Paulo Coelho is known to all book lovers and even people who rarely read. The author was born in Brazil in 1947, and from childhood he wanted to become a writer. Despite the misunderstanding of his parents, Paulo developed his talent, and published his first book in 1987. It was called The Diary of a Magician, but it did not bring fame to the author, and only with the second release of Alchemist did the writer gain popularity. Based on the opinions of readers and critics, a rating of the top 10 best works from a Brazilian author was compiled.
10. On the bank of Rio Piedra, I sat down and cried
The work “I sat down and cried on the Rio Piedra” takes the tenth place in our rating, which includes the best books by Paulo Coelho. Top 10 reveals precisely this creation, but is not the worst of its works. All the books of the eminent author are good and publications of the writers Eduard Topol, Vladimir Stepanovich Topilin, Alexandra Topazova and many other less popular masters of the pen cannot be compared with them.
The book “I sat down and cried on the banks of Rio Piedra” is a touching and sincere love story. The main character is called Pilar, and she is a vivid example of how in just a week all life can be turned upside down. She quite unexpectedly finds love, and for the first time she feels a sense of fear of loss. As in many novels, the heroine has to make a difficult choice.
This book teaches that there is nothing more important than love, because it is it that guides the true path. It is easy to come to God through this bright feeling, and this can be done in spite of everything in the world. For lovers there are no barriers, the main thing is that the heart does not cool.
Each person once has to make a choice, on which absolutely everything depends. Paolo Coelho through his works teaches that one should not be afraid of the inevitable. Any fear can be overcome, and the choice is not as difficult to make as it seems.
9. Witch with Portobello
Our rating of books by Paulo Coelho continues the famous work, released in 2007. The author tells us the story of a mysterious girl with the beautiful name Athena. She was born in Romania, but was forced to move first to Beirut, and then to London. But who was this mysterious person really?
Athena is the daughter of an Englishman and a gypsy, who was raised as an aristocrat. But she lived in the streets of Portobello until she was killed. The book contains memories of a mysterious girl, neighbors, enemies, friends and love partners speak about her. Whatever her life, Athena remained in everyone's soul. But even the closest ones did not know her well enough, although they were nearby for a long time.
The book is perfect for young women who have not yet found themselves in this world and only know the inner "I". To people who love mysterious stories and an unobtrusive plot, this book will also appeal to you. That is why they deservedly took 9th place among the best works of the Brazilian author.
8. The winner is left alone
The books of Paulo Coelho are always interesting to read, because they are not only well written, but also distinguished by an unusual and unpredictable plot. This is exactly what can be said about the novel “The Winner Remains Alone”, released in 2008. The plot tells the story of the Russian businessman Igor, who, after breaking up with his beloved wife, arrives in Cannes. This place is saturated with the atmosphere of show business, glamor and cinema.
Igor wants to attend a film festival in order to meet there with Eve - his wife. She should arrive with a new young man who works as a clothing designer. Naturally, the protagonist is not at all happy that his ex quickly found another lover, so he decides to take revenge.
Igor is already 40 years old, he looks great and is well financially secure. But his thoughts about his wife prevent him from living, they poison his soul. In just one day, a person can radically change and do something that he could not even imagine before. The trap slammed shut, but who would be in it?
7. Aleph
The list of books by Paulo Coelho continues to Aleph, a book that is considered an autobiographical novel. It was released in 2011, so it is considered relatively new. Description of the work suggests that in the center of the plot is a writer of advanced age. He achieved a lot in life, made various discoveries, gained success and fame, which he could not even dream of. However, he feels that his life is at an impasse, and he has stopped developing.
The only right decision was proposed by his spiritual teacher, whom the writer visited. When life comes to a standstill, you need to leave the house and go on a long journey. Adventure will allow you to remember youth and make new discoveries.
The writer decides to travel across Europe and visit Russia; he follows the Trans-Siberian Railway and seeks his happiness. On this road he meets the violinist Hilal, and it is she who helps the writer to understand his inner world. The main character will have one of the important and long journeys - the road to himself.
Aleph is a worthy work with a deep philosophical meaning. Everyone had to lose themselves, go into a dead end and forget how to enjoy life. If a person lives precisely this period, then it is time for him to start reading the book Aleph.
