The Zahir

By: Paulo Coelho

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, Emilia Fox

It begins with a glimpse or a passing thought. It ends in obsession.

One day a renowned author discovers that his wife, a war correspondent, has disappeared leaving no trace. Though time brings more success and new love, he remains mystified – and increasingly fascinated – by her absence. Was she kidnapped, blackmailed, or simply bored with their marriage? The unrest she causes is as strong as the attraction she exerts.

His search for her – and for the truth of his own life – takes him from France to Spain, Croatia and, eventually, the bleakly beautiful landscape of Central Asia. More than that, it takes him from the safety of his world to a totally unknown path, searching for a new understanding of the nature of love and the power of destiny.

With The Zahir, Paulo Coelho demonstrates not just his powerful and captivating storytelling, but also his extraordinary insight into what it is to be a human being in a world full of possibility.

In Arabic Zahir means 'visible, present and unable to go unnoticed.' It refers to something or someone that ends up being the only thing we can think of. This state of 'possession' can be understood as saintliness or insanity, with a fine line between the two.

©2005 Paulo Coelho (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

'Coelho's writing is beautifully poetic but his message is what counts… he gives me hope and puts a smile on my face.'
DAILY EXPRESS

'His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.'
THE TIMES

'One of the few to deserve the term "Publishing Phenomenon".'
THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

A great book

A wonderful book that I found to be developmental and maturative for a young man coming of age such as myself. I found this book to be relatable and generally worthwhile to go through. I further highly recommend this book.

The Zahir

As with all of Chelho's writing, this is a wonderful READ, but this abridged audio loses something. Suggest waiting for the unabridged audio.

Must read

Love it. One of his best.

Gone read it again.
Great gift. Don’t miss it. Thank you. :)

Too bad it was abridged

Too bad the book was abridged. I’m sure there was so much more to learn. The reader was wonderful and perfect for the story.

Great Narrator to a great story

Along the same vein, but with different and beautiful messages for the reader to read and absorb over and over, like his other books.

Once started to listen could not stop

The story is good
But the narrator is excellent
He made it so vivid and interesting
I loved this book

Beautiful and deep read!

Loved this book. Love Paulo Coelho!!!!

Couldn't put it down. He's stunning and captivating as always. And proves in this book that true love means leaving behind our own inhibitions and judgement. Allowing ourselves to be pulled & drawn by what we love and give our whole self.

As all Paulo Coehlo books its great story

As all Paulo Coehlo books its great story abou finding the true self and looking to the world in another way

Another fantastic book with beautiful lessons

I am so in love with learning or recognising the many lessons in these stories ... I started reading but switched to audible beacuse liked the sound of Jaime's voice telling the story.

Like the book, but sadly abridged.

I love the premise of the book, as I can relate to it. The thought that something can be absent, yest desired so much, that it becomes overwhelming. I understand that.

My only issue with the book is that it's abridged. The full story is better, as I've read it before.

Also, the narrator of the book is not what is listed, but Simon Vance, but that's fine, as he is excellent.