Dear Readers,
As you know throughout the month of June we shall be discussing my new book “The Winner Stands Alone”.
Throughout the week, I will be accessing this page 2-3 times a day in order to answer your questions until June 30th. I want also for you discuss among yourselves – since I’m very curious to see your reactions to the book.
As you know one of the recurrent themes of my books is the importance of paying the price of your dreams. But to what extent can our dreams be manipulated? For the past decades, we lived in a culture that privileged fame, money, power – and most of the people were led to believe that these were the real values that we should pursue.
We all should be a “winner”. Not in the sense of someone who finally wins what is important to his/her life. Not in the sense that happiness is the most valuable gift on Earth – and it can be attained here and now, when your work fulfills your heart. We should be a winner in the sense that the system portraits a successful person: celebrity, influence, photos in glossy magazines, behaving like the masters of the universe.
Yes, you may reach the goal society has fed you – but will you be satisfied? Will you be whole? Will you be in peace? This cycle of possession never ends – because the moment that you think that you have reached your goal another desire creeps in.
Soon after I finished writing “The Winner Stands Alone”, the financial market collapsed. Will this lead us again to the real values? I really don’t know. What I do know is that we cannot continue to allow our dreams to be manipulated like they are as for some of the characters in the book.
So please join me in this monthly workshop into a world that is coming to an end. We will be talking about the characters of the book as well as the main themes that run through it.
I thought of writing a small introduction about each character but prefer to list them below – so that you may comment on them. I’m really eager to see how you feel in regards to each one of them, so leave – under each character – our opinions and questions. As you can see there’s also a section dedicated to the themes that are dealt in the book as well as a section to the writing style.
CHARACTERS
IGOR
EWA
HAMID
GABRIELA
JASMINE
THEMES
SUPERCLASS
GLITTER AND GLAMOUR
THE CELEBRITY SYNDROME
BROKEN DREAMS
THE BOOK
YOUR OPINION ON THE NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
In the month of July, another workshop will be organized, this time around “The Alchemist”.
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Dear Paulo,
To me, rest of your books were written keeping in mind humans behavior as ‘Rational fools’ with bounded rationality and norms. While this one is a story of ‘rational egoist’, who always looks at personal benefits and costs while making an decisions. In following our dreams, we all are neither ‘too rational egoist’ nor ‘too rational fools’. Don’t you think to write your next book on ‘mid-way between these two extremes’? Thanks Paulo for providing an opportunity to our generation to have such a great writer among us whom we can share our feelings and comments.
Love,
Asif
Dear Asif,
it’s interesting your point of view but I didn’t write have this strict opposition in mind.
I think there’s a continuum in my books and this new one focused on the manipulation of dreams – whilst the previous ones are more about the following of one’s true dream.
Love
Dear Asif,
it’s interesting your point of view but I didn’t write my books have this strict opposition in mind.
Actually I’ve always been interested in how we can follow our dreams, and in my new book I concentrate on how some dreams can be manipulated.
Love
Paulo
Is the book published in Spanish or Catalan? ‘Cos I’ve been looking for it and in my city they don’t know it.
I really love the book El Zahir, I don’t know it’s original name. I read it qhen I was in a difficult situation and it made me see “the light”. I started to take care in the small details that make me smile.
Now I look the life with another eyes, with optimism, ‘cos you can have a bad period but a little thing like the smile of a child can make you happy.
I think that nowadays our dreams are manipulated by the money. Now the most important thing for many people is to get a good job (it doesn’t matter if you really like it or not), buy a huge house with a swimming-pool, dress with good brands (because if you wear brands, the others will see that you have money)… It’s an unreal and superficial world. And qhen they see people who follow their dreams, they say they are crazy.
One example: when I told home that next year I’m goig to move fare away to follow my dream (being an sports journalist) they tried to made me change of idea, because it’s very difficuls to take a job in this area. But I don’t like any other job (well, I love writting, but it’s a hobby).
Sorry for this large post and for my English, that it’s very poor.
Thank you for your books!
Dear Julia,
the spanish version of The Winner Stands Alone is coming out in September in Spain.
And I agree with you that too often people forget to think about what brings them true joy and opt for comfort and safety.
Love
Paulo
Hola Paulo!!
Antes que nada GRACIAS, MIL GRACIAS… A través de cada uno de los libros que has escrito y que me he leido todos he descubierto mil facetas de la vida y de mi propia existencia que han hecho que me levante cada día no solo luchando por mi susños sino viviendo mi Leyenda Personal… Gracias por ser ese instrumento de Dios a través del don de la palabra…
Soy Comunicadora Social – Periodista y desde pequeña quise serlo, pero aún más, yo también desde pequeña he soñado con ser escritora y no cualquiera sino la MEJOR escritora… Tal vez por eso el Zahir ha sido el libro con el que más me he identificado; sin embargo El Alquimista fue el que me llevo a conocerte como escritor. Me acuerdo una mañana en la Universidad, el mejor profesor que he tenido iba por el pasillo y le grité desde el otro lado: ” Jorge: Recomiéndame un libro” y me contestó: “El Alquimista de Paulo Coelho”… y créeme que esa recomendación se la he agradecido un millón de veces…
Te cuento que soy colombiana, pero estoy estudiando en Chile, aqui aún no he encontrado el libro The Winner Stands Alone, aunque lo he buscado por cada una de las librerías… cuándo saldrá aqui? y cuándo en Colombia?
Me encantaría participar de este foro, pero no he leido los comentarios porque no quiero dañar la magia de ese primer encuentro con el libro, pero claro que me encantaría leerlo y luego compartir la magia con todos ustedes.
Abrazos Paulo y Dios siga regalando tantas experiencias, historias hechas libros.
Ola Braila,
el libro saldrá en LatinoAmerica en Agosto / Septiembre 2009.
Gracias por tus lindas palabras.
Con amor
Paulo
Hi Paulo,
Loved your book, the characters are powerful and this book is a very interesting read. I however was amazed at the way IGOR shaped up ….this book is a tad different from your other books, but definately very hard hitting and thought provoking…Iam a huge fan of your work – it is truly inspiring….!!!!
Querido Paulo, Eu dei o seu livro ao meu amigo, ela retornou em seguida, comprou um para si, mas ainda não lê-lo. Não há muito o que posso dizer a ela que ela está faltando para fora em um grande livro.
Beijos
Saludos Paulo,
Espero conseguir mañana el libro y asi poder compartir esta experiencia con su maravillosa letra.
