The Zahir : A Novel of Obsession

If we had 1/2 stars too, this would be closer to 4.5.

*****

In Arabic 'Zahir' means 'visible, present and unable to go unnoticed.' It refers to something or someone that ends up being the only thing we can think of. The main character is a well known author who has found great success and fame. One day his wife goes away without saying goodbye. He becomes obsessed with trying to find her and has to learn why she went away before he can be ready to bring her back. To do this he has to figure out why she left him. Along his journey he learns things about himself long forgotten and discovers people who though much younger than him, teach him a lot.

*****

This came to me via bookcrossing and I am very glad to have read it. I think I gave it half less than full stars because I felt like he was talking about himself when he wasn't, or maybe he actually was, anyway it was not too clear.

I have for quite some time now enjoyed Coelho's writing. I felt this message when reading this of not getting lost in all the daily bullshit and shedding the nonsense to see the person you love and not take them for granted.

The spiritual and mystical elements here were as always a pleasure to me and I felt a great desire to go to Paris and wander the streets.