We had a literary analysis project on our English subject last last month in our school. I picked a random book. And picked Paulo Coelho’s “The Zahir”. Here’s an excerpt from my book review paper:
When you hear the title “The Zahir”, what comes in your mind? When I first heard it, I had no idea of the particular meaning for that word. It is a word that is new to me and a very uncommon word. When you ask its meaning to other people, most of them will say that they dont know about it. So this made me wonder and made me very curious. That curiosity made me open the book and read it until the end so in that way, I would know the meaning of its title.
When I read the book furthermore, it has told the exact meaning of the word ‘Zahir’. It says that it is an arabic word which means, the present, the obvious or visible. But that has still lots of meaning, in Buenos Aires, it is a common 20-centavo coin. In Java, it means that of a blind man from a mosque, etc. After reading that page and came to knew the meaning of the word, it made me more excited on finishing the book.
The novel “The Zahir”, is one of the best books to read. Additionally, it is made by the very popular author, Paulo Coelho. Indeed this book is a must-read. If you examine deeply the genre of the book, you would say that it is in the ‘romance’ genre. Yes it’s true but it just does’nt focus on the ‘romance’ genre. Unlike some books that only focus on one genre, this book has various genres. For example, the ‘motivational-inspirational’ genre.
It says that in the subtitle of the book which is ‘A novel of obsession’, deeply says that the main point is focusing more into the obsessions of a person. Comparing it to reality, most of us has our own obsession on something or someone. I am also one of them. So being one of the ‘obsessive persons’ just like in the book, I would say that I could totally relate to this book.
The story revolves around the main character who is a man. A man who lost his wife, with no particular reason. Because of the disappearance of his wife Esther, there will be a big change on the main character’s life. The main character is truly obsessed with Esther. This obsession will take him on to an adventure or journey with few distractions on the way. With these distractions on the way to his wife, it would take long to find his wife and it would take long to fulfill his dreams. For him to get the object of his obsession for a short time, he asked for help from Mikhail, a mysterious man who had been with Esther before her disappearance.
And here goes my original thought about the book:
This book sucks. I shouldnt had read this one. Why? Because I am a guy who doesnt like romance-genre, and drama-genre. Yes, this novel is a drama and a romance genre. But it is obligatory to read this book since this is the only book that is accepted by my teacher to be reviewed. (No, she doesnt want me to review Harry Potter 6/7, Twilight, or even Mitch Albom’s books) You will enjoy this book if you are totally opposite on my disliked genres. Worst. Book. Of Paulo Coelho. EVAR!
Literary Analysis Paper rating: 4/5
What should have been the rating: 2/5
Oh my effing God that books sucks so bad. It’s boring and I can’t even force myself to finish it. I liked the “Alchemist” miles, miles better than that one (best book by Paulo Coelho IMO). And speaking more of Paulo Coelho, I also love “By the River Piedra…” and “Eleven Minutes” (mature content much, but read it out of curiosity XP).
Of course, Alchemist is still the bestest!! Eleven Minutes? Just by looking at the cover, I think it sucks. Yeah, mature content. I knew it.
Suck to be you to read the whole entire book since it’s compulsory. Cheer up~ It’s just a book.
I don’t like this kind of genre also but since the teacher say it a must and you can pass well if you read it.
Yeah. And I got A-. Thats sucks.
I also like The Alchemist together with Veronica decides to die. Haha, Mitch Albom’s books also rocks such as the 5 kinds of people you meet in heaven
. Sucks for you though, why the hell did she/he chose a drama book for criticism purposes?!
Veronica Decides To Die is EPIC! Did you mean Mitch Albom’s ’5 People You Meet in Heaven’? Oh yes. I love that! Unique book. The story is in reverse order right?
I dont know about my teacher on chosing drama book. Well she said that books that are transformed into a movie is not acceptable..
I’ve heared a lot of Coelho from my parents. Young people seem to be often forced to read “world literature”, despite the general disinterest. But trust me, our class reads even worse, while infamous books. I would sure be happy about some Gogol or Coelho.
P.S. Writing with my mobile phone. Waah. Btw could you update my link?
World literature!? O_O
P.S Updated it now!
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when i first read the book, i was so bored though i know the essence of the novel. i skip the reading and went straight to the ending. when i found out it has a tragic ending (for me), i stopped reading it. But until now that i found out that the book is really meaningful more than i thought it was and that paulo coelho is a genius writer. i just found out when i can relate to the situation. sometimes i think i am esther, sometimes the author and sometimes marie. only that i know what the real meaning of this book
SO DEEP.
hi mate, happy holiday and i enjoy my time here.
Alchemist is still the best.. but I was also touched by the Zahir.. anyways, the beauty of any literary piece lies in the eye of the person who reads it.. so don’t bluff such intimidating words, such as SUCKS, because you may never know, it is the best novel to your prof! Haha..
.. something you should learn.. do not criticize any literary piece in front of your prof..
I came across your blog while I was googlin ‘The Zahir’. I was attracted by the title instantly, as I understood its meaning in the literal sense. Though I found out later it means much more. I agree that the book was sort of a drag; it could have been better. Anyway, I finished the book and realized I could really relate to it. I could see myself in the man who had become a maniac, I could see myself in Esther when she wanted attention and didn’t get it and sometimes Marie; loving without reason. For me there was something about the book which made me reflect on my own life.
Cool story bro.