From Booklist
Coelho’s quietly beautiful book is difficult to categorize. Unlike many of his novels, it is not an allegory, nor does it revolve around a mystical or physical pilgrimage. Instead, it consists of a series of queries posed by a population under siege and the powerfully simple, yet evocative, answers provided by an essentially unidentified wise man. As Jerusalem is surrounded by belligerent Crusaders in AD 1099, its diverse citizens—Jews, Muslims, and Christians, who have lived together in peace for centuries—gather in the square to seek the counsel of the Greek, known familiarly as the Copt. The Copt advises them to speak of their daily lives and search their hearts, minds, and souls for questions pertaining to universal truths. As the Copt thoughtfully answers questions posed about a variety of everyday subjects, including solitude, love, utility, luck, miracles, beauty, sex, anxiety, grace, and elegance, he bequeaths to his audience an “invisible sword” with which to fight intolerance and ignorance. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The sublime Coelho continues to break stylistic boundaries with this series of spiritual musings grounded more in history and morality than in his trademark brand of mysticism. --Margaret Flanagan
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
“Coelho’s writing is beautifully poetic but his message is what counts.” —
Daily Express
“His writing is like a path of energy that inadvertently leads readers to themselves, toward their mysterious and faraway souls.” —
Le Figaro
“His books have had a life enhancing impact on millions of people “ —
The Times (London)
“An exceptional writer.” —
USA Today
“An intriguing and playful premise.” —
The Boston Globe
“Full of worthy musings and quotable quotes on a variety of subjects—from solitude and love to beauty and miracles. . . . Like all Coelho’s other works, the earnestness, simplicity and clarity of [
Manuscript Found in Accra’s] prose start touching your soul and transforming your thoughts.” —
The International Herald Tribune
“Coelho . . . shows himself again to be a cerebral and subtle writer.” —
The New York Journal of Books “Spiritualists and wanderlusts will eagerly devour . . . [Coelho’s] search for all things meaningful.” —
The Washington Post
“Coelho masterfully presents his points wrapped in the … familiar guise of an ancient story.” —
Portland Book Review
“A timeless and powerful exploration of personal growth, everyday wisdom and joy.” —
Bookscan (London)
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