6. The Valkyries
Paulo Coelho, his list of books is quite impressive and he writes on completely different topics. The work “Valkyrie” is an autobiography, in it the author talks about an important period of his life, namely, about the time when he was in the “Alternative Society”. This organization was considered a haven for anarchists who did not recognize the current order, ignored the laws, and despised capitalism. Moreover, they practiced various black magic rites and believed in mysticism.
But the novel tells not only about the "Alternative Society", but also about how a person looked for his guardian angel. The hero went to the Mojave desert, where he met mysterious warriors. Their leader was Valkyrie. The hero and his wife decided to go with them in order to finally find peace of mind.
The writer revealed to readers an interesting fact that the Valkyrie is a real person. However, the master of the pen does not name her name, but assures that it was she who once led Paulo to Catholicism. The book "Valkyries" has a fascinating and meaningful story that will help people gain faith.
5. Diary of a magician
As already mentioned, it was the Diary of the Magician that became the first published book by the author, so he is simply obliged to get on the list of famous works. The novel was also published under the title “Pilgrimage” and is considered autobiographical.
The plot focuses on the journey of Paulo Coelho along the famous Way of Santiago, which many pilgrims have passed since the Middle Ages. On his difficult path, he meets characters who are called mystical vehicles. He also deals with demonic messengers and tries to realize the nature of truth, so that you can get the Force and learn the mysterious rituals of the Order of RAM.
The main character is important not only to understand what the meaning of life is, but also to carry out considerable work on yourself. Each person once has to think about how this planet is arranged, what laws of being exist. So the main character is constantly thinking about the sun, the wind and the planet as a whole. He needs to train a lot in order to change and achieve what he wants. It is really difficult, but what is easy is usually not appreciated.
People, having read the author’s famous novel, decide to go the same way and also know themselves. Any reader can get acquainted with a wonderful work and, together with the main character, try to change himself, become stronger and better. Each person is a sculptor of his personality, therefore he is obliged to work on himself throughout his life.
This book can not be placed on a par with the fantasy genre, where a fellow soldier learns a nonexistent world and fights with evil forces. “The Magician’s Diary” is a philosophical work that tells about the formation of personality, about gaining wisdom, and also about how this planet works. The work is often put on a par with the famous "Alchemist", who won the hearts of millions of readers. Fans of philosophical and deep books are recommended to read the "Magician's Diary".
4. Eleven minutes
The list of the best books continues the good and controversial work “Eleven Minutes”. It was published in 2003, and immediately enjoyed the taste of many readers. The novel is dominated by a female theme, the story of a prostitute by the name of Maria is directly revealed in the plot.
The main character discusses in the novel about the structure of the world, about the problems in the intimate life, which is important for her. Surprisingly, at her request, she became a woman of easy virtue. She could change her life at any time, however she likes to work in the field of intimate services.
But everything changes case - she meets a famous artist who wants to paint her portrait. He knows that the girl works as a prostitute, but does not see anything reprehensible in this. The artist was interested in the gleam in his eyes that he saw in the representative of the sphere of intimate services. That is why he wants to repeat the meeting, and already comes to her work.
“Eleven Minutes” is a romantic work that is deservedly included in the top 10 best books of Paulo Coelho. The plot is based on real events, namely, it was told by a real prostitute, whose life can not be called ordinary. The ending of the work is completely unexpected, and it makes each reader think about a lot. The book urges people not to hang labels just because of their profession and lifestyle. You need to try to understand what is happening in their soul, and then draw conclusions. Everyone has a chance to change and start life with a clean face, but sometimes, for this you need to meet the right person.
3. The Devil and Senorita Prim
The philosophical novel Devil and Senorita Prim was released in 2000, and its entertaining plot, as well as the high quality of writing, captivated the readers. The work is simple at first glance, but it has a deep meaning that everyone should understand. But more on that later, for starters, you should familiarize yourself with the plot.
The action takes place in a quiet town, which at first glance can not cause interest among readers. However, everything is not as simple as it seems. The writer introduces readers to an elderly woman, Berta, who has been talking with her deceased husband for almost 15 years. He promised her that the devil would come for her soon, and therefore she was waiting for a meeting.
