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.