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Paulo Coelho is more than just a writer. He is also a social and cultural phenomenon that deserves to be studied. (p185, Confession of a Pilgrim)

The present book is a modest attempt at a systematic study and critically appreciation of ten novels of Paulo Coelho, who is one of the most popular authors of The New Age Fiction. The book is partially based on my Ph.D thesis which endeavors to study the works of Paulo Coelho and show how in this age perseverance can becomes a way of achieving personal destination. Paulo Coelho is a Portuguese writer who emerged on the literary scene in 1995 with his best-seller The Pilgrimage. Paulo Coelho writes in Portuguese, all the novels, taken up for the research are translated works. Eight novels namely, The Pilgrimage, The Alchemist, The Valkyries, By the River Piedra I sat Down and Wept, Veronica Decides to Die, The Devil and Miss Prym, The Zahir and The Winner Stands Alone, were includes for research purpose and were also included in the first edition of my book ‘A Critical Study of the Paulo Coelho’s novels’. In this addition two more novels namely Aleph and Hippie are also included. Few chapters from this book have already been published in various magazines.

The book tries to show how the novels of Paulo Coelho are a call to each of us to live our dreams, to grip the uncertainty of life, and to rise to meet our own unique destiny. The characters in the novel show that the aim of life is to attain the highest ethical goal through happiness, personal well-being, and personal calling- eudemonia. The novels show a way of navigating through life. Coelho uses simple, clear language to blend religious and philosophical concepts in his work. The book also shows how in his inimitable style, Paulo Coelho help us to discover the warrior of light within each of us. All biographical interest, therefore, held relevant are included.

In the book I have tried to show how various characters in the respective novels of Paulo Coelho, continue their search – search for treasure, for sword, for love, for angels, cleaning past life experiences and ultimately the discovery of self. The protagonists in the respective novels show a way of life.In spite of obstacles and difficulties, through perseverance they are able to reach their respective destiny. Coelho believes that our Personal Legend is our destiny on this earth. Personal Legend is the path we decide to take, and it is the path, that fills our hearth with happiness and enthusiasm. Personal Legend means the soul’s mission on this third dimension.

In this era, the novels of Paulo Coelho have become a manual for self-motivation and inspiration for many, yet as such, no elaborate research has been undertaken on his novels. Consequently, this book is a modest attempt to acquaint the readers with the outstanding writer of our age and to suggest what makes him exceptional and popular. There is much in Coelho that appeals not only to the critical reader, a spiritual reader, a philosopher, but also to a nonprofessional reader, who reads for entertainment and enlightenment. The best thing about his novels is that it touches the heart and gives courage. The purpose of the book is also to systemise Coelho’s thoughts as they issue from the novels and show how they gradually developed into a philosophy.

The quotes by Paulo Coelho are randomly taken from his books as well as from his blog, FB and Twitter account. It was not possible to give references for it, as they were just jotted down in my dairy when I was reading his works, but I was tempted and took the liberty to include it in this book as they are full of inspiration and they also depict his thinking and philosophy of life.

I take this opportunity of thanking all those who have helped me in this venture. In particular, I want to thank my mother, retired Professor in English, Mrs P.K. Sharma and my father, an ex- freedom fighter Mr K.K. Sharma for always being with me with their unconditional love and blessings. I express my thanks to my sister Ms Atal Sharma, duty executive, AIR, Rajkot, for her motivation. I am deeply grateful to my husband Pankajkumar Thaker for his constant help. Special loving thanks, to my kids Himika and Pallav, for their loving support throughout the writing of this book. A big thanks to Arjun Dave and the Vedant Publications. Lastly but not least, I thank God Shiv-Shiva, divine angels, masters, teachers and my guru Shivbaba, as my source of enlightenment and grace.

–  Dr. Mrinalini P. Thaker