Sobre el libro le comento, por lo que dice, trata en parte sobre la inconformidad del ser humano, y esa perdida de valores que puede llevarnos a ser infelices, a hacer cualquier cosa para conseguir lo que se quiere, olvidando todo principio.
mejor busco el libro, ya estaremos en contacto!, gracias por este enlace.
Pd: espero que este ya a la venta en Vzla.
Hello Paulo!
I thought this book was very different, initiatilly, from your others, but of course as I got into it I realised that it touched on a lot of the similar themes I’ve found in your other books. I thnk success, as defined in the book, is worthless, without love, particularly self-love. All the glamour and money in the world will not make you happy if you despise yourself and the world you live in. Yes, money would make life easier and more pleasant, fame – I don’t know what that possibly can bring you, unless it is the knowledge that you are affecting others’ lives in a positive way, but it certainly is not a validation for your existence.
My goal in life now is to find true inner peace, love and strength, and then to use those to achieve whatever physical goals I may choose to pursue – and I know that I can achieve any of them with the right frame of mind. Still, if I really think about it, I really would like to make a contribution to other people’s happiness, and not necessarily with them acknowledging it. So the Superclass can go on believing in their own self-importance and enjoy the spoils of their work, but I would rather have a soul and know what it looks like.
Thank you for all your inspirational writing – I am glad that authors such yourself can also get on the best-seller lists, alongside the pulp fiction that we usually find there.
Love
Dorothy
Dear Paulo, Love your books. It’s a pleasure to be part of these blog. I will get the book as soon as possible, an discuss my thoughts on it later. Well one cuestion, when we will get the chance to see you in Puerto Rico? Hope that it will be soon. Am glad that your new book question our thought about what we really want to make our dreams come true and how we let society take part on what we deside in our life. Thanks for the love that you put in your work, the experience and spirituality.
Much love, Lariza
Olá Paulo,
Eu li-o no Natal. Gostei porque é ao mesmo tempo uma espécie de thriller que dá vontade de continuar sempre a ler até ao fim e também tem a vertente de crítica social dos bastidores muito realista. O que acho também, e esta é a parte má, é que é muito mais ?light do que a maior parte dos seus outros livros, não tão marcante. E, voltando à parte boa, acho que o retrato do protegonista é muito profundo e interessante e ao mesmo tempo que cria uma certa perplexidade também origina uma certa indugência, empatia, não sei, é um personagem curioso, misteriorso, dá que pensar se é um puro psicopata sem perdão ou se é simplesmente algué em que um de nós também se poderia tornar.
Obrigada! Parabéns!
Margarida
I am currently working my way through all of your books in no discernible order, and I have to thank you. Sometimes when I’m reading, I feel like you are writing directly to me or about exactly what I’m feeling. Every book I have read has helped me to put things into perspective and really evaluate my own life in a way that I have never thought of before.
“The Winner Stands Alone” was wonderful because again, it opened my eyes to a whole other world I know nothing about. I can see the characters in people all around me. Their struggles and pain are real, and people will stop at nothing to get what they want no matter who gets hurt.
I know I am on the path to finding my own ‘personal legend” and I feel grateful that the messages in your books are helping me along.
Thank you so much!
I think it’s not a fair way of looking the world although I can understand how people may see the rewards as the most important thing.
Being a winner is much more than being showered by rewards such as money, respect and honour. These are just rewards.
Rewards are given collectively if there is a service that has been done for the society. So being a winner really is about giving something to the society as a whole and therefore rewarded. Obviously the society can be fooled; it’s not a perfect mechanism.
I think in the end, all these bounties mean absolutely nothing when society does not exist. self-respect becomes arrogance or delusion, you never know. money is for transaction which cannot be done alone, not to mention being rich. a king is not a king without his subjects.
In the story, I can understand that social ties are not as strong as it used to be and so the purpose of rewards are blurred. But I don’t think it’s missing and I think *just an idea* realizing the true morality in terms of service to society will lead us far from greed and sins.
Hi Paulo,
I am a fan of your writing but i can’t say i “liked” this book as much as your others… and yet at the same time i was compelled to keep going to the end to see how it turned out. It was one of those stories that i am glad i read, but it didn’t leave me feeling very happy at all.
I suppose the reason i didn’t like this one so much was that i didn’t relate to many of the characters at all… or rather nearly all of them were people i would hate to become… except maybe parts of jasmine, hamid and ewa… they at least seemed more concerned with putting others before themselves… all of the others were far too worried about themselves and to the point where what every situation seemed to be summed up by “will this give me an advantage or not”…. and i can’t imagine living like that… would be so boring!!!
One part i really remembered in the story was when the assistant (adrogynous) found himself surprised that gabriela actually wanted to know him personally… and he was so unused to seeing that in his life that it startled him for a second… for some reason i remember this one the most as i was thinking, how sad would i be if i ever found myself surprised in this way? how unfeeling to people around me would i have to become?
anyway, i am glad i read it, even if it was not a story to “like”.
Your a great writer (my favourite) so please keep telling us insights to the world through your eyes.
Steve
hi paulo,
i’m so glad that you have initiated this discussion, you are a great productive writer and benevolent person. I just want to ask for your permission to published this links because some of my friends and I loves your previous book.. I am sure that they will be very happy when they know you will be online during this 30 days…
i do really hope and that this newest book that you had written soon be published in indonesia…
thank you for inspiring me and my friends…
warm regards
dian
Hola Paulo, he terminado de leer tu libro “The Winner stands alone” y me encanto los temas que tratas en el. Como enfocas la realidad del mundo del modelaje, los actores, etc. y hasta que punto las personas son capaces de hacer por lograr sus ambiciones, suenos, etc.
He leido todos tus libros hasta ahora, creo que no hay alguno que se me haya pasado y siempre aprendo algo de cada uno de ellos.
Este en particular me gusto, es un poco diferente a tus demas libros, pero igual es muy interesante de principio a fin.
El final para mi fue inesperado, me hubiera gustado que Igor sea descubierto, dime cual es el mensaje al final, tu dices que “The winner stands alone” pero por que motivo Igor se sentiria ganador despues de haber destruido tantos universos y creo que eso a cualquiera le pesaria en la conciencia. Si tienes un chance me podrias explicar este mensaje final con respecto al caracter de Igor.
Besos, y espero que pronto podamos leer otra de tus geniales obras.
