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Sep 12, 2011 K.D. Absolutely rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Jzhunagev

When already-famous novelists approach their twilight years, do you notice that some of them become strange? Last week, I read about Haruki Murakami (born 1949; now 62) trying to train himself as a triathlon participant at the age of 55 while writing his memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (2007). Currently, I am reading a book by John Steinbeck (1902-1968) who at the age of 59 toured along several states living in a trailer together with his poodle dog Charley and wrote his adven When already-famous novelists approach their twilight years, do you notice that some of them become strange? Last week, I read about Haruki Murakami (born 1949; now 62) trying to train himself as a triathlon participant at the age of 55 while writing his memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (2007). Currently, I am reading a book by John Steinbeck (1902-1968) who at the age of 59 toured along several states living in a trailer together with his poodle dog Charley and wrote his adventure in Travels With Charley: In Search of America (1962). Now, at the same age as Steinbeck's, 59-y/o, Paolo Coelho (born 1949) took at 3-week trans-Siberian train journey crossing the length of Russia in search of his missing Aleph. Aleph is the first letter of the Proto-Canaanite alphabet which seems to be full of mystery that Jorge Luis Borges and Paolo Coelho wrote inspirational novels out of this letter. I have not read the one of Borges but the way Coelho used this in this novel seems like it translates to something like "spiritual enlightenment/revelation."

Many of my friends love Paolo Coelho's books. I think the reason is that his books are thin, slim and easy to read. They can instantly perk up one's spirit because his words can be uplifting and his characters are ordinary mortal people so readers can easily see themselves in them. Readers need not spend days or weeks to read each of his book and they already get instant results: inspiration, happiness, sexual tickles (yes, there are sexual references in most of his books) and sometimes shed few tears just to clean ones lachrymal glands. So far, I've read four of his books and just like Murakami's works, the more I read, the more I find his works boring: The Alchemist (1988)- 3 stars; Veronika Decides to Die (1988)- 4 stars; The Devil and Miss Prym (2000)- 2 stars and The Pilgrimage (1987)- 1 star. I thought I would stop reading his books but last year, I read in the internet that Paolo Coelho was one of the first two (the other one being Josh Groban) artists who called his followers on Twitter to help the Filipinos at the height of the typhoon Ondoy in October 2010. So, as a form of gratitude, I promised myself that I would buy and read his next book as soon as it came out so I can entice my fellow Filipinos to do the same.

Aleph (English edition) or O Aleph (Brazillian/Turkish editions) is a cross between one of his earliest works The Pilgrimage and The Alchemist. Some say that this also reminds them of The Valkyries (1992) but I have not read it yet so I cannot comment on that. The story is about his 3-week train journey to fulfill his childhood dream of crossing the length of Russia via a train ride. He is accompanied by his publisher, editor, and translator who also a yogis. Then during the trip he meets a 21-y/o violinist lady that he falls in love with. They sleep together with his hand on her breast and there is a portion when she says I surrendered everything to you and I don't know how Coelho's wife in Brazil can accept her womanizing husband and letting the whole world know about it.

Literary critics became aware of Coelho as novelist in his The Pilgrimage and he became a global household name with his opus The Alchemist. Now that his last two novels, The Witch of Portobello (2006) and The Winner Stands Alone (2008), did not do well, I think he is trying to bring back his old glory by going to pilgrimage and writing a book in a similar manner. He may be quick in twitting the world to help people in need but I just don't buy his open womanizing and flaunting his behavior to the world. Worse, he tries to reason out through his usual "inspirational" beautifully-crafted sentences that the act is like a mystical union of their spirits to achieve a spiritual awakening. Sounds like real bullshit. A devil in a sheep's clothing…We don't need women as young as our daughters to prove that we are still virile and young. Let's stick with our wives and accept that we are old. After all, in old age, there is wisdom.

I am not a novelist, not famous in anyway but I hope I will not be like him when I grow really old.

And if, for whatever reason, it has to happen, maybe I will just do a Hemingway or a Brautigan.

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Aleph, Paulo Coelho

Aleph is a 2011 novel, by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. An autobiographical account of Coelho, it is his fourteenth major book, and touches on the theme of spirituality.

Aleph was written in Coelho's native language, Portuguese. The book tells the story of his own epiphany while on a pilgrimage through Asia in 2006 on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The title of the novel is based on Jorge Luis Borges short-story The Aleph, from 1945. (Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew

Aleph, Paulo Coelho

Aleph is a 2011 novel, by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. An autobiographical account of Coelho, it is his fourteenth major book, and touches on the theme of spirituality.

Aleph was written in Coelho's native language, Portuguese. The book tells the story of his own epiphany while on a pilgrimage through Asia in 2006 on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The title of the novel is based on Jorge Luis Borges short-story The Aleph, from 1945. (Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew and Arabic alphabet, with many mystical meanings). Coelho spent four years gathering information for the book and wrote it in three weeks.

تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز ششم ماه دسامبر سال 2012میلادی

عنوان: الف؛ نویسنده: پائولو کوئیلو؛ مترجم آرش حجازی؛ تهران، اینترنت، 1390؛ در 248ص؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان برزیلی - سده 21م

عنوان: الف؛ نویسنده: پائولو کوئیلو؛ مترجم: میترا شهابی؛ تهران، آموزش و سنجش، 1390؛ در 224ص؛

عنوان: الف؛ نویسنده: پائولو کوئیلو؛ مترجم: الهه علیخانی؛ تهران، نشر ثالث، 1396؛ در 310ص؛

شادی یکنفر بانی شادی برای همگان است. پائولو کوئیلو

اگر خواستید ترجمه جناب آقای «آرش حجازی» را بخوانید؛ پی.دی.اف کتاب در کتابناک هست؛

تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 14/12/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی

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With what intention did Paulo Coelho wrote this book. Any moral or source of inspiration and worst of all, any story if present in this book were probably beyond my grasp or there were none to be found. Why do I say no story?
In very general, a story has three parts - the beginning, the middle and the end. This book seemed to me just one of those three part and which one, I don't have the slightest idea! The Book
This is an autobiography and in the entire story the author travels on trans-Si With what intention did Paulo Coelho wrote this book. Any moral or source of inspiration and worst of all, any story if present in this book were probably beyond my grasp or there were none to be found. Why do I say no story?
In very general, a story has three parts - the beginning, the middle and the end. This book seemed to me just one of those three part and which one, I don't have the slightest idea! The Book
This is an autobiography and in the entire story the author travels on trans-Siberian railways to cross Russia. Throughout the book the author says and seems to be pursuit of something which turns out to be words of forgiveness and ultimately regain his lost kingdom... (It's confusing for me). Paulo just keep doing random things that make sense only to his high intellectual level.

I despise him and this book has made me even more repugnant towards him, because of nudity that were just forced after every 10 pages or so. What I knew was that he wrote inspirational books. He himself writes (Eleven minutes) about a person saying to Paulo, that his books make him dream. I wonder what kinds of dream that person might be having after reading Eleven minutes (although this book was different) and Aleph. These forced nudity (I speak of Aleph only) were cheap attempt of turning this tedious read into interesting book, yet he failed utterly.

Why did I read it?
I read this on a friend's recommendation, all the while he was speaking very highly of this book and in midst of this I heard about Golden ring exercise and this is what led me to read this book.

GOLDEN RING (LIGHT) EXERCISE
Performed just before going to sleep, while lying on the bed one has to imagine a ring of golden light moving from head to toe and back (with body at centre of ring). Keep repeating, each time increasing the speed of ring and thus fall asleep.

[NOTE: Author warns against the use of this exercise. It may lead to undesired consequence]
As for result, it ultimately leads one to dream. No ordinary dream, but what you see will be moments of your past lives.

I did the exercise, I fell asleep and I dreamed (of electric sheep, probably I was android).

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I moved this review to my blog

for the last 4 books and i'm giving Paolo Coelho chances to change my bad impression about him,,i think this was the last chance.. his books are either so good or so bad that i barely finished many of them. this book talks about his journey crossing Russia on train. the events are so slow and even nothing happens,, i was finishing chapter after chapter waiting to reach the crucial point of the story,,but nothing happened..i know nothing about other lives if they do exist or not,, but the way he for the last 4 books and i'm giving Paolo Coelho chances to change my bad impression about him,,i think this was the last chance.. his books are either so good or so bad that i barely finished many of them. this book talks about his journey crossing Russia on train. the events are so slow and even nothing happens,, i was finishing chapter after chapter waiting to reach the crucial point of the story,,but nothing happened..i know nothing about other lives if they do exist or not,, but the way he talks gives you the idea that they exist and everybody can go back and see his past incarnations... you can find some great sentences as usual but no useful conversations,, the characters changing a lot, sometimes they look so wise and others so stupid,, even Paolo's character was so selfish for me.. ...more

Mar 30, 2013 Tor Jensen rated it did not like it

This book was deeply disappointing and left me feeling very uneasy about the author.

It it the first book I've read by Coelho, and I my expectations were high. The premise was interesting - a sense of spiritual dissatisfaction propelling the author to undertake a series of journeys to unexplored places, meeting his readers. Unfortunately, there were no deep spiritual insights on display, only yet another banal late middle-age crisis involving a young woman.

The book centers around Coelho's journe

This book was deeply disappointing and left me feeling very uneasy about the author.

The book centers around Coelho's journey to Russia where he meets Hilal - a young, beautiful Russian woman, who believes she has a very strong spiritual connection with him, is clearly infatuated with him and is also a great fan of his work.

Coelho explains how Hilal more or less forces herself into his inner traveling circle, describing her as a bit unstable and pitiful. This is a very convenient description, given that a week or so he later finds himself sleeping with her while traveling through Siberia by train - I guess she "forced" herself upon him.

Throughout the book he belittles his nymphette traveling companion by ignoring her, brashly dismissing her attempts at initiating spiritual rituals (apparently this is something only Coelho or shamans can do), almost leaving her destitute at the end of the journey, and then making a point of telling us that a) she flies in economy back to Moscow while he flies in first, b) he has only had email contact with her once since the journey ended. All the while, he claims that he viciously betrayed her 500 years ago, leaving her to be tortured and burned as a witch. He clearly has learned very little during the past 500 years, because his public humiliation of her throughout the book is really just another form of betrayal. Coelho does seems to have quite enjoyed her sleeping naked with him on the trans-siberian express and playing violin naked for him as well. To me it came across another middle-aged sex-tourist in Russia justifying his licentious and arrogant behaviour with a very thin past-life cover story.

I wish I could just return this book and forget about ever having read it. Apparently there are a couple of other women from past lives Coelho has yet to meet - I wouldn't be surprised if one of these is equally young and beautiful and lives in Thailand, or perhaps Cambodia....

