Name: Aleph
ISBN: 9780007435531

Paulo Coelho

Another stunning novel by the author of The Alchemist.

Aleph

Em 'Aleph', Paulo Coelho procura retornar às origens em um relato pessoal. Neste livro, ele busca revelar como uma grave crise de fé o levou a sair à procura de um caminho de renovação e crescimento espiritual. Para se reaproximar de Deus, ele resolveu começar tudo de novo - viajar, experimentar, se reconectar às pessoas e ao mundo. Ao longo da viagem, Paulo vai, pouco a pouco, saindo do seu isolamento, se despindo do ego e do orgulho e se abrindo à amizade, ao amor, à fé e ao perdão, sem medo de enfrentar os desafios inerentes à vida.

O Aleph

Kritika Narula

When I picked up the book and set out to read it, I had really high expectations from it. One may call it a pre-conceived notion that I had from Paulo Coelho's earlier books, especially The Alchemist and The Winner Stands Alone. With these works of his, he qualifies as a master storyteller. The Alchemist is one of the greatest inspirations I have had till date. So, when I put my hands on the Aleph, it was in the anticipation of some life-changing, thought-provoking, mindset-altering plot. Just as it always happens, I expected that after reading yet another of Coelho's books, I shall cease to remain the person I was prior to reading it.


Okay, now to the actual reading part. A fleeting reading of the prologue itself gave me the idea that the novel has gravity in both its content and intent. It is only and only about a spiritual journey, self-discovery, recuperation of a ruptured/drained soul. 
But with as intriguing and arresting and engrossing a beginning as understated, I had obviously expected something different, something more rooted in contemporary social and economic problems. But this is not to say that the eventual storyline is below or above my expectations, it isn’t, it’s just different and in sharp contrast to my conjecture. Also, since it involved deep and thought-provoking spiritual elements, instead of reading it from crepuscule to dawn, I preferred to defer it for the mornings of the days, lest my eyelids falter and droop.
So, about the plot, the theme and the hovering concepts...
It is as much a story about spirituality as it is about love. Well, in his trademark fashion, Coelho touched upon subjects that are still debatable if not taboo. So there's the notion of being able to love two people at the same time, without hinting at betrayal of any sort. But considering the fact that this is Coelho’s autobiographical account, I must commend him for having the courage to reveal something so personal to the world.
Then the cherry on the cake are the pithy comments, sharp insights that dive into the oceans of wisdom, such as ,”Life is the train, not the station.”, “life without cause is a life without effect.”, “words are tears that have been written down, tears are words that need to be shed.”, “what cant be cured must be endured”

Also, a treat to the reader is a faint echo from his masterpiece The Alchemist. At one point, he mentions that god allows us to see such things when he wants something to change, a thought that found a unique significance in the former. Further there is a reference to the famed saying in an altered form “when you really want something the whole universe conspires in your favour.” even here he reads meaning into things, thereby lending them the status of omens. So when a clairvoyant declares that “the soul of Turkey will give your husband all the love she possesses, but she will spill his blood before she reveals what she is seeking.” he delays the journey, but undertakes it nevertheless. This is the most scrumptious part of the meal that Aleph is. And that brings us to the plot of the story. He feels that his spiritual progress has met with an insurmountable barrier. So he embarks on a journey as an author, which means he is into book signing sessions, conversations with his readers, et al. On this journey he meets Hilal, and that changes the equation of his life,Read more

mari

** spoiler alert **
           I have mixed feelings about this book — the theme is actually very interesting but I was a bit thrown off by some decisions and actions made by Paulo in this auto-biography. That is why I liked and disliked the book altogether. I had a hard time finishing it! But, nonetheless, I found Hilal very relatable in her way of thinking and expressing her feelings. Though, I hope she knows she deserves someone else than Paulo in her love life !

Décider. Changer. Se réinventer. Agir. Expérimenter. Réussir. Oser. Rêver. Gagner. Découvrir. Eloigner. S'engager. Penser. Croire. Grandir. Appartenir. S'éveiller. Nous avons parfois besoin de redonner un sens à notre vie, de lui rendre souffle et équilibre. Et si un livre en avait le pouvoir ? Et si, grâce à la magie des mots et d'une histoire, vous commenciez un nouveau chapitre de votre vie ? Aleph est ce livre. Aleph est un voyage qui pourrait bien changer votre existence.

Abigaël Chevillard 

Janet Doré

Years ago I went to a live taping of the Dr. Phil show. I never watched his show again. His behavior in front of a live audience was a massive turnoff. Reading Aleph was a similar experience for me. After reading a couple other Paulo Coelho books and countless quotes, it seemed reasonable to assume he was all about love and the humility that comes with authentic spirituality. The several mildly to moderately derogatory and/or egotistical statements that were peppered throughout Aleph reminded me of my Dr. Phil experience. While I very much connected and enjoyed The Alchemist, PC's other books have failed to live up to it. I never say never, but I think I'm done with PC. There are just too many other books in the sea.