To Paulo
I also just have to say your such as Inspiration & my Favorite author. Your books have turely helped me though when times are hard.
love Jo
Your biggest gift to the world is that you share your thoughts with us. Thank you Maestro for letting us join you on this journey. That being said, I loved “The Winner Stands Alone”. I started reading it when you first released a chapter every week & was enthralled, waiting for each week to end to get another installment. I felt sorry for Igor — up to a point. One of my biggest takes from this book is the choices each character made. What they chose to do or not do dictated how their life played out. Like in “Witch of Portobello”, I enjoyed the quick changing of perspectives from character to character; it was like watching a television show play out, hoping this was just someone’s screenplay playing itself out for a potential production company . . . only to find out & remember that some people are just that crazy. He (Igor) thought what he was doing was right, and I know we have all met our fair share of people like him. I agree, getting a view of the inner sanctum of fashion & movie-making & luxury reminded me the facade is not all it is cracked up to be. It also made me revisit which I’d prefer, if given the chance, fame or fortune . . . and the cost of each to my soul. You must always have a balanced, strong sense of self, no matter what you do in this life. Again, thank you for sharing your beautiful soul & imagination with us all.
I’ve only just started reading “The Winner Stands Alone” but
gosh there’s so much I want to say! I’m finding the book quite comforting as I can really relate to Gabriela character. I’m an inspiring model/dancer and I sometimes wonder why I’m putting myself through all the rejection, struggle and worry that comes with being in the performing industry., I don’t feel like I’ve chosen to dance, I feel dance has chosen me! And I couldn’t imaging doing or being anyone else. You have to have so much drive and determination & you spend most of your time living in hope that you’ll get an audition or you’ve booked a job.
It’s so true how no one speaks about there difficulties and challenges but I bet if we all did we’d be a lot happier & relieved in knowing we’re all going through the same thing and we’re not alone.
thank you
Dear Paulo
Why did you chose main hero to be Russian?
Thank you
Tanya
P.S. Sorry if someone already asked it: I access your blog via iPhone and most comments did not load.
Dear Paulo,
You never cease to amaze me with the power of your words and your interpretation of each character’s sense of reality. I truly believe that the Winner Stands Alone is probably one of your best work ever. It goes beyond the public’s perception of fame and fortune for you covered each characters’ emotions, insecurities and twisted fates when it came to their ambitions of being celebrities.
Igor, though he does seem to have moments of insanity throughout the book since he would revert in and out of his conscience and believes the good in what he is doing, is a very powerful character, because he represents the Mr. Hyde in all of us. Reading about his emotions and obsession with Ewa… Although it did sound twisted and sick, it does occur in real life.
I could say a lot more about my interpretations of the book but I would really like to comment you about your work. I truly am a fan and I do hope that you would continue your writing. You are a very enlightening author and I recommended you to all my family and friends who in turn, became fans of your as well. Thank you so much for having written a marvelous book.
Sincerely,
Sara
oh gee! i got the book a week ago! :P not done yet but i’m lovin’ it. haha
Hi Paulo, I’m really glad you started this bookclub, I’ve been thinking for a few months now to start one in my home town of Glasgow, Scotland, this is even better…..! for me the message is to look internally to satisfy your dreams, to lislten to your heart, follow your values, live to be true to yourself even though a lot sometimes has to be given up……….with love Lynnex
I worried about all of the characters as if they were ‘real’, rooting for them to wake up, even Igor! What amazed me too, was learning about depth of the corruption in these industries…human beings becoming commodities, willingly in some instances. Because of this book, I now feel better about being so choosy about movies that I watch. Have wondered about the price others pay for my entertainment..now I know. Thank you Paulo, Loved this book!! : )
Querido Paulo,
Muito interessante esse debate sobre o livro “O Vencedor está Só”
Eu estou muito interessada de saber as opiniões para eu poder ver a minha. Na verdade esse livro é diferente dos outros que vc. escreveu, digo, na minha opinião; porque não foca o amor como a maioria vê.
Achei que o Igor não amava de verdade. Achei que ele se confundia em algumas passagens entre amar a solidão e propriamente o Amor.
Os outros personagens a meu ver, buscaram caminhos prontos. Eu não vi, assim, como “A Bruxa de Portobello”, uma busca por algo ou à algo mais intenso, que realmente satisfizesse a Alma.
A maioria dos personagens do Vencedor está Só, ficaram no vazio naquela rotina inacabada de futilidades. Não consegui enxergar nenhum personagem que buscou algo de melhor para si.
Mas achei bacana ler esse livro escrito por vc.
beijos,
com amor,
Mari.
Because you in a way gave me that answer! Obrigado!
Dear Paulo,
First of all I want to say sorry if I was rude with my comments about not having the book in Mexico, but I think it was because I really wanna a read it all, you are indeed my favorite writer and your books have been turning points in my life, so I think that my reaction was because I felt left out of your world, but well I’m back!
And I actually have something to say about your book and the superclass and breaking dreams, and glitter and glamour.
I have had the precious chance to see many countries and many different ways of life, but nothing has been so shocking to me than my experience here at the capital of my country, Mexico City… The fact is, there are really few places where you can see so much differences and I mean big ones, in lifestyles, educational level, incomes, etc… In the same area you can find the poorest house without any services and 10 minutes far the Mexican version of Manhattan, with celebrities, premiers with even Hollywood stars, old women with brand new plastic bodies, spending thousands of dollars trying to fill their emptiness… and just ten minutes down the hills one of the poorest suburbs in Mexico…. If someone is so curious the place is called Santa Fe, one of the richest and the poorest areas of Mexico at the very same time!
I’ve been told that in Brazil there are similar places, and my question is?! how can you keep your dreams when you see so much difference, how the people can be so blind of this reality and driven by vanity and glitter, I mean I kind of understand this if you don’t realize that there are so many realties out your bubble, bu if you see that each day how can it be normal?!!!
Anyway, I feel a lot of times like a crazy one trying to keep my dreams and follow it, but It seems that the world is going to somewhere else, I travel in public transport instead of having a car to feel powerful and to keep my bubble, I try to talk with any one and not looking the people as servants I hate people doing that, and I try to convince my mates that we should change somethings.
Gracias a Dios I have had a lot of good opportunities and I have the stomach and the soul fulfill and at the same time I stay hungry and foolish and fighting for my dreams, but I think that at some point I will get tired and I will use my “fancy” car and hugo boss suits and keep my self in that bubble with the cloudy dreams and finally getting used to that…. how can I keep going dear Paulo… I know how actually! I keep my dream in my heart and I remember how the sun looks like when it’s cloudy and I try and try again to get, sometimes I can sometimes I don’t but I always try, and some day I’m gonna get it!
Thanks for your work and for sharing your legend with us!
Carlitos
Dear Carlos
I am moved by what you say.
Very moved.