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- I regret that I invested time in reading Coelho´s "Aleph".
There are some books written by Coelho that I like, and with Borges in mind the title Aleph appealed to me.
With his opening prayer Coelho send nod of assent to the Argentinian genius Borges short story 'Aleph'.
In Borges' story, the Aleph is a point in space that contains all other points. Anyone who gazes into it can see everything in the universe from every angle simultaneously, without distortion, overlapping or confusion.
But Borges - I regret that I invested time in reading Coelho´s "Aleph".
There are some books written by Coelho that I like, and with Borges in mind the title Aleph appealed to me.
With his opening prayer Coelho send nod of assent to the Argentinian genius Borges short story 'Aleph'.
In Borges' story, the Aleph is a point in space that contains all other points. Anyone who gazes into it can see everything in the universe from every angle simultaneously, without distortion, overlapping or confusion.
But Borges "Aleph" is a masterpiece in its own unique way and can not be compared with Coelho's "Aleph".
What is "Aleph" for Coelho?
- for my part Coelho´s "Aleph" is a space for a 59-year-old man in a midtlife crisis who lives with his alter ego and in the most ingenious way is seeking confirmation while he exploits and manipulates a vulnerable and confused woman with an excuse of that he need forgiveness.
And who do Coelho's alter ego visit for recognition in the end of "Aleph"? - Vladimir Putin.
Perhaps this book is more about a "God Complex" instead of a bridge to knowledge. ...more

I believe the only one who actually benefited from this book is Paulo and the publisher. It is sort of a marketing for himself and his books. I just really hate it when people do feel they are that much great to write about themselves in such way. A real disturbing, time waster exaggerated epic. Although characters are based upon real ones, they were dull and contributing in a negative way to the whole story plot.

Another thing is the idea of the Aleph or qi or whatever metaphysical belief is to
I believe the only one who actually benefited from this book is Paulo and the publisher. It is sort of a marketing for himself and his books. I just really hate it when people do feel they are that much great to write about themselves in such way. A real disturbing, time waster exaggerated epic. Although characters are based upon real ones, they were dull and contributing in a negative way to the whole story plot.

Another thing is the idea of the Aleph or qi or whatever metaphysical belief is to me such a total insanity. I hate it when the writer speaks about an abstract with no basis in reality with great confidence. I just feel that he/she is such a deceitful.

I must will reconsider next time reading for Coelho. I really am regretting buying this novel in the first place!
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I would sum up this book in two words; "delectable revelation" of Paulo's creativity returning on the shelves once more; it is the perfect example why this man is adored and continues to inspire many across the globe touching all ethnicities.

It was far from predictable as read in "Winner Stands Alone" and better than his other autobiography-expeditions; written in the past, such as "The Valkyries"

A Journey from A to B is one thing! But a journey made by Paulo is another experience; as it will be

It was far from predictable as read in "Winner Stands Alone" and better than his other autobiography-expeditions; written in the past, such as "The Valkyries"

A Journey from A to B is one thing! But a journey made by Paulo is another experience; as it will be short from dreary. The exhilaration originates at the beginning when the 'Clairvoyant' says "the soul of turkey will give your husband all the love she possesses, but will spill his blood before she reveals what it is she is seeking". With this notion in mind the reader only anticipates drama/despair/conflicts to rupture as the journey progresses; but how these events are determined or transpire and unfolded is the cause for this exhilaration.

All the characters where strong in their own way, just like "Winner Stands Alone" this element of diverse characteristics made the read more exceptional. None of them over powered the other; as their characteristics clashed in a balanced form. Yao being the dark horse, Hilal as the pretentious naive adolescent woman who brings spark into the book and Paulo himself; acting out the norm in order to discover himself again. This compelled him to act on his impulsive, cheeky, loud, mischievous side; as clearly demonstrated with his poor agent Monica and many other scenes throughout the book. Even how the words were projected in the book echoed this humorous sides i.e) "I'm naked" - this made me eyes leave its socket only to further read on the other side - "apart from my underpants" - its these little cheeky parts that gave me the giggles.

On the other hand Paulo didn't seem as brave and courageous in comparison to his other books where he takes more charge And comes out victorious/triumphant. He seemed very vulnerable in this book (not like "The Warrior of Light"). Furthermore I wish the historical panorama were written in a different style just how it was done in "Eleven Minutes" when Maria writes in her diary. This would have helped differentiate the present from the past. Nevertheless all the Past Scenes were the most intense, visual, emotional and staggering parts of the book just as well written in "Brida". Which I thoroughly enjoyed.

All in all, this book brought a delightful smile to my face from start to end. As it had a lot of stops! rest the book on your chest and think moments, just as the "The Alchemist" made me feel. It had all the dosages of what any good book should deliver! multiple emotions; I felt overwhelming joy, immense sadness, excitement, laughs and drawn in by intense scenes, like the "Ad extirpanda" which was well described and gave a projection.

Thank you once again Mr Coelho for your inspiring words

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How This Resonates With Me (with quotes from Aleph):

1. Just when you think you have things figured out, the universe challenges you (again).

"I have learned and unlearned how to live hundreds of times…I go through a period of euphoria, which gradually dissipates."
My journey through Europe has seen a lot of ups and downs. There are times I feel like I understand life, the world, and myself. I'm on top of the world and everything seems to fall into place. And then the universe seems to wave its fin

How This Resonates With Me (with quotes from Aleph):

1. Just when you think you have things figured out, the universe challenges you (again).

"But then my universe doesn't really help, it keeps expanding and won't allow me to know it entirely"
I guess that's what makes life interesting. If we understood it entirely, would there be a reason to continue?

2. Embrace the present moment. It's all we have.

"It's what you do in the present that will redeem the past and thereby change the future."
There are things in life we regret. Maybe it's our career choice, a past relationship, or even how we greeted (or didn't greet) a stranger ten minutes ago. But there's no use in dwelling on the past. Instead, embrace every new moment as an opportunity to be the person you want to be. Remembering this philosophy gives me peace of mind.

While traveling, sometimes I don't like the way I approach certain situations. Maybe I didn't engage someone in the best way. Or I found myself lost in my mind instead of enjoying the sights around me. Or maybe I defaulted straight to English instead of showing respect and trying to make friends by practicing Croatian. Remembering that I can change my future using the present moment is empowering. And so instead of dwelling on past mistakes, I'll just ask the next Croatian I talk to: "Da li pričati Engleski?" (Do you speak English?)

