The Fifth Mountain (Paperback)

Format:	Paperback 256 pages

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Published in over 100 countries, translated into 42 different languages, with over 21 million copies of his books sold internationally, Paulo Coelho can truly claim to be one of the most popular writers in the world. The Independent on Sunday has called him a 'publishing phenomenon'. Paulo's writing is a visionary blend of spirituality, magical realism and folklore. His stories are simple and direct, yet they have the power to change lives and inspire you with the courage to follow your dreams!! His fifth novel, The Fifth Mountain, is set in the 9th century BC. Elijah is a young man struggling to maintain his sanity amidst a chaotic world of tyranny and war. Forced to flee his home, then choose between his newfound love and security and his overwhelming sense of duty, this is a moving and inspiring story about how we can transcend even the most terrible ordeals by keeping faith and love alive.

Book details

Published
04/09/2000

Publisher
Thorsons

ISBN
9780722536544

Publisher and industry reviews

Jacket review

'His books have and a life-enhancing impact on millions of people' The Times 'His writing is like a path of energy that inadvertently leads readers to themselves, toward their mysterious and faraway souls.' Figaro Litteraire, France 'Paulo Coelho represents the legend of the wise storyteller.' Corriere della Sera, Italy

UK Kirkus review

An international best seller by Brizillian story teller Coelho, this novel is based on the biblical accounts of the trials of Elijah, an Israelite prophet who has spoken with angels since childhood. Elijah is forced to flee when princess Jezebel seduces the country's ruler and converts the people to worship Israel Baal and the many gods of the Fifth Mountain. Guided by his guardian angel, Elijah takes refuge in a poor widows house in neighbouring Akbar. His only thought is to avenge his God by desposing Jezebel as soon as he can get back to Israel, but as his love for the widow grows steadily deeper he is thrown into conflict. Turmoil also reigns in Akbar, and Elijah is caught in a deadly power struggle as soldiers from Assyria threaten to destroy the city. The central question of this pacy and intriguing novel, full of ideas about divinity love and power, is; what can we do when we face the unavoidable? We find that when the moment of ruin, or death, arrives there is no room for fear. Through the chaos and conlict of a war torn city, Coelho shows us the courage of spirit that can rise up following the decimation of the old. In the novel, this idea is also symbolized by the new writing of Byblos, the alphabet, which promises universal access to information, knowledge and therefore power. Coelho represents terror and tragedy, death and loss as they truly are. Indeed, his wisdom and compassion make the atrocities described even more startling. The novel suggests that when we stop running away, and face the world as it really is, then will we discover the strength to overcome our sufferings, and truly grow from our experiences. This stunning story is an allegory of the the trials of the human soul as well as a gripping narrative centred around emotionally complex characters. Fascinating, moving and ultimately inspiring. (Kirkus UK)

About the author

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947. Having travelled extensively throughout Latin America, as well as Europe and North Africa, he was at various times a playwright, a theatre director , and a popular songwriter for some of Brazil's most famous pop musicians. With the publication of his first books, The Pilgrimage (1987) and The Alchemist (1988) he embarked on a career that would establish him as Brazil's best known novelist. His books have sold more than 21 million copies world wide and have been translated into 42 languages. He has received numerous literary awards from a wide variety of countries. His books dominate the bestseller lists in France, Italy, Germany & Greece.