Cover Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho (Photo: Sophie Bassouls / via Getty Images)
Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho (Photo: Sophie Bassouls / via Getty Images)
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Today’s spotlight is on Paulo Coelho, best known for his exploration of the concepts of spirituality, love and self-actualisation in his books
The best way to celebrate a man is through his works. Born in Rio de Janeiro on August 24, 1947, Paulo Coelho dreamed of becoming a writer at a very young age. After years of finding his footing in life: from enrolling in law school (and dropping out to travel) to lending his lyrical skills to the music industry and everything in between, he was a man who has been through a lot. In 1986, his life took a turn for the better, and he finally settled down, leaving his lucrative career as a songwriter and pursuing writing full-time.
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As he turns 76 this year, rediscover some of his famous works and why they deserved the recognition they received through the years.
1. The Alchemist
Above The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
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The Alchemist is almost synonymous with Paulo Coelho’s name. As one of the bestselling novelists in the world, it is no surprise that it became a worldwide success, with more than 65 million copies sold.
The novel revolves around the story of a shepherd from Andalusia named Santiago, who travels towards the pyramids with the treasures he has dreamt of while resting in a church. After a fulfilling journey, he realises that the treasure he’d been looking for was by the church where he was resting at the beginning of the novel.
It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
2. The Pilgrimage
Above The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
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The Pilgrimage is a parable that explores the need to find one’s own path. The protagonist finds himself in a spiritual crisis, and his mentor suggests he must complete the “Road to Santiago” in order to reach his full potential. He then meets his guide who urges him to push the boundaries of his mind.
The novel is known to have paved the way for Coelho’s The Alchemist.
Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself.
3. The Devil and Miss Prym
Above The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho
The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho
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The good and evil trope is explored in Coelho’s The Devil and Miss Prym. Described as a novel of temptation, it revolves around the story of a man persecuted by the ghosts of his painful past and a young woman searching for happiness.
Anyone who loves in the expectation of being loved in return is wasting their time.
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4. The Witch of Portobello
Above The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho
The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho
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In Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello, there are several narrators. They all talk about the mysterious, recently-murdered Athena, a woman who has the power of prophecy.
The novel explores the concept of goddess-based religion, searching for one’s true self, and opening to the energies of the world.
People learn twenty-five per cent from their teacher, twenty-five per cent from listening to themselves, twenty-five per cent from their friends, and twenty-five per cent from time.
5. Veronika Decides to Die
Above Veronika Decides To Die by Paulo Coelho
Veronika Decides To Die by Paulo Coelho
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Widely known for the use of human psychology in his books, it is no surprise that Coelho explores the concept of madness in Veronika Decides to Die.
It follows the psychological journey of a 24-year-old girl named Veronika who got fed up with life and its mundanity—ultimately deciding to kill herself one day.
Collective madness is called sanity.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