3. Traveling and embarking on a pilgrimage is a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation.

"After weeks on the road, listening to a language you don't understand, using a currency whose value you don't comprehend, walking down streets you've never walked down before, you discover that your old "I," along with everything you ever learned, is absolutely no use at all in the face of those new challenges, and you begin to realize that buried deep in your unconscious mind there is someone much more interesting and adventurous and more open to the world and to new experiences."
In my mind, this is the most important lesson in book. I plan to write an entire post on the concept of a pilgrimage, so I'll more deeply articulate my thoughts there.

The act of a pilgrimage for transformation and self-discovery is as old as humanity. I see my current journey through Europe as a kind of pilgrimage. Back in January, I realized the need to shake myself up, get out of my routine, and get back in touch with myself. There are other ways to accomplish this, but for me, traveling was the answer.

"To live is to experience things, not sit around pondering the meaning of life."

4. But when travel itself becomes a routine, it loses it's power of transformation.

"Well, the truth is, I've always traveled like a mad thing, ever since I was young. Recently, though, I seem to be spending my life in airports and hotels, and any sense of adventure has rapidly given way to profound tedium."
I love how traveling makes me come alive, but it loses it's power when it becomes routine. This is how I felt about traveling for three years straight as a consultant. Travel became a commute, not an opportunity to discover the world.

At times on my current journey, I've settled into periods of routine. When I notice travel ceasing to be exciting and transformative, it means it's time to try something new and shake up my routine. That could mean finding a travel partner (or ditching a travel partner), spending time in the country (or spending more time in a city), or taking time for solitude (or forcing myself to be more social).

5. Take advantage of dissatisfaction, frustration, and tragedy: they bring about necessary change.

"When a sense of dissatisfaction persists, that means it was placed there by God for one reason only: you need to change everything and move forward."
Feelings like dissatisfaction and frustration get a bad wrap. Instead of letting them get you down, maybe it's better to use them to bring about a needed change.

The same goes for tragedy. When my friend Shannon passed unexpectedly in January, I used that as a sign for me to start living more intentionally. I no longer wanted to be a passive participant in my life. The next week I resolved to do something I always dreamt of: travel and live in Europe for an extended period of time on my own terms. Tragedy is the reason I'm here today.

"Only two things can reveal life's great secrets: suffering and love."

6. There are consequences to not following your dreams and listening to your heart.

"They say that in the second before our death, each of us understands the real reason for our existence, and out of that moment, Heaven or Hell is born. Hell is when we look back during that fraction of a second and know that we wasted an opportunity to dignify the miracle of life. Paradise is being able to say at that moment: 'I made some mistakes, but I wasn't a coward. I lived my life and did what I had to do.'"
This is just a great reminder why we need to listen to our hearts and follow our intuition. Let's avoid the regret of living a life that isn't true to ourselves.

"We will always need to be humble enough to accept that our hearts know why we are here."

7. Sow seeds for the future — a future where you personally may not reap the rewards.

"I'm reminded of Giordano Bruno. He was respected by the Church as a learned man but was burned alive in the center of Rome itself...The murderers vanished from the map, but Giordano Bruno continues to influence the world with his ideas. His courage was rewarded. After all, a life without a cause is a life without effect."
While I was in Krakow, Poland's Wawel Cathedral, I saw a 1630 mausoleum of St. Stanislav, the 11th-century bishop murdered by King Boleslav II. A couple hundred years after St. Stanislav was martyred, he was canonized a saint. I stood in front of the mausoleum and contemplated this for a while.

I'm not exactly sure what St. Stanislav did to get on the King's bad side. But here's a man who acted as he felt compelled to act, which eventually led to his death. Little was his worldly flesh & bone self aware that one day he would become a saint and be remembered throughout the remainder of written history.

I'm not saying we need to become martyrs. But I am suggesting that maybe we need to think about our actions in terms of the long-term impact — sometimes so long-term that we ourselves will never reap the seeds we sow. Our children, grandchildren, and humanity as a whole may be the ones to benefit from our actions. I can't help believe that following your heart ensures you're doing what you're meant to do on this earth, for the greater good of humanity.

"We simply have to trust and follow the signs and live our Personal Legend; sooner or later, we will realize that we are all part of something, even if we can't understand rationally what that something is."

8. Life is a journey for the right people.

"People meet when they need to meet."
Every day, I meet people of all walks of life. Locals, travelers, beggars, and all-of-the-above. When I feel like I'm listening to my intuition and following the right path, I find myself in the presence of someone I felt destined to meet. They either give me an answer I was looking for, provide an ounce of inspiration, or even hand me a Euro when I'm short.

This lesson goes far beyond this current journey. Opportunities presented to us always come in the form of people. That's why we need to embrace chance encounters and always try to understand why certain people happen to come into our lives. I believe having an open mind and an open heart helps us understand.

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This was a wonderful and amazing book. Without realizing it the author took me on journey of self-discovery that opened my eyes to the newness of the world. I feel that this book is on par with the Alchemist. In its own unique way it continues the story. I read the Alchemist just after graduating from college. I was new to adult independent living and looking to command the world. I discover Mr. Coelho's book the Alchemist and learn of spiritual transformations and growth. Now I am in my late 30 This was a wonderful and amazing book. Without realizing it the author took me on journey of self-discovery that opened my eyes to the newness of the world. I feel that this book is on par with the Alchemist. In its own unique way it continues the story. I read the Alchemist just after graduating from college. I was new to adult independent living and looking to command the world. I discover Mr. Coelho's book the Alchemist and learn of spiritual transformations and growth. Now I am in my late 30's and realize that I still make mistakes and have flaws that require forgiveness daily. Along comes a book that takes me on a new journey where forgiveness is the doorway to a renewed spirit and a fresh outlook on life. The story never ends I'm am reborn yet again thanks to Paulo Coelho. Thank you for this gift it will forever change my life.

