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The Zahir

Written by: Paulo Coelho
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, Emilia Fox
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Publisher's Summary

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 not just his powerful and captivating storytelling, but also his extraordinary insight into what it is to be a human being in a world full of possibility.

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. This state of 'possession' can be understood as saintliness or insanity, with a fine line between the two.

©2005 Paulo Coelho (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers
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What the critics say

'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.'
THE TIMES

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

What listeners say about The Zahir

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Too many opinions

I am by no means fit to critique Paolo Coelho.
But, as for the characters in the story. They seem naïve and immature. Also, what role mysticism and arcane knowledge plays in the story is unclear to me. It just seems like an excuse to avoid reason.

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  • Overall
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Might be better suited for a male audience

I found myself skimming through some parts of the book, I think maybe even full chapters. I had researched this book before reading it and was excited to read this “eye opening love story” only to be so disappointed. As a female in a male dominated world I found this book to be chauvinistic. The ending was so disappointing. The writing itself is good, narration is good, but as a woman I just cannot get onboard with this novel.

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