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This is Coelho's masterpiece for me. Once every couple of years, I finish a book, close it, and hold it to my chest, hoping a bit more of the seamless goodness will make its way to my heart through osmosis.No, this is not a book for all audiences, but it is one that I would have trouble NOT recommending to someone. Even if you are not a believer in one higher power (be it a trinity or a solo figure), this is a book that helps to define what it is that makes a human being a great one: the ability to challenge himself and the powers acting in his life; the ability to learn to love and to lose; the ability to set your own goals, even when no success has come your way in quite sometime.So many have deemed The Alchemist a life-changing novel. Okay, I'll be honest with you. at least of the ones I've read so far, and I will certainly be looking to complete my collection. Like, at all. I don't really know the biblical story of Elijah. But, I had read and appreciatedThe Alchemist, biblical fiction is right up my alley, even if I don't know the basis, and I had picked this book up twice now (once on the $2 clearance shelf, and once at Book Bums - a coffee shop/lending library in Olde West Chester), so I figured it was time to read it.And, wow.Maybe once a year, I find a book that hits all the right chords of prose.
I found this whole romance thing boring and the story line was just weak. This is not Jacob's story, this is Elijah. I was very disappointed. What irritated me the most is this whole 'wrestling with God' kinda business. I do not recommend this book. I wouldn't mind if somebody would take a story from the Bible, create something new and interesting, but this was just not good. Coelho drifted so far away from the story that it totally distorted the character of Elijah as he is known in the Bible.
Paulo Coelho is a wonderful story teller from Brazil.He even writes in a wonderful love story with the widow he is told to go to by God.I used it for a Lenten small group and it is great for discussions, without being too "churchy" Great telling in a Historical-Fiction narrative of the trials and personal growth of a prophet of Israel. Easy reading but thought provoking novel about the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament (1Kings 17 &18).
This is the fourth book by this author that I've read and intend to read more. Paulo Coehlo is the teacher that I've been searching.
Despite the trials and tribulations, we must struggle onward to achieve our life's destiny. The publisher obliges by cleverly placing bullets throughout the text, allowing one to pause at appropriate moments for reflection. The writing of Paulo Coehelo inspires one to introspection. Although `The Fifth Mountain' could be digested quickly, I recommend a slower reading.
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