The Zahir cover art

The Zahir

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The Zahir

By: Paulo Coelho
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, Emilia Fox
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About this listen

It begins with a glimpse or a passing thought. It ends in obsession.

One day a renowned author discovers that his wife, a war correspondent, has disappeared leaving no trace. Though time brings more success and new love, he remains mystified – and increasingly fascinated – by her absence. Was she kidnapped, blackmailed, or simply bored with their marriage? The unrest she causes is as strong as the attraction she exerts.

His search for her – and for the truth of his own life – takes him from France to Spain, Croatia and, eventually, the bleakly beautiful landscape of Central Asia. More than that, it takes him from the safety of his world to a totally unknown path, searching for a new understanding of the nature of love and the power of destiny.

With The Zahir, Paulo Coelho demonstrates not just his powerful and captivating storytelling, but also his extraordinary insight into what it is to be a human being in a world full of possibility.

In Arabic Zahir means 'visible, present and unable to go unnoticed.' It refers to something or someone that ends up being the only thing we can think of. This state of 'possession' can be understood as saintliness or insanity, with a fine line between the two.

©2005 Paulo Coelho (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction Marriage Inspiring War

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Critic reviews

'Coelho's writing is beautifully poetic but his message is what counts… he gives me hope and puts a smile on my face.'
DAILY EXPRESS

'His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.'
THE TIMES

'One of the few to deserve the term "Publishing Phenomenon".'
THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
All stars
Most relevant  
This was just boring, it was too long, and I gave up half way but made myself finish it. it could have conveyed the same sentiments in half the time.

not a great story

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I am beginning to wonder if I am not a Paulo Coelho fan

This is the third book of his I have read, and yet again I have come away not impressed. His writing skill is excellent however I do not grasp the story lines sometimes, he wanders, or does not actually ever cover what I think he wants to say.

I am writing this review about two weeks after I finished the book and I really cannot say it stands out.

This story in my mind was not a story, there really was no plot

Not sure

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The story was repetitive, and somewhat boring not what I expected from the brief description I read before downloading it. The description made it sound more interesting than it turned out to be. There are a few profound and true statements, but not many that really captivates ones interest. Unlike the Alchemist which I listen to every now and then. Sorry this will not be on the list.

Disappointing

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audiobook didn't match to book! Very disappointed! Reader was skipping parts of the story.

Poor quality

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Very disappointed…. Can’t comment on storyline as gave up quite quickly as I had been looking forward to listing to Derek Jacobi’s narration. Incorrect description, should get a credit refund.

NOT Derek Jacobi !

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Claiming Sir Derek Jakobi and Emilia Fox narrate an audio book when they clearly do not play any part is pretty poor.

I hope other production details across audible are base on fact?!

Clearly *not* naratted by Emilia Fox!

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