Questions About ألف

by Paulo Coelho (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (5)

When Hilal is at the frozen fountain with Coelho and Tatiana he refers to her praying as a."ritual" which seems insulting to one whose heart and soul are open and praying to the almighty. He continues and calls her praying a cliche which seems to be out of step with the spirit of the book. Why is it a cliche?

David Quintero I believe Coelho felt up until that moment that Hilal was trying too hard to appeal to him, she thought of doing something 'spiritual' to get his appr…moreI believe Coelho felt up until that moment that Hilal was trying too hard to appeal to him, she thought of doing something 'spiritual' to get his approval, perhaps. And also, there was what Hilal perceived to be the threat of Tatiana, who (also up until this point) Coelho perceived she regarded as a rival (for his attention).

This is why he sees the ritual as cliché. But it all turned around when he saw that the moment had a profound effect upon Tatiana, he no longer thought of the moment as cliché. The two women hugged and became friends.

I guess Coelho understood a spiritual truth for himself at that moment. That what he might have judged as cliché from a position of superiority, could be exactly the medicine to soothe the pain of Tatiana's soul. This is why he is sure to express how crudely he regarded the situation at first, and how mistaken he might have been.(less)

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is there English translation? I looked for it many times but I don't find it yet... :(

Laurie yes because I am currently reading the english version

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Elif :) Have you read it?

Caroline Van Staveren Yes, and I couldn't stop reading till the end of it!…moreYes, and I couldn't stop reading till the end of it!(less)

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"...a warrior in search of his dream must take his inspiration from what he actually does and not from what he imagines himself doing." How would a warrior take an inspiration in nothingness? I mean, if this warrior is doing nothing with his life at the moment, where will he draw his inspiration from? How would he know where or what his inspiration will come from?

Maurie What is your definition of "nothing"? I read this book differently. It gave me a huge insight into who I am, how a full life spins out on many planes,…moreWhat is your definition of "nothing"? I read this book differently. It gave me a huge insight into who I am, how a full life spins out on many planes, and how one can achieve such a life. It is about far more than people doing this or that. It is about souls. I've read the Alchemist, and hope to read more of Coelho's books. They move me deeply.(less)

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