An unknown person arrives in a quiet town who decides to stay here for about a week. For mysterious reasons, he buried 11 gold bars in the forest. The stranger met a local resident - a girl named Chantal Prim. She dreams of a better life, but so far works in the bar of the only hotel in the city. Prim wants to save money in order to leave this boring town.
The stranger makes Chantal an unusual offer: he is ready to give her a bar of gold for telling people certain information. Directly, she needs to tell the locals that they need to kill someone, and then they will receive gold. The girl is embarrassed by such an offer, but she nevertheless agrees to fulfill it. The stranger tells her where the gold is buried, and before her the choice arises: to steal it, or to honestly fulfill the terms of the transaction.
It is amazing what even the most harmless people are capable of when it comes to big money. As they say, wealth spoils a person, because it can push for bad deeds. The writer through his work tries to convey to the readers a deep thought that there are no good and bad people. Both the bright and the dark sides live in each, and there is a daily struggle between them. The only question is which of them will win, and here it all depends on faith and self-control. Each person is responsible for his life, and absolutely anyone can be both bad and good.
2. Alchemist
“Alchemist” is one of the author’s most famous novels, which has been recognized as a worldwide bestseller. The plot of the book is based on European folklore, and the main character was a shepherd named Santiago from Spain. He lived in Andalusia, and once he had a dream in which there were treasures at the Egyptian pyramids.
The shepherd turned to the gypsy in order to understand the interpretation of this dream. After her words, he decided that he should go to Egypt and try to find a treasure there. He receives stones from the old man that can interpret the will of the Lord, and in return gives part of the sheep. In the end, the shepherd decides to leave everything at home and is on his way to Egypt.
In a foreign country, a traveler loses his money, because of which he has to look for work in order to survive. Later, he learns about the mysterious "Alchemist", whom he soon encounters. This is what turns his whole life over and makes you think about what is truly valuable in this life.
The work "Alchemist" is saturated with symbolism, and it can be noticed by the reader if he thinks about the lines. The writer, through his creation, tried to understand what was the meaning of existence. The shepherd was attracted by the unknown, but in fact everything that a person needs is much closer than it seems. The main character of the work was looking for jewelry in a foreign country, which seemed surprising to him. However, he found treasures in his homeland.
The author believes that each person has his own destiny, you just need to follow her and not go off the right path. In life, there can be many trials that only the strongest can pass. However, it is important not to give up and be persistent until you can achieve what you want.
“The Alchemist” is a wise and meaningful work, quotes from which many fans of Paulo Coelho remember. Books should open their eyes to important things, and also make people better, stronger, and more self-confident. “The Alchemist” is just such a work, and in it it will find something new for itself, both a young reader and a person of age.
1. Veronica decides to die
“Veronica decides to die” is one of the author’s most controversial books, which at first glance may seem depressing, but has a completely different meaning. The plot tells the story of the girl Veronica, she is 24 years old, but she has already managed to become disappointed in life. She is bored, she does not know how to rejoice at what is happening and considers her existence empty. Once she finally decides that this can not continue anymore, and takes a large dose of sleeping pills.
However, Veronica does not die, doctors manage to save her and send her to a hospital for the mentally ill. There they are going to treat the heroine according to a special technique, the main task of which is to teach the girl to enjoy life again. At first, Veronica thinks only about how she would still finish the unfinished business and commit suicide. But doctors tell her that because of taking sleeping pills, her heart was injured, and the girl was left to live no more than a week.
At this moment, Veronica realizes that she is not really ready to die. At the hospital, she found a friend who is suffering from depression. She also met a guy named Edward, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She falls in love with him, although she realizes that she does not have long to live. The girl decides to escape with him from the hospital so that they can live the last days the way they want. Now she no longer thinks about death and understands how valuable life is.
According to the book "Veronica decides to die" a film was made, and the work itself is considered a cult. It will interest any reader, regardless of gender and age. The book won an honorable first place, because it is not only distinguished by a fascinating plot, but also endowed with a deep meaning. After reading it, each person understands that you need to be able to enjoy life, because it can end at any moment.