If you read just one book in your life, read the Alchemist. If you read two books make the next one Aleph.

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Extraordinary book! Full of wisdom. It changed my view on many things regarding life and love!

I would've liked this book a lot better had it been a novel. Although I believe in spiritual journeys, I'm neither comfortable nor convinced about entering a "past life" to detect and remedy a fix for the present life.
Hilal is such a bizarre character, and frankly, it's what makes her interesting. She's emotionally immature and insecure--perhaps quite normal for a 21-yr old, but she's also aggressive, insensitive, rude, and refuses to accept no for an answer. In a strange way though, I admire he I would've liked this book a lot better had it been a novel. Although I believe in spiritual journeys, I'm neither comfortable nor convinced about entering a "past life" to detect and remedy a fix for the present life.
Hilal is such a bizarre character, and frankly, it's what makes her interesting. She's emotionally immature and insecure--perhaps quite normal for a 21-yr old, but she's also aggressive, insensitive, rude, and refuses to accept no for an answer. In a strange way though, I admire her ability to defy people and circumstances to pursue her goals (obsessions?).
Paulo is downright honest about his thoughts, feelings, and fantasies throughout the journey, and elucidates them in a flow of words that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The train makes an ideal setting for his life-transforming journey and serves as a perfect metaphor for life's journey.
I know from my own personal journey of self-discovery that when the right people gather in the right place at the right time, the combined energies can set the stage for spiritual growth and renewal.
On a side note, in Dec 2011 I rocked and rollicked across Australia on the Indian Pacific w/ author Steven Lewis. In Jan 2012 I shuddered across Russia on the Trans Siberian w/ Paulo Coelho. I'm all stirred up about the rickety possibilities February might bring -- Palace on Wheels??
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Oct 20, 2018 David rated it did not like it

Paulo Coelho (Brazilian) is no Jorge Luis Borges (Argentinian). Perhaps he thinks he is, but there is no comparison, not that anyone cares; but why name your book the same as Borges' brilliant short story. Even if you were anywhere as good as Borges, you wouldn't dare attempt such a thing--just out of respect for a genius who is clearly ahead of your own pretentious capabilities. ("...soft breasts with hard nipples"...Really?)

I cannot stomach non-mystical mystical nonsense just to include the no

I cannot stomach non-mystical mystical nonsense just to include the notion of fake mysticism. Okay, in the book Aleph there's a girl (a Nabokovian type), and there's a guru side-kick--a cross between Pancho ("Oh, Cisco...") and the wise, inscrutable oriental with a clutch of unkempt chin whiskers, only wise because westerners can't do anything else with Orientals if they can't figure them out, therefore 'inscrutable'.

I hated this book so much, as you can tell, that I raced through it nauseated the whole time, because I am probably anally retentive and must complete a book I start whether good or bad.

It involves, you guessed it, a "journey", in this case a long, boring train journey across Russia--the most boring of places. (No, I've never been, because I avoid boring places.) The idea itself could only appeal to a writer that probably has samba and rumba coursing through every nuance of calculated expression with a single voodoo drum and the miasmic aroma of a disgusting soup trying to scare the hell out of callow readers.

I'm sorry, but I hated this book, as I've said, having always despised phony "cool", "hip" or "with-it" sentimentality. If you are a realist, don't waste your time with this book. Rather, re-read the adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza or Tortilla Flat or just watch the old TV series "The Cisco Kid" with the title character and Pancho, and for Coelho's mystical bit-- Cisco and Pancho's horses Diablo and Loco.

And one more thing: the samba and the rumba cannot compare to the tango.

(Also, is that an estupido tattoo on Coelho's left arm in the Goodreads.com photo?)

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Dec 19, 2011 Suby rated it it was amazing

This is the second book by the author I have had an opportunity to read. The first was 'The Alchemist' which I would like to read a second time.
The author while being a Portuguese speaking person from Brazil has been able to digest the Hindu principles of re-incarnations and principles of multi-universes, has also managed to bring to life the spiritual principles guiding these phenomena which our scientists can't or won't analyse!
The trance Siberian journey of over 9000 Kms is supposed to be a p This is the second book by the author I have had an opportunity to read. The first was 'The Alchemist' which I would like to read a second time.
The author while being a Portuguese speaking person from Brazil has been able to digest the Hindu principles of re-incarnations and principles of multi-universes, has also managed to bring to life the spiritual principles guiding these phenomena which our scientists can't or won't analyse!
The trance Siberian journey of over 9000 Kms is supposed to be a pilgrimage, it also shows the author, with the help of a lost love of 500 years vintage, what he actually is today. It helps him and his love of old times come alive without compromising his marriage in the present incarnation!
The book is very impressive, particularly to those who have a penchant for outlandish theories of life, transmutation and trans-migration of soul from one body to the next.
As a born Hindu, it is easy for me to understand the story. But considering that the book is a world-wide best seller, I must think these ideas are not so very far fetched even to those who have been brought up under the strict edicts of catholic Christianity.
All I can do is to congratulate the author! He has done remarkable research or he has personally experienced the Aleph which we Hindus call Sannithi in Sanskrit.
This book while not as mind boggling as 'The Alchemist' is still an entirely new sphere of life and death which the author manages to explore and bring to life!
My salutes to Paulo Coelho. He has indeed done a most commendable work with this book.
This book too could be added to his list of modern classics!
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Dec 16, 2011 Kimmy rated it it was ok