The world needs Warriors of the Light who are alive, so first you make sure you are alive, well, and healthy, in your mind, body and spirit.
Don’t burn yourself out.
Then remember that Life is a gift. So many people die every day. And this day, you are alive. So love yourself and love others in whatever way you can.
Forgive the people who are blind.
Remember if you think you need the Hugo Boss clothes, God gave you something much better, a heart and soul clothed with dreams, love and care for yourself and others.
Remember you are rich beyond any rich man’s wildest dreams. You can dance to music, you can sing, you can laugh, you can work, you can smell nature, you can SEE. And all this is FREE.
Bendiciones Hermano.
Podria haberlo dicho todo en Espanol porque pase 16 anos de mi vida en Espana, pero se me olivdo con mis ganas de hablar contigo.
Dear Carlitos,
You write “how can you keep your dreams when you see so much difference”
but who told that the dream cannot exactly be to CHANGE the world? To dream does not mean “daydreaming”, and the English word “dream” may be a bit misleading in this sense!
A real dream is a dream that is completely rooted in reality.
Yes, being able to dream also implies seeing beyond the tangible, beyond what is visible
… but it does not mean forgetting about what we directly see in front of our eyes!!!
When we dream we see everything.
The more you are moved by the injustices, the more your own mission on Earty may be exactly to CHANGE this.
To fight against injustice.
Use your anger, canalise it, to fight the good fight.
András.
… the question is not “how can you dream”.
The question is: how can you NOT dream.
Are you able NOT to dream, when you see so much injustice?
Are you able not to dream of a better world?
Are you able not to fight for that?
…
I haven’t read the book Paulo, but I do know something about power, celebrity and the cult of personality.
I had a holiday once in Cap Ferrat (a millionaire’s playground on the Cote D’Azur,France) – a complete accident – and met alot of American ladies who had had an enormous amount of surgery to help them stay young looking. They had lots of money and their lives were empty.
I also met a writer, a poet, who was using his fame and status to sell writing paper for an upmarket luxury stationery manufacturer.
Power for anyone who has eyes to see, is a human disease.
It is a club one can join as an innocent due to fate, but if one doesn’t have very clear moral and ethical ideas about life, slowly everything starts to get blurry and unclear.
And then one meets such nice people in the club, people we like and even love, and it becomes even more difficult to be true to oneself when these people are so nice.
It’s the Human Condition everywhere.
I experienced this aspect of the Human Condition in an Evangelical church, where there is no culture of money per se.
Everyone was so nice, and many were people I really liked and even loved. But, their philosophy was one of intolerance and bigotry.
I managed to leave – and lost many friends, but I knew what was true and what was right.
I think it is harder to do this in other situations where everything is more apparently ambiguous and unclear.
We need “the inevitable” as you so correctly wrote in The Fifth Mountain, to shake us out of the “dream”.
My heart and soul goes out now to the families of the victims of Monday’s air accident.
They are what REALLY MATTERS in life. Their hearts and their love for the loved ones they have lost.
THEY ARE LIFE, not the rubbish of all these human cliques and clubs.
Blessings Paulo,
Karen xxxxxxxxx
Dear Karen,
I really enjoyed reading your post… My prayers also go towards the victims of Monday’s flight.
Much love
well said Karen
Love
Karen-
Your description of the “ladies who had had an enormous amount of surgery to help them stay young looking” brought a smile onto my face.
One of my children was commenting on botox and said – how ridiculous it was that people would inject poison onto their faces in order to get rid of wrinkles -
I thought he had a point.
:)
It is possible??? I come from Poland. Have yoe ever been there? Maybe here you will find new idea for new novel:)
Dear Izabela,
of course I’ve been to Poland before. I really love your country.
Please, follow my agenda here in the blog – and next time I’ll go to Poland it would be a pleasure meeting you.
Much love
I’m just sincere. Do you know what is my dream? To know you personally!
Dear Paulo!
I have to read your new novel, because you are my favourite writer! You’re my inspiration to write a book and I wrote it! Just for family and friends, but I’m glad.
I feel and really understand your style, feelings, seeing the world. I believe in destiny, legend.
Your novels keeps me awake!Thank you very much!!!
Dear Izabela,
thank you for the warm words.
Much love
So, I don’t wanna achieve success. I would rather to have a humble life.
I agree with that people who have a lot of money they want more.
Hi Paulo! I read that you’ll be doing a workshop on The Winner Stands Alone in Plurk all month, and I’m really excited about it! It interests me that you deal about the trade-off to achieving one’s dreams. I’ll go buy my copy in the nearest bookstore today and will read with much gusto and haste. =D
Dear JC,
welcome aboard. Great to see plurk friends in the blog.
Love
What is “plurk” please?
Thank you.
Marie-Christine
Dear Paulo
As always with your books there are many hidden messages that the reader must discover for themselves. Usually I find that your books come to me when I am going through a similar situation to the characters in the story so I can relate very well to them. This book wasn’t the same for me, as there was only one character I could relate to who was only in the story for a short time. However, it was after I read the book, not during it that I found many similarities happening in day to day life. I will be here too long if I mention them all today so maybe I will write later in the month :)
One coincidence that I will quickly mention is the following day, my fiance chose us a film to watch together. The film was…Blood Diamonds!! I was so surprised as until reading your book I had no idea of the seriousness of this topic. What I found more intriguing is during the film I found so many connections to your books and also to quotes that you have written over the years. It made me wonder if you had any input into the film or if the film was influenced in any way by books/quotes you have written. I would like to discuss this more, but I have said I will be quick on this post so maybe I will post more about it during the month. One character in particular, Benjamin Kapanay, I thought, made a lot of references. Especially to The Alchemist and also The Devil and Miss Prym. Are you aware of these coincidences? I would love to hear from you to hear your thoughts.
I found this book very different and a lot more intense than your other books I have read, but, I love the way you covered and raised awareness of so many serious issues in the world today in such a way that the it wasn’t until I had finished the book that I realised how much I had learnt from it. I will read the book again one day, but for now, it is in Switzerland with Ruth, a wonderful friend of mine.
Love
Alex
Alex Sandra UK
“Blood diamonds” a good movie indeed
yes alex, awareness is the first step to be to understand, to be yourself freely
follow a system, and find explanations as excuses for any act! NO
the important thing is not to forget from a society influenceable
think, be free, be, live, wake up, be yourself, love all ciconstances
I really hope that the insights into our society, after the financial crisis, will bear fruit
indeed, many things to say, but it is preferable that everyone feels (by reading, and also by reading: step by step, but forward:” So thank you for the messages conveyed by the words in the books”and for the work..all. Sido)
Alex, I also had similar experience not only after but even while I read it the first time, I mean, it was only…. Obvious!!
Not all of it though, definitely not!
Looking forward to more (sort of ;)
I was aware of blood diamonds before I read of them in The Winner Stands Alone, but I am pleased Paulo Coelho has raised awareness of this dreadful trade and brought it to the attention of a wider audience.
Tuesday I was in Ben’s Records in Guildford. There on the shelf was the film Blood Diamonds begging me to take it away. I resisted the temptation.
I didn’t pick up a DVD of Blood Diamonds last week when I could have done. Then regretted my decision. Hence I picked up a copy at the weekend and watched it last night.
Like Santiago in The Alchemist, I have learnt to read the signs!
I tend not to like Hollywood films, they are too focused on American audiences and bums on seats, but I have to agree with the previous comments that it is a very good film. I would say an absolute must to watch when you have read The Winner Stands Alone.
Something though I am at a loss is the references to The Alchemist and The Devil and Miss Prym. I expected to find the mercenary guy with copies of both books and to be quoting from them. A Sierra Leone fisherman is not likely to have heard of Paulo Coelho, let alone read his books, though I am willing to be corrected.
Maybe Alex Sandra UK would care to elaborate or maybe I just missed the obvious.
Or was it a more general reference, as in The Alchemist the search for hidden treasure and in The Devil and Miss Prym the villagers being tempted to commit evil, to break one of the Ten Commandments, to kill to get the eleven bars of gold?
What I did see was that good people can do evil, evil people do good, which is a theme in the writing of Paulo Coelho, especially The Devil and Miss Prym.
We are the same as the evil man. We are the same as the saint. The only difference between us and they is the choices we make, the path we choose to tread. Like Jasmine, we can choose the path less troden.
If Blood Diamonds gets across to a wider audience this vile trade, that people buying blood diamonds are financing violent conflict, that is good.
I tried to think how I knew of this trade. I am still not sure, but it could be the report by Global Witness mentioned at the beginning of the film.
http://www.globalwitness.org/pages/en/conflict_diamonds.html
http://www.globalwitness.org/data/files/media_library/7/en/the_truth_about_diamonds.pdf
http://www.blooddiamondaction.org/
I will have to watch the film again. I watched it on wide screen TV last night. Next time I will watch it on my laptop.
The music I have to admit I did not really notice.
Another film set in Africa well worth watching is Black Gold. Like Blood Diamonds, Black Gold looks at an exploitative trade, this time coffee. I saw Black Gold at the BeyondTV International Film Festival a couple of years ago (Cannes it is not). I then went out and bought the film.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/12/387310.html
Keith
Like everyone else I have been refering to the film as Blood Diamonds. It should be Blood Diamond!
I also gave an incorrect link for !The Winner Stands Alone!. It should be
http://www.heureka.clara.net/books/the-winner-stands-alone.htm
Sorry!
Keith
I think this is a great idea!
As you know I use to send a letter with my thoughts,
but this can be so much more constructive – as we all
read in different ways depending on our personal history
and culture.
An interesting exchange and you’ll be able to communicate
with a lot of readers at the same time too. :-)
Once I get the chance to have one copy in Mexico I will made a comment! why there’s no books in Mexico?!
Dear Carlitos,
the book will be released in Mexico in September 2009.
Hi,MY DEAR PAULO!
Today was a excelent DAY!I have found “The winner stands alone”in Thalia BOOKSTORE,and I´ve baught a orange T-shirt from MANGO store too!(the white one I have allready from Bukarest).Now I need only intervalls (I meen the children),to read it,so that I can accompany you all in this BEAUTYFUL WORCK SHOP!
About BEAUTY dear Anne Claude:the perception of beauty for mans and for womens have in my opinion to do with the very first START in this LIFE suported or not from our PARENTS!
THE ROOT CHAKRA(FIRST 7 YEARS).And if parts of this are still not integrated because of diferent reasons,we are in danger to be quicker and lighter manipulated from this BIG ECONOMY APARAT!which meens for me…STABILITY for us and the Generationes after(our children),begins with our first Thoughts and feeligs and cpacity to love our children unconditional and act acordingly(like risk in the moment of birth to not intervenate in the natural process,even if it`s paining(epidural anestethtik)etc.,eccept the very particulary cases.Conclusion:Trust and LOVE (but is much esyer to say ,as to leave ALL that…because of our karmik and life allready engraved CONDITIONS)_that´s we are ALL hear(in my opinion)!…and MAY GOD HELP US to make a GOOD WORCK TOGETHER!
Love and Gratitude!
Mirela(the woman in love)
I haven’t read this book yet but reading comments about it is really interesting.
i think that if even comments are fascinating the book will be great! =)
I have a question on Olivia, who is one of the characters in the book I pity mostly. Her boyfriend beats her, nevertheless she cannot stop love him, she is murdered without seizing a chance to flee or to get help and when the poor girl is dead, it still becomes worse – she has to accept the role of Igors (her murderer) angel.
What has she done to earn such a fate?
Shall her character describe the impersonation of a victim in your book?
Dear Monika,
It’s unjust that she dies the way she does – even Igor himself recognizes this. It is the beginning – where a huge injustice takes place and Igor can turn back before completing his murderous scheme. Yet he chooses not to do that and justifies – in his twisted psyche – that he has to continue.
This is the moment when we can clearly detect when people twist reality so that it can fit their illusions.
Olivia pays for this while being innocent – and so she reveals the barbarity and cruelness of Igor.
What an exciting project Mr. Coelho.
My grandfather has died at 89 years old this month, after 55 years of marriage with my grandmother.
They quarelled a lot but they loved each other.
For example, when the doctors told they cannot cure the disease, my grandmother didn t “put” my grandfather in a hospital, like so many people do when their relative is dying (I am a doctor). He died at home.
On the funeral my grandmother was standing there as a winner. Like a fighter with so many wounds, but a fighter who has won. She stayed near the man she loved till the end.
Now she is alone.
The winner is alone.
Maybe I will buy her your book.
Dear András,
beautiful description of your grandmother. She’s truly a warrior of light.
I haven’t yet read your new book but have just finished “Brida” and
am currently in the middle of “Eleven Minutes”.
I have been enthralled by both and wish to congratulate you on these and your other works.
I greatly identify with Maria in “Eleven Minutes” and the revelations on love are both controversial and inspirational.
I believe every young woman should read this book in the hope that it will give them an insight into the kinds of love that they may be, unwittingly, drawn into.
