Review:Manuscript Found in Accra - Paulo Coelho

Manuscript found in accra is acollection of extraordinary insights about love,loss,change,luck miracles and so forth which can be passed on to generations.Two brothers found an urn full of papyruses in hamra dom Egypt. Later it was discovered that these were very valuable and ancient manuscripts which were not included in the New Testament. Most of it is now kept in the Coptic museum of Britain. Paulo Coelho came to knew about this from a collegue,and he get hold of another manuscript which contain the teachings of a person known as a Copt. He has transformed this into an interesting storyline which happens in ancient Jerusalem at the time of crusaders invasion. The mysterious and wise person called the copt counsels a group of person who have assembled. They are all anxious about the invasion of their town and have so many questions in their mind. Some worry about the days to come and some about the days they have wasted without love.

This work is not just a simple novel but a book of wisdom. The copt answers the questions of the people assembled and it is really amazing that at the end most of the unanswered questions we have are answered. The problems we face in day to day life, defeat ,fear, lack of confidence, resistance to change ,indecisiveness etc and about the things that we think are important like beauty, luck, elegance ,sex, love etc. The style of narration reminds us of Khalil Gibran’s “the prophet”.

The copts tells about defeat. “Only he who gives up is defeated. Everyone else is victorious.” “ The important thing is to get back on your feat.” He also talks about the positive side of solitude.” It is the moment when our soul is free to speak to us and help us decide what to do with our life.” The best advice that anyone can give is:”Live the life you always wanted to live. Avoid criticising others and concentrate on fulfilling your dreams. This may not seem very important to you, but God who sees all, knows that the example you give is helping Him to improve the world and each day He will bestow more blessings upon it.” His words have the power the rise the spirit of any depressed soul. He covers almost all human emotions, weaknesses and joys. Lastly he gives an important lesson in life, a warning. “The enemy is not the person standing before you sword in your hand. It is the person standing next to you with a dagger concealed behind his back”. Most of us fail to understand people. Most of the time, the one who betrays are those whom we believed are besides us all the time with a pleasing smile. He adds “never repay hatred with hatred but with justice. The last words are “ go in peace” and that’s what we all yearn for and I truly believe that after reading the book the quest for peace and a better life ends here . 

Review: The Winner Stands Alone-Paulo Coelho

The winner stands alone is the latest book written by Paulo Coelho, unlike his earlier work this novel is a psychological thriller which tries to portray the darker side of human mind. The plot revolves around the central character Igor Malev who is a Russian telecom giant .The other important characters are  Ewa, Igor’s Ex wife, her new husband the rich and successful fashion designer Hamid Husain, Gabrila an aspiring model, Jasmine, another young model and inspector Savoy who wish to prove himself by solving the murder mysteries at Cannes. The narrative style of this book is somewhat different from other serial killing stories, as the reader know who the culprit is. Igor Malev had promised his wife that he would destroy the world for her, to win her back. The motive for killing is to win back his lost love, but that is not at all justifiable. Sometimes it makes us wonder is it love or envy that’s making him do such heinous acts. He couldn’t understand why his wife left him, He is successful, handsome intelligent and loving. He had always given her freedom to pursue her dreams, yet she left him for a successful fashion designer. Igor goes to Cannes, where Ewa and Hamid has gone.Igor tries to send her messages, that he is capable of executing his promise.

 Igor’s character is insensitive and moronic except for a few instances when he doubts whether all these are worth and then a girl with dark eyebrows tells him that he is justifiable. Igor had faced so much suffering in his youth and his days as a soldier had made him tough and he doesn’t mind killing someone just because that person spoiled a fine evening with his beloved. He uses sophisticated weapons to kill unknown innocent people and there is no remorse or regret. He is polite and sophisticated and easily lures his victims to death.

In between, the writer tells us interesting stories which has got deeper philosophical meanings, like the story of the seagull and rat, the story of loya jirga tribal, king who rebuilds a new kingdom as he feels it’s always possible to start again. Another interesting part is the list of normal things that javits keeps, which make us, laugh and think at the same time.

Paulo tries to convey that the most normal person has secret desires and negative thoughts, most of them are buried deep inside us. Igor on the other hand believes what he is doing is for the sake of love. He even believes that he is freed a spirit from suffering, when he kills his first victim (sacrifice), the young Olivia.

This story also tells us about the behind the scene life of actors, models, aspiring models, and the film field, the haute couture, the cat walk, glamour and glitz. The so called super class, how people can compromise their morale, can subject themselves to any level of humiliation, to pursue their dreams, how meaningless is this rat race. As the name suggest, the winner always stands alone.

  For those who are ardent fans of Paulo Coelho’s philosophical, thought provoking work with inspiring words, this book will be a disappointment. And for those who like novelty, suspense and out of the box thinking, it is welcome change.