I was pretty excited to read this book, especially because I have enjoyed Coelho's previous works. I have been debating between 2 and 3 stars and I guess will say 2 1/2. I felt at times this story fell flat. While I understand that this is how Coelho wants to tell part of his own story, I felt that the character comes off arrogant and at times condescending. I do not believe in reincarnation or the spiritual practices of the characters, but I know Coelho's writings and know the type of spiritual I was pretty excited to read this book, especially because I have enjoyed Coelho's previous works. I have been debating between 2 and 3 stars and I guess will say 2 1/2. I felt at times this story fell flat. While I understand that this is how Coelho wants to tell part of his own story, I felt that the character comes off arrogant and at times condescending. I do not believe in reincarnation or the spiritual practices of the characters, but I know Coelho's writings and know the type of spiritual elements he brings into them. That being said, I felt that he started mixing many beliefs, and that the main character even though feeling like he has lost his reign over his "kingdom" comes across like he is more spiritually mature than everyone he meets. There were no strong images in this book, and the story itself was only so-so. I loved the Alchemist for the fact that is painted such beautiful pictures and images, but this book did not do that for me. Granted, I read the English version, and perhaps somethings may have been lost in translation, but I was a bit disappointed in the end. I had been waiting for more, and more never really came. ...more

Aug 23, 2012 Andrea rated it it was amazing

First of all I have to point out that this is indeed a very difficult book to read if you are not familiarized with many of the concepts written there. I found myself lost after reading some passages that didn't make sense at all, but after some struggle I finally could understand what Paulo was trying to convey. This book is obviously directed to anyone who is interested in Coelho's books. If you suddenly begin to think that this book was horrible and/or it was a waste of time, think twice, for First of all I have to point out that this is indeed a very difficult book to read if you are not familiarized with many of the concepts written there. I found myself lost after reading some passages that didn't make sense at all, but after some struggle I finally could understand what Paulo was trying to convey. This book is obviously directed to anyone who is interested in Coelho's books. If you suddenly begin to think that this book was horrible and/or it was a waste of time, think twice, for it is a deep book filled with complex feelings and exotic spirituality.
I personally found it refreshing and I read this book in a moment I needed inspiration and hope. I experienced something extremely strange while reading this book, and I have to say that I believe it was destiny who brought it to me.
It was a great book and I was not disappointed at all. It is true I found it a little difficult to understand sometimes, but it was due to my inexperience in some areas of knowledge, not the bad composition of the book. I thoroughly recommend it, and I hope everyone likes it as much as I did. ...more

After finishing this book i've realized that Paulo Coelho is a lunatic! I'd hv loved this book if it was a fiction, an unreal story! But claiming the incidents to be real in this book would be considered pure madness!

It's about Paulo meeting women in past life (a life that doesn't exist in reality) & in real life! one of them is called Hilal, he meets her in Russia, she's one of these women he encountered in his past lives, she's the 5th one! The Aleph brings them together to discover themselves in a spiritual journey! The Aleph is supposed to be a point where 2 or more people become connected with some kind of power & travel to their past lives! See the dead & the living! People they hvn't met or will meet later on!

Hilal was the girl he loved 500 years ago but he couldn't save her for being a coward! & in this real life he asks for her forgiveness for what he has done!

It's pure madness! i wish he'd told us this was a story from his imagination! i'd given it more than 5 stars but claiming it's real, i'd say Paulo has lost his mind!

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This book came to me by mistake one day. I got through a fair bit of it, but did not feel inspired in anyway and the writing style was irritating. DNF.

From the start of the book, I was, and still am, somewhat confused as to why this latest novel from Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist, is listed as fiction. Within the library's cataloging system, it is given the genre designation of fantasy and allegory, but all the references that I can find describe it as the actual story of Paulo's experiences during a crisis of faith he suffered in 2006. Perhaps it all comes down to one's belief system, but I prefer to consider it a memoir. Regardless, From the start of the book, I was, and still am, somewhat confused as to why this latest novel from Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist, is listed as fiction. Within the library's cataloging system, it is given the genre designation of fantasy and allegory, but all the references that I can find describe it as the actual story of Paulo's experiences during a crisis of faith he suffered in 2006. Perhaps it all comes down to one's belief system, but I prefer to consider it a memoir. Regardless, Aleph is a compelling tale of one man's search for understanding and forgiveness.

As stated, the story begins with Paulo at an impasse, frustrated with his inability to progress in his spiritual evolution. Though initially resistant to his spiritual advisor's advice to travel, he finds himself embarking on a worldwide tour, culminating with a trip across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. For this journey, he is teamed with Yao, an elderly Chinese man acting as his translator. Yao and Paulo are both seeking divine answers and serve to aid, push and test each other along the way. The rest of the entourage is only referred to by position, "the editor" or "my publisher", as if naming them would distract from the major players in the piece.

The focus of the book, however, is his relationship with Hilal, a young, extremely gifted violin student who insists that she must stay with him, that she is an integral part of his search for peace, as he is for hers. They initially meet in Moscow at the beginning of his railway trip, where she manages to secure a seat on his train, and eventually in the group's compartment. In the Aleph, the existence that is simultaneously the past, present and future, Paulo and the reader learn of the experience that he and Hilal shared in the past and why his actions then have brought him so much unhappiness in subsequent lifetimes.

While Paulo seems to reach resolution, I am left wondering if Hilal feels the same. Could the revelation of a traumatic earlier lifetime open more wounds than it heals? Although we are left with the impression that she does, she is so much younger than he and doesn't seem as far along her spiritual path. I can only hope that they both found some measure of the serenity that they seek. I would recommend this book to, of course, fans of Coelho's work and those who are interested in reincarnation and the influence of past lives on the present. But others who are in the midst of their own crisis of faith may also discover help and insights into their own personal search.

