time to read it or simply you didn't understand the true value of it.

For me the timing was perfect and I could relate perfectly to this book. The book transformed itself and reveiled a more complex plot than one of a man obsessed for his wife. This book will take you on a journey within what love really means (or could mean). Before you look beyond you may search within.

Relating to the author is easy because he speaks in a candid way, so simple and honest. The main character in the book explains things in his life just the way they really exist in all of our lives. He expreses every detail, thought and meaning as he sees it.

We will all experience a Zahir in our life at one time that is for sure. Reading about it enlightens us and makes us become more in touch with our soul and just a small step closer to understanding meaning of life.

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Rating: - It spoke to me...
I will agree with other reviewers that this book is not an easy read. However, it also spoke to me on a level I had not expected, and provided a sort of therapy for which I was desperately in need. As luck would have it, I picked up the novel in the airport book store. My ex-husband had unexpectedly passed away a few weeks prior, and my daughter and I were on our way to visit his family in France. During the vacation, I found myself reading the book, and also retracing the steps of our life together, the years living abroad, the ways we changed each other and the bitterness of losing that love. This book has an emotional truth to it that helped me through a difficult time, and made me think about the difference between love and obsession.