Love, like freedom, is a responsibility.
Thank you for sharing your talents!
I too identified with Maria in Eleven Minutes. I was re-introduced to a part of my soul I had neglected, through this particular book.
I couldn’t agree more ‘every young woman should read this book’, though I am thinking of The Winner Stands Alone not Eleven Minutes, so they can learn and understand how they are are being manipulated and exploited, and then maybe they will throw off their chains.
From a very early age I could never understand why people thought they were being cool, trendy, hip, when in reality they were being manipulated. The real trend setters are those who do their own thing.
My lovely Russian friend Alissa recommended that I read Eleven Minutes. I did and I enjoyed it. I in turn recommended that she read Brida. A copy of which I have given her for her birthday.
So true, i will definintely not forgive you writing by following a formula.
I am half way through the book, the character of Igor to date my comment his manipulation of his own thoughts justifies his belief.
Ego.
the power of ones ego.
looking forward to this workshop.
It was a risk. Like “Eleven Minutes” for example. But I must write books that speak to my soul. My readers will forgive a book that they don’t like (I hope this is not the case) but they will never forgive me for writing a book that is just following a formula.
yes paulo !
u are accused of not being a litereray figure, of not being a novelist par excellance 1 i hope u don’t mind that. becuase what u are doing is more than litreture, you are pursing a spiritual journey called life and you are sharing your ‘discoveries’ with us, which is a greater help to humanity than what is expected from plain litreture.
regards
PS : i will have to expedite reading “winner stands alone’( in about 15 days i have munched through half of it ), for i wish to participate very sincerely, winner stands alone ! everyone stands alone ! even when we are ‘togather’ it is alonenessess which are togather !
a formula one I hope for you Paulo! :)
Dear Paulo,
Having read only the 12 first chapters, my feed back will be incomplete. Yes, the scene were Igor coldblooded using some Russian technique to kill the lovely innocent girl selling jewelries on the street, is just so upsetting to me. Igor’s attitude of how her jewelries was bad taste, and how motionless he just goes ahead and kills her…took me into a serial killer’s mind, where I don’t want to go. Yes, I have watched these serial killer’s stories, ‘Hannibal’ and what have you. Yes, I do watch Law & Order’s episodes about serial killers.
Starting reading ‘The Winner Stands Alone’ just made me decide, I don’t want to go there, in a novel by you. It might make me wonder about who you really are, what your belief and values really is, and I find it a bit difficult to remember it’s just a literary character. No, it doesn’t make me appreciate you less as one of my favorite writers! Just, keeps me on my tip toes, and reminds me of always taking the time to learn to know somebody, even authors. Your book might have made me a bit more scared of ever being alone with you….
Heart
I have just started reading your book.
I found it fascinating.
As the mother of a teenage girl obsessed by clothes, make-up and the likes I found your reflections about the world of fashion and glitter very refreshing. When we are walking around town we all feel we are being maniputaled. It’s worse for women as our look matters so much more than for men. (They get away with big bellies, beard stubbles etc…) Although the fashion industry is trying to harness men’s vanity as well. My husband and my generation are safe from it but some of the younger lads are starting to use loads of beauty products.
As for weight worries…Young slim girls thinking they are getting fat. It’s all very worrying.
Keep well!
Anne-Claude
Men are not imune. But I always ask myself: why men dye their hair? Honestly, I cannot understand that. Do they want to look young? What is wrong in getting old? Anyway, I believe that the current economic crisis may reshape the way we see each other.
Women dye their hair too. Not as many men dye their hair as they lose them. Some wear wigs. It is not recent: throught History people have always tried to make themselves look and feel better. And there have been some funny and dangerous fashion before. And the less wealthy have always like to emulate the richer and more influencial members of society. The differnce now is that the way we should look is splashed all over the walls, the magazines, the screens. Everywhere!
It is not a personal thing anymore but it is the business of all.
And it makes so many feel inadequate.
But beauty is from inside, right?
:)
Pass your daughter a copy of The Winner Stands Alone. If she likes it, then ask her to pass the word around to her friends. Maybe the message will get across.
Sadly too many girls are too fat – look in England and the USA – through eating junk food and lack of exercise, but there are also those who are slim who think themselves fat due to the false image spread by skinny models who look like escapees from a Nazi concentration camp.
Yes, if kids have a good diet and get exercise, then yes, they should be ok. They also need mental stimulation. And fresh air.
I despair when I see the garbage that is on TV and the garbage that is shoveled out in the glossy celebrity magazines.
Parents who take their kids to the local McVomit as a ‘treat’. Not a treat, more like child abuse.
I hope your daughter enjoys The Winner Stands Alone when she gets the chance to read it.
Another book I’d recommend for her is No Logo by Naomi Klein.
Yes and it is all going to be grey – it is grey that matters no?
I was really surprised by this book – it is very different from your other books. You have already said the readers either love or hate it. I personally love it. But I think especially the end will unsettle some readers. Did it cost you quite an effort to try out something new? The risk is high to lose your regular readers!
I saw one review somewhere where the reviewer said he did not like Paulo Coelho and as for The Winner Stands Alone, he thought the characters lacked depth. I found another very similar review. I hasten to add it is not what I thought.
I thought The Winner Stands Alone was very apt for today’s world.
My own thoughts on The Winner Stands Alone are too long to add here, so instead I give a link.
http://www.heureka.clara.net/books/the-winner-stands-alone.htm
I enjoyed reading The Winner Stands Alone. My copy has now gone to Moscow as a late surprise birthday present for my lovely friend Alissa. On her birthday she got from me a copy of Brida, possible one of my favourite books by Paulo Coelho, though it depends upon my mood at the time.
The ending I found to be very dark, it left me rather chilled, as though someone had just walked over my grave.
Dear Keith,
I thank you for your in depth post about the book.
You touch upon many of the themes that I wish to handle with all of you throughout the month on June : celebrity adulation, manipulation of dreams, quest for outward power. To name a few.
Thank you for tackling all these themes – and I will be glad to discuss them more in depth in the up-coming weeks.
Love
I just bought your book today! Honestly I was a little surprised by the plot of the story and even the cover. Because it seemed like chick lit at first. But after reading the first 50 pages, the story is of course, far from any chick lit. I think it is a rather grim story, and I am constantly reminded of the Bible verse which you also quoted “vanities of vanities”. I am a little afraid to finish the story because I am a little like Gabriela. I shall finish the book soon and get back to you.
Dear Lorraine,
can’t wait for your feedback – specially if you feel close to the character of Gabriela.
Can I ask you in which way you feel close to her?
Love
Le gagnant, Paulo, n’est ce pas de se sentir bien dans sa peau?
d’etre soi-meme, de faire des “galipettes” comme ma mere a 87 ans si on en a envie et si ca derange les gens, et bien tant pis.
:)
Chère Marie Christine,
je suis totalement d’accord – le vrai succès c’est celui qui nous amène l’enthousiasme.
Avec amour
Paulo
I will also write in English so that others understand:
Dear Marie Christine,
I couldn’t agree more with you : success is a life filled with enthusiasm.
Much love
Paulo
Wow, Paulo thank you for doing this, this is so wonderful!!
I started reading it again since the first time through I couldn’t wait to see how the story unfolded. So I will reserve a little time to re-read it before commenting!
This is truly a Wonderful gift! You’re the Best!
Thank you!
love.
I think what I got out of my stay in Monaco and by reading the book
“The winner stands alone” is that the world is my oyster in which ever way I design it.
I still think that when you have find your niche in life you can only have success – everything comes in together -.
and nobody else can do it but you.
The important is to keep dreaming.
The glamour side of it is just an “empty nest”.
This is a great idea I really love to discuss my thoughts on the book and the characters as well.
Querido Paulho
Aun no he tenido el placer de leer tu nuevo libro. Pero he leido tu comentario.
EL cumplimiento del deseo es el fin de la ilusion !
Por ello siempre sentiremos cierto vacio al llegar a nuestras metas…y ese vacio es el que da fuerza al motor del espiritu para ir en busca de nuevas metas y del cumplimiento de nuevos deseos…y asi hasta la muerte. No importa si el deseo es un deseo de ser un gran artista o un buen esposo…siempre el deseo sera eso mas alla de la meta que se persiga.Lo que hay que analizar es la cuestion del desoe como tal y no cual es el objetivo del mismo. ALgunos reemplazan dinero x amor…otros fama x el vacio que sienten en su interior . Pero de una u otra manera es la razon de vivir y de llegar a la meta. Si al cumlir el deseo no llegariamos al fin de la ilusion entonces no sentiriamos el vacio que sienten el artista de holywwod que a pesar de su fama necesita de drogas o alcohol para llenar su vacio…cada cual llena su vacio de diferentes maneras…y ese vacio algunas veces se transforma en la musa inspiradora de nuevos caminos que tal vez nos conduciran a la meta….la meta querido amigo para mi , para ti y para todo ser vivo de este mundo es LA FELICIDAD
Y cambiando de tema…hice un comentario sobre los UFO
yo los vi….yo los vi muy cerca….tal vez demasiado cerca….
un abrazo y estas invitado a visitar Tierra Santa , aqui vivo , en la tierra de los patriarcas…de Jesus y de Mahoma…si aun no has estado aqui espero consideres mi humilde invitacion…y tal vez to de esa manera cumpla mi anhelado deseo de tenerte frente a mi, a ti querido Maestro Coelho….y asi tambien como otros…llegar al fin de mi ilusion :)
Javier
Paulo… it’s you!!!!! Oh how exciting!! :D
Dear Paulo,
Thank you for that insight. My enthusiasm is raising already.
Merci pour cet apercu. Mon enthousiasme augmente…”Galipette” in sight- somersault” en vue”.
I thought I mixed it up.just for the fun of it.:)
With love
Marie-Christine
Carolena- you move in pretty fast.
Thanks Paulo
Later today, I will update my thoughts and add a little more.
http://www.heureka.clara.net/books/the-winner-stands-alone.htm
There is actually quite a lot more I could add, but would anyone then read!
I feel like reading The Winner Stands Alone again, but my copy is now in Moscow. Special thanks to my lovely friend Nadya for offering to take it to Alissa as a special birthday surprise, and pleased to hear you enjoyed the melon and the wine.
When I read The Winner Stands Alone a couple of weeks ago, although I enjoyed it, I was not in the mood, whereas now I am.
I have recommended The Winner Stands Alone to lots of people. Today I recommended it to the Guildford Institute in Guildford for their little library.
Keith
I will pass it on to her when I have read it all.
It’s hard for girls: on one hand, there is the skinny look from the fashion magazines, on the other hand you have all these curved dancers on music videos prefered by the boys to the skinny models!
But with a normal diet there shouldn’t be any underweight or overweight kids in an ideal world.
And teenagers will always find something wrong with themselves. My generation just kept quiet about it, but my kids’s generation is more outspoken about it. And the are a target for consumerism far more than we were.
Well, I think I’m like Gabriela because like her, I am ambitious, determined, I don’t let peoples negative thoughts stop me from what it is that I want. I also have a sense of revenge in me, like her, when at school everyone made fun of her, she said that one day she’ll show them.
Dear Paulo,
That interview you gave ….was lacking in audio..
Could not hear a thing except one clapping at one time.
Thought I mbntion it.
:)
Couldn’t agree more!
I like to sit for about an hour, close my eyes, and listen to it’s sound track. It sounds like an inspirational story [and the characters are like general virtues you are already familiar with e.g. inspiration, passion, courage, strength, hardship...]. I hope this makes sense.
Dear Annie,
as you said – you are 25. There are so many possibilities.
I, for instance, got my chance at the age of 40. So don’t think life has passed you by.
Also remind yourself that fighting is also a symbolic act – you can fight without hurting others. Your fight is a personal one that has a specific goal : your freedom from guilt and sorrow.
Love
Sweet Annie, think about what you are thinking about. All thought is creative. Thinks thoughts of what you want to create more of for yourself in your life. Anything is possible, believe this. It won’t hurt to believe it. Intend to think thoughts that will create love and an abundance of all things good for you and your surroundings. Just have faith and believe in miracles. And keep reading Paulo Coelho :o) Sending you much love, your a beautiful soul xox Julia
Thank you, Paulo. I will transmit your thoughts to her.
Annie, I’m curious, why do you feel guilty, how is it that you hurt others by fighting for your dream?
So yes Annie, you have all the time in the world… and you are exactly where you are supposed to be at this moment… do not doubt how this miraculous universe works… all the time… think it, feel it, see it and believe it, make it your reality… all the time sweetie. Keep the faith and expect miracles ;o) Much love xox
Lorraine, I can identify with what you say.
I remember a member of my family after I announced that “I could understand English” that “I was dreaming”. I said to myself “I’ll show you” it was not a sense of revenge that I had, just sheer determination. So I kept at it, listening to “Radio Caroline” on the radio, and trying to talk with anyone that spoke even a word of English.
The good thing about it, at that time the foreign movies were shown with the subtitles on. I miss that.