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At first I found the book confusing and complicated and then as I read through I started to understand the authors intention and found the novel interesting. The lead character Paulo who coincidently is the author, embarks on a journey throughout Russia. Paulo is stuck in his life and seeks spiritual enlightenment in order to be "king of his kingdom".

I found the book very interesting because it spoke about reincarnation and past lives, which is contrary to the beliefs of Islam. I defiantly recom

I found the book very interesting because it spoke about reincarnation and past lives, which is contrary to the beliefs of Islam. I defiantly recommend this book because it gives you an insight into the beliefs and spiritual journey's of other people.

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Oct 04, 2011 Lori Cox rated it did not like it

While I am guilty of enjoying inspirational books, I had to put this one down half way through the slim volume. Coelho, turning 60, is full of self-absorbed musings and ennui. He decides to take a train trip across Russia, dragging his editor, publisher and other assorted hanger-ons, to find the spark that is missing in his life. Evidently, a 21 one year old female provides some of that spark, but it is ok since they shared previous lives together. (Wonder if his wife is ok with that) I liked th While I am guilty of enjoying inspirational books, I had to put this one down half way through the slim volume. Coelho, turning 60, is full of self-absorbed musings and ennui. He decides to take a train trip across Russia, dragging his editor, publisher and other assorted hanger-ons, to find the spark that is missing in his life. Evidently, a 21 one year old female provides some of that spark, but it is ok since they shared previous lives together. (Wonder if his wife is ok with that) I liked the Alchemist but I am done with this author for now. ...more

"It is possible to avoid pain? Yes, but you'll never learn anything. Is it possible to know something without ever having experiencing it? Yes, but it will never truly be part of you."
"It is possible to avoid pain? Yes, but you'll never learn anything. Is it possible to know something without ever having experiencing it? Yes, but it will never truly be part of you." ...more

I wanted to love this book because of the premise. A man goes on a personal journey and meets a woman from a past life. Together they explore their ancient connection and hopefully come to some conclusion.

That's how it's supposed to go. However, the premise is never fully developed and the story turns into a coming-of-middle-age fantasy for the protagonist, who is coincidentally named Paulo. There were a few flaws in the plot from my view - the author took lots of time repeating to us what the Aleph is, so much so that the explanation shows up yet again three-fourths of the way through the story. At one point, I said out loud, "Okay, we GET it."

Also, not much time is spent in the Aleph, which is the point in time that has no beginning, no end - sort of a portal into past lives. While the characters do discover what their connections are, it seemed secondary to the third reason why the book didn't work for me. The protagonist is 59 years old. He spends a great deal of time fending off the advances of a 21-year-old woman, so much so that I felt the story was more of a validation of his sex appeal than a story of redemption. Even in this sexually charged scenario, I got the sense he was looking at this Turkish woman through the lens of a Brazilian woman. Her actions are very much that of someone from a Latin culture, not a Middle Eastern culture. It did not ring true to her character.

Parts of the story were quite good in the philosophical sense. Coelho does that very well, in my opinion. But there were even more parts that felt like filler. I got the sense there were a lot of words in there to satisfy a publisher's word-count requirement. These are the parts I skimmed over - those parts and the love-crazed scenes where this young woman is suicidal because he won't leave his wife.

I wish he'd stuck more to the premise and had developed it more fully.

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I listened to an interview with Paulo Coelho and it elucidated that this is an autobiographical journey into the mystery of his past lives, as he travels the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Like his fiction, Coelho's new book offers so much wisdom, not by telling others how to find the answers, but in retelling how he finds his answers about life purpose and our place in the cosmos. I greatly enjoyed Coelho's magical experience as he lets the universe guide him on his journey, presenting Hilal, a young I listened to an interview with Paulo Coelho and it elucidated that this is an autobiographical journey into the mystery of his past lives, as he travels the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Like his fiction, Coelho's new book offers so much wisdom, not by telling others how to find the answers, but in retelling how he finds his answers about life purpose and our place in the cosmos. I greatly enjoyed Coelho's magical experience as he lets the universe guide him on his journey, presenting Hilal, a young woman with whom he shares a past life. Going through the "Aleph" or "the point at which everything is in the same place at the same time" with Hilal, enables him to solve a mystery that continued to haunt him in his present life. In the end, the healing power of love, my favorite subject, saves all. As I write my new book which contains a similar theme including past lives, Aleph has been a great source of inspiration to me, as I believe it will be to everyone who reads it.
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries
www.TheChakras.org ...more

It takes you on a journey with the author. Like his other works, it's all about following the language/signs of life and the symbolism presented to us on our path of personal discovery and growth etc. However, unlike his other works this is more personal and less abstract. It shows a human side to the man. We see his failures and flaws as well as his greatness. It's very personal, kind of like having a talk with the man himself and being on the journey with him. Which is quite unlike most of his It takes you on a journey with the author. Like his other works, it's all about following the language/signs of life and the symbolism presented to us on our path of personal discovery and growth etc. However, unlike his other works this is more personal and less abstract. It shows a human side to the man. We see his failures and flaws as well as his greatness. It's very personal, kind of like having a talk with the man himself and being on the journey with him. Which is quite unlike most of his other works. It is very thought provoking and entertaining. I loved it. ...more

You're probably asking yourself, or asking me rather, dear good reader - "Ahmed, you just came out of a one year stump because of this guy! What on this Green Earth are you doing?!" Well, rest easy my dear friends, relax. It is okay. It truly is. Everything will be alright.

There are many factors as to why Paulo Coelho's 'Aleph' was picked up. First and foremost it was the beautiful premise. I too, at the time, was struggling with a shake in my faith (spoiler alert: this book didn't help) and was on in the beginning of a journey of self discovery. Other very sound factors, although embarrassing ones such as a beautiful cover or feeling the need to read all of his published works, finally led me to pick up this novel.

