Monday, September 17, 2012

Aleph


Aleph

Author: Paulo Coelho
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewer: Lydia


            Paulo Coelho is arguably one of the twenty-first century’s most renowned authors. Writer of the critically acclaimed book, The Alchemist, Coelho’s most recent work is a departure from his normal style. This book is a memoir, making his writing as personal as if you were reading out of his diary.
            The book details Coelho’s crisis of faith, and his subsequent journey to find what he has lost. On a spur of the moment he decides to take a journey on the Trans-Siberian railway. While on this journey he meets the mysterious, aggressive, and very persistent Hilal, a beautiful woman who claims to have known Coelho in a past life. The book then describes the rest of their journey and what they learn about one another. My favorite character was Hilal, who at times fascinates and infuriates both the reader and Coelho.
            I have read many of Coelho’s books, and this was my favorite by far. I feel that Coelho went above and beyond his normally very simple writing. Most of all, I was surprised that this book was a memoir; proof that sometimes life’s events are more unreal than any found in a book. 

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