7 Great Reasons Why You Should Read “The Zahir” by Paulo Coelho.

Paulo Coelho's "The Zahir" is a thought-provoking and inspiring novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The story follows the journey of a successful writer, who goes on a quest to find his missing wife, and in the process, discovers the true meaning of love and life.

The novel begins with the introduction of the protagonist, a famous writer who enjoys the perks of his success, including fame, fortune, and a beautiful wife named Esther. However, the writer's life takes an unexpected turn when Esther leaves him without any explanation or warning. The writer is devastated by her disappearance and becomes obsessed with finding her.The writer's journey to find Esther takes him on a spiritual and emotional quest, where he encounters different people and situations that challenge his beliefs and perceptions about life.

 He meets Mikhail, a Russian businessman, who introduces him to the concept of the "Zahir," a term used in Islamic mysticism to describe the search for one's true self.As the writer travels through different cities and countries, he realizes that his search for Esther is more than just a physical one. He begins to question his own identity and the meaning of his life.

The writer's journey takes him to Kazakhstan, where he meets a group of Sufi mystics who teach him about the power of love and the importance of living in the present moment.

The novel's themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are interwoven throughout the story, and Coelho's writing style is both lyrical and engaging. His use of symbolism and metaphors creates a dream-like quality that adds to the book's overall philosophical nature. The author's exploration of Islamic mysticism and Sufi teachings provides a unique perspective on spirituality that is both insightful and thought-provoking.

One of the book's most significant themes is the search for true love. Throughout the novel, the writer struggles to come to terms with his feelings for Esther and the reasons for her disappearance. He discovers that true love is not possessive or controlling but is instead about letting go and allowing the other person to be who they are. Coelho's portrayal of love as a transformative force that can change people's lives is both inspiring and moving.

Another important theme in the book is the idea of self-discovery. The writer's journey to find Esther becomes a journey of self-discovery, where he learns to confront his own fears and insecurities.

He realizes that his search for Esther is, in fact, a search for his true self. Coelho's exploration of the concept of the Zahir and the importance of finding one's true self is both illuminating and inspiring.

The novel's pacing is slow and deliberate, which allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story fully. Coelho's descriptions of the various locations and cultures the writer encounters are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of place that adds depth to the book's themes. The author's use of short chapters and concise prose adds to the novel's readability and makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and engaging read.

Lessons that you can learnt from the book

Lesson 1 Love is a transformative force

"Love is not a habit, a commitment, or a debt. It isn't what romantic songs tell us it is - love simply is." This quote from "The Zahir" highlights the transformative power of love.

Love has the ability to change people's lives and bring them closer to their true selves.

 It is not a habit or a commitment, but a force that simply is.

 

Lesson 2 The importance of letting go

"If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That's the only thing you should be trying to control. Drop everything else but that. Because if you can't learn to master your thinking, you're in deep trouble forever." This quote emphasizes the importance of letting go of control and focusing on mastering our own minds. We cannot control everything in our lives, but we can control how we think and react to situations.

 

Lesson 3 Embrace uncertainty

"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back." This quote reminds us that life is full of uncertainty, and we must embrace it rather than resist it. Challenges will come our way, and we must be willing to face them with courage and a willingness to change.

 

Lesson 4 Forgiveness is key to moving forward

 "When we forgive, we free ourselves from the bitter ties that bind us to the one who hurt us." This quote highlights the importance of forgiveness in moving forward from past hurt and pain. Forgiveness frees us from the bitterness and resentment that can hold us back and allows us to move forward with a clear mind and heart.

 

Lesson 5 Self-discovery is a lifelong journey

"The search for happiness is not about looking at life through rose-colored glasses. It is about understanding the underlying realities of life and living it in a more meaningful way." This quote reminds us that self-discovery is a lifelong journey that involves understanding the realities of life and living it in a more meaningful way. It is not about finding happiness through superficial means but through a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

 

Lesson 6 Embrace the present moment

"The present moment is all we have, and we must make the most of it." This quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and making the most of what we have. We cannot change the past or predict the future, but we can live fully in the present moment and appreciate all that it has to offer.

 

Lesson 7 Find meaning in your life

"Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny." This quote highlights the importance of finding meaning in our lives and pursuing our dreams. As we grow older, it can be easy to lose sight of our dreams and become convinced that they are impossible to achieve. However, we must remember that our destiny is within our reach and that anything is possible if we are willing to pursue it.

 

In conclusion, "The Zahir" is a thought-provoking and inspiring novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Coelho's writing style is both lyrical and engaging, and his exploration of Islamic mysticism and Sufi teachings provides a unique perspective on spirituality. The novel's themes of love and self-discovery are universal and will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Overall, "The Zahir" is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring novel.