It is safe to say that for the most part, 'Aleph' did definitely have a lasting impression on me, albeit not for the expected reasons. While 'Aleph' was supposed to renew my faith in... faith and in spirituality, it failed miserably on this particular front. It did succeed in others though.

I fell absolutely in love with the idea of the book, traversing through continents and countries through the Trans-Siberian railroad and would spark a renewal of my love of travelling, ultimately travelling to one of the cities mentioned in the book (Yekaterinburg, Russia).

Alas, that is the only take from this novel. By then I had had it up till here with Paulo's unnecessary mysticism, self-admiration and pretentiousness. There was a quota, and the quota had been filled to the brim. In fact, it would be three full years before I picked up anything penned by the mystic.

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Oct 23, 2011 Naj rated it liked it

Coelho takes you along with him on a spiritual journey of self-discovery. He writes about his sojourn across Russia and meeting a Turkish girl called Hilal who helps him discover where he is now, where he was in the past and where hes going in the future. Together they discover their destiny through the Aleph.

Paulo wrote Aleph in a very personal level. It deeply challenges one to stop and think about life and every inch of its complexity. This is a fresh read out of my usual Paranormal genre. F

Paulo wrote Aleph in a very personal level. It deeply challenges one to stop and think about life and every inch of its complexity. This is a fresh read out of my usual Paranormal genre. Finally, something that'll inspire me a lot more than usual. Paulo writes wonderful inspirational passages at the turn of every page. Though the book lacked any type of plot and may seem bumpy and very all over the place. Its revelations, creativity and inspirational content is the only thing that is holding this book together. It really makes you reconsider everything you do in life and your obstacles.

Paulo Coelho has and always have been able to create inspirational work that will hit you straight in the heart. This may be for some readers and not for others. I'll stay right in between this one. It was good but not that good. 3.5/5 stars

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May 24, 2013 Maria rated it it was ok

Spoiler Alert: Touted as autobiographical, the first 1/4 of the book is a conversation about spirituality between Coelho and his mentor (who seems to live in the past and whom Coelho connects with on some astral plain)... All this to determine that he is dissatisfied, bored, and seeking more from his predictable life.

Coelho then switches to the fantastical when claiming he has met a past love (as in a reincarnated self meeting his true love from 500 years ago who is also reincarnated). She just

Coelho then switches to the fantastical when claiming he has met a past love (as in a reincarnated self meeting his true love from 500 years ago who is also reincarnated). She just happens to be a 21 year old, while he is reaching retirement age. While his wife waits for him to complete a Russian book tour, he hooks up with his past-life "true love" to seek redemption for not having saved her during the Spanish Inquisition. Not much wisdom going on here to see how an older man going through a midlife crisis justifies his infatuation with a young fan as a spiritual experience.

I wish I hadn't read this; I feel somewhat icky about his other books now. Some of the magic is tainted.

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I really had a hard time getting through this book.It is not that it is too hard or philosophical, for most of coelho's books are easy to read and comprehend, but this one was a dull repetitive long novel, with too many cliches shoved in the dialogue and between sentences where they don't relate to the ongoing events.

He was on a journey of self-dicovering through travelling and experimenting new surroundings and people, trying to reach his limits after being trapped in routine, which builds up i

He was on a journey of self-dicovering through travelling and experimenting new surroundings and people, trying to reach his limits after being trapped in routine, which builds up inside him a huge sense of dissatisfacion. This self-indulging spiritual quest didn't lure us into the events, while the concept of reincarnation was so stretched out.

In one word: disappointing

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The Brazilian author PAULO COELHO was born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Before dedicating his life completely to literature, he worked as theatre director and actor, lyricist and journalist. In 1986, PAULO COELHO did the pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostella, an experience later to be documented in his book The Pilgrimage. In the following year, COELHO published The Alchemist. Slow in The Brazilian author PAULO COELHO was born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Before dedicating his life completely to literature, he worked as theatre director and actor, lyricist and journalist. In 1986, PAULO COELHO did the pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostella, an experience later to be documented in his book The Pilgrimage. In the following year, COELHO published The Alchemist. Slow initial sales convinced his first publisher to drop the novel, but it went on to become one of the best selling Brazilian books of all time. Other titles include Brida (1990), The Valkyries (1992), By the river Piedra I sat Down and Wept (1994), the collection of his best columns published in the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo entitle Maktub (1994), the compilation of texts Phrases (1995), The Fifth Mountain (1996), Manual of a Warrior of Light (1997), Veronika decides to die (1998), The Devil and Miss Prym (2000), the compilation of traditional tales in Stories for parents, children and grandchildren (2001), Eleven Minutes (2003), The Zahir (2005), The Witch of Portobello (2006) and Winner Stands Alone (to be released in 2009). During the months of March, April, May and June 2006, Paulo Coelho traveled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostella in 1986. He also held surprise book signings - announced one day in advance - in some cities along the way, to have a chance to meet his readers. In ninety days of pilgrimage the author traveled around the globe and took the famous Transiberrian train that took him to Vladivostok. During this experience Paulo Coelho launched his blog Walking the Path - The Pilgrimage in order to share with his readers his impressions. Since this first blog Paulo Coelho has expanded his presence in the internet with his daily blogs in Wordpress, Myspace & Facebook. He is equally present in media sharing sites such as Youtube and Flickr, offering on a regular basis not only texts but also videos and pictures to his readers. From this intensive interest and use of the Internet sprang his bold new project: The Experimental Witch where he invites his readers to adapt to the screen his book The Witch of Portobello. Indeed Paulo Coelho is a firm believer of Internet as a new media and is the first Best-selling author to actively support online free distribution of his work. ...more