:)
Love
Marie-Christine
you can change this sense of revenge to more love for yourself (I don’t know this expression in English, sorry). If they made you bad things at school, is because you are special. Take profit of your special qualities and canalize them in a good way.
And in Spain?:-)
Kisses
Dear Miriam,
also in August / September 2009.
Much love
Paulo
Dear András,
You have just hit the point! Thank you so much for your post!
I agree with each line you wrote! and that is exactly my dream! to CHANGE the world, because I can see how it can be change I can see so many inequities which is the right word to address this, I have seen so many different places an ways of life where people can pursuit happiness based on equal opportunities, I have seen many thing and sometimes I just can’t handle too much things coming to my mind…
I do dream rooted in reality but sometimes too much inequities make me think that my dream is bigger than me, and I feel frustrated and alone, and I don’t find a way to help or I don’t see progress, I DO WANT TO CHANGE THIS! My dream is exactly that, It has always been to make this a better place to be, to leave it better than I found it, I have done somethings already, but there´s so much work out here and sometimes so few people that really cares… but as I said at the end I always try!
Actually I define myself as a dreamer, because as you said how can you not dream in a better future, that keeps me alive!
All the very best,
Carlitos
Thank you for all the replies to my comment :)
The film is not one I would usually watch, but it changed my views so much, that I was so grateful to have seen it. There is a lot to learn about the world within that film.
I think it is wonderful, Paulo, that you raise awareness and talk about so many of the problems and issues that the world faces today.
Dear Marie,
it’s a micro-bloggin platform (just like twitter). I have a profile there:
http://www.plurk.com/PauloCoelho
Much love
Paulo
Dear Paulo,
sorry, I have to ask what is a micro-bloggin platform?
I had a look at the profile….hum???
:)
Love
M.Ch.
Dear Karen!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR NICE WORDS!
You have just remembered me somethings that were hidden deep inside of me!
By the way, España it’s a beautiful place, my girlfriend is from Barcelona and I love her and her country, but that’s another story… the best one that I have so far!
Un abrazo fuerte Karen!
Thank you Annie, your examples with the swan and butterfly are lovely! I will have to think about that a little longer :)
Lots of love,
Barbara
Wow! I am deeply touched by the people on this blog. Let us, as the warriors of light, make a commitment to make the world a better place.
Sincerely,
Shivang.
Dear Annie,
how precious your support is!!
Yes, awareness is good… yet action is better :)
So I am working to get back to my dream, trying to solve practical problems right now, in order to be free to make a change.
I especially loved the line “there will come a time in which your heart will explode and will ask you to go back there where you belong”: I am sure it will happen like that, and hopefully it will happen soon!
I mean, I am here working hard to improve my present conditions, so change will take quite a long time… but, while I am working on tiny things, I guess the “explosion” may occur in just a few seconds, and change things suddenly and forever – no need to solve those practical issues anymore.
We shall see!!
Thanks for supporting and understanding me!
Love,
Rossana Curri
Dear Annie, yes. I had to knock a few doors and pass some obstacles before I had my chance. Also, once I decided I wanted to keep on writing – I faced the challenge.
Love
Paulo
For help in terms of visibility, I met with a municipal officer who said to love my concept and the help that would emanate from it for the community. He helped me, made me meet the Maire of the city, etc …, they bought tickets, came to my event to amass found and for visibility … and then, one day, he comes and tells me which organism I should help, etc … and then I sensed what was happening … I helped you, you owe me … but when I approached him, it was for making me realize my path, and not start diverting elsewhere or start to benefit the ones that he chosed (by the way, this organism is his sister’s) … I stay true to myself, being vigilant not to fall in the “owing pattern” … I must be like I say vigilant and not start to colour my path with the other’s colours. I found out that the other was thinking in terms of being seen as good by the community, of seeing his power increased, thinking of himself at the base and not like me from a community point of view, etc … I know from instinct that world and still am able to stay in relation with those but keeping in my mind that the priority are my just and noble intentions of help to the ones that my hearth, my intuition, my God will guide me to. For me this was clear, and I said this, and that I must not be afraid to say true to myself and not fall in that manipulation mode … For me, you accepted to help me and I did not sign a contract to become under you! I will help that organism by recognizance for his help but not in the “owing” kind of mode …
Goals should be categorized to short term and long term. When your goal is far to be reached, those short term goals should lead you to the long term great goal. You can’t reach to the roof unless you pass through different floors! To have a meaning to your life, you should have a dream goal ..
Annie, of course we should have aims and they should be high, what I meant is that we should think about if achieving our goals hurt somebody else or even ourselves. As in Paulo’s book Igor “destroyed worlds” in order to get what he wanted. Or sometimes people get so obsessed in having glamorous career that they ruin their families and at the end there’s nobody left to love them. The title of the book “The winner stands alone” makes me think at what cost I am ready to achieve my aims.
The other thing is that when you think all the time about your future success you miss the present – you do everything with the view of the future, and you yearn for it; finally when you get it, the happiness is enormous but when it fades away you feel empty again and you starts dreaming for something else. That’s how human mind is working. Too much is never enough:) What I am trying to learn, and I am getting better every day, is to be fully happy every single moment, feel grateful of what I have and don’t let thoughts of what don’t have and can’t be darken my day.
Thank you Annie! You seems to be a very nice girl, if you want you can add me in facebook – I’ll be happy to have you as a friend :) My page is: http://www.facebook.com/amira5.
Hi lil sis!
You are comparing mental or physical abuse, and correctly have come to the fact that psychological terror, can hurt a person much worse than physical hurts. As a crime, a murder however, is considered by the courts as much more severe, and it is regarded a mortal sin in religion.
Igor is thinking to himself that he does Olivia a favor of killing her, to relieve her from her situation of an abusive boyfriend, and a hopeless life, of as you describe it, where the ‘killing’ never stops and is hidden behind veils and layers of veils. You are right the psychological hurts are so very painful, many looses the will to live, and even kill themselves from such abuse.
But Annie, as long as there is physical life, there is hope of getting away from that ‘killing’?
Yes, WSA is definitely a Paulo novel as any of his others. It’s a great point you make, that the text reveals to you who wrote it. Now when you say so, I agree, it is his voice, the gentle angel of light voice, and we have seen the scary ‘turning into absolute evil’ before too. Even the shepherd boy at one point considers killing all his sheep. I believe Paulo believe light and dark is always part of each other, as Good and Evil. This for me is hard to accept, as to me there can be no Evil in God?
Love and ADMIRATION :)
Heart
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