Product Description

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its simplicity and wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an Alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a meditation on the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is art eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than thesuffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has eversuffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second ofthe search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."--Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1555)

Thoughtful, simple, powerful
The last word I expected to use is "real" in describing a book about a search for buried treasure, yet that's the word that best defines The Alchemist.Santiago's story is an allegory for how many of us live our lives here in the real world.We assume wealth will bring happiness or at least comfort, but soon we learn to look for a more profound happiness - love, peace, and a purpose for living.

Coelho's style in delivering this tale is very simple, much like Hemingway's in The Old Man and The Sea.A more surprising and appropriate comparison might be with the parables of the New Testament.Both seek to enlighten in terms their audiences can understand.

In the end, the book makes you think about your own life.The questions it provokes may not be easy to answer, but the answers are worth seeking.

Life's Journey
I found this to be a profound book about life's journey.It is a road map to how to live one's life. This book revealed many life lessons and opportunities for reflections on one's own life.

persue your legend
This is a book telling a boy persuing his Personal Legend through a trip to the Egypt. By reading it, I really feel my soul become calm and clear. It also helps me to recognize myself.

FANTASTIC...INSPIRING IN ITS SIMPLICITY
Coelho discusses the four obstacles we encounter when pursuing our dreams:

1. "We are told from childhood onward that everything we want to do is impossible."

2. "Love...We know what we want to do, but are afraid of hurting those around us by abandoning everything in order to pursue our dream."

3. "Fear of the defeats we will meet on the path."

4. "The fear of realizing the dream for which we fought all our lives."

FULL REVIEW:

[...]

Inspirational read!
A very dear, long-time friend of mine recommended this book to me; and thus far, I am thoroughly enjoying this wonderful, inspirational adventure. ... Read more

Product Description
Tells the story of Charles Smithson's infatuation with the unusual Sarah Woodruff, whilst being engaged to a young lady of a good family and a considerable dowry. The author re-creates the feel of a Victorian novel. He also wrote "The Collector" and "The Magus". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (58)

conflicted fossil in the shifting earth
This is a very complex book with great metaphors, quotes, and symbolism that represent all the shifting values and ambiguities in the great time of transition in the 19th century England.Different cities play different degrees of attachment to Victorian principles, Lyme vs. London vs. Exeter,intriguing characters bring old and new ideologies which make the book multilayered, philosophical and much more than just a love story of Charles and Sara.Where does free will (ironically, given by God in the first place) fit in the age of Darwinian theories, where do rigid classism and status of women fit in the age of developing commerce and wealth by working people?Every character is stuck and "fossilized" to some degree in his/her own ways by convention, status, or religion, and therefore, the protagonist as a palentologist is a brilliant choice. The book,(so appropriately) begins with Marx, "Every emancipation is a restoration of the human world and of human relationships to man himself."I loved the type of writing that feels ageless, alot like Hardy, but personally didn't care for the structure of interjecting modern comments, and alternative story lines.It was distracting and felt unnecessary to me.

A magnificent work of art...with enduring appeal
If you are looking to read a synopsis of this elegant and masterful novel, turn to a different review. On the other hand, if what you are seeking is anecdotal testimony, then perhaps you'll find value in a 'recidivist' reader's lingering reflections...

Sometime in the mid-1970s, when I was home from school (and looking for something new to read), I picked up a paperback in my parents' library. The red-orange cover, the graphic of a woman lost in thought, the title The French Lieutenant's Woman, all intriguing. I was riveted. Drawn quickly into the story and the storytelling, engaged on an emotional and psychological level, finding in the words, the story an echo of almost primal origin. A connection that no other novel had ever approximated, even as Fowles, the novelist, kept reminding me this was fiction.

Some months, maybe even a year afterwards, my Dad and I went to a bookstore in Coconut Grove, Florida that sold `used' books exclusively. It was the first trip I'd made to a `used books' store, and in it I found a handsome, hardcover copy of The French Lieutenant's Woman. My memory of the event is not particularly vivid. As with so many experiences, it is lost to the corners of time, a dust mote. But what I do remember is the flood of sensations set in motion as I studied this slightly worn copy of the hardcover edition: the mood of the dust jacket, its enigmatic beauty, so much greater an honor to the qualities of the novel. (If one can attribute causality to a single event, with that purchase, I became a book collector.)

Upon completion of undergraduate studies, I traveled for three months to Europe. It was the autumn of 1979 and this was something of a last fling before I embarked upon the `rest of my life.' During my time in England, I traveled to Lyme Regis, the setting for this novel, spent a largely rain-swept week with my journal and camera. I walked along the Cobb and in Ware Commons. The time alone was peaceful and contemplative. And yet, in keeping with the more muted tones of the novel, the visit was colored by a saddened almost inexplicable sense of loss. I drew down into myself, my journal, conscious and self-conscious, Adam thrust out of the Garden.

Of course, through the passage of time (and with the disappearance of untold leisure hours), that sense of 'separation' has stilled to a soft echo. Now, more than thirty years later, there are all the commitments of work and family, the pursuits, distractions and fulfillments of life. But there remains the `memory' and in the memory the shrine we erect to preserve it.

ORIGINAL PAPERBACK & HARDCOVER EDITIONS:
The French Lieutenant's Woman
The French Lieutenant's Woman

Although it's a long book, it ended much too soon.
Review: THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN by John Fowles

It's the 1860s An English couple, Ernestina and Charles, walk together along a beach. He is a member of the aristocracy; she is spoiled and rich. They see from afar a mysterious woman standing still, staring out to sea. Ernestina tells Charles that the woman is variously called "the French lieutenant's whore" and "Tragedy"; she had an affair with a French lieutenant who went home and was never heard from again. Charles becomes curious.

The mysterious woman, Sarah, will keep you guessing throughout, right to the very end. You'll think she's pitiful, then you'll wonder if she's crazy, then you think she may be mean, and round and round.

THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN by John Fowles, written in 1969, is a Victorian-sounding novel. Fowles mimics the style of, maybe, Jane Austen or maybe Charles Dickens. At the same time, he interjects his own voice and compares the Victorian age with modern (1969) times.

This book is, although long, not long enough. When you read it, get very comfortable; you won't want to put it down. And you'll hate to see it end.

A novel only John Fowles could write
If you have read any novel by John Fowles, then you must know that you are not about to have an ordinary reading experience when you pick up one of his books. The author's novels have been called many things: strange, confusing, and even cruel, but one thing they are not is boring!

The French Lieutenant's Woman is no exception to the author's style. This book is a Victorian novel about a Victorian novel. It is set in the late nineteenth century, but is narrated by Fowles in the present century. As in The Magus, Fowles toys with his characters and the readers while he decides what future awaits the protagonists. He offers more than one possible ending and even places himself in the novel as he contemplates how the novel will end.

If you have never read any novel by John Fowles, I recommend that you read The Collector and The Magus first in that order. The Magus will prepare you for the author's style and the manner in his which he develops his characters and plot. If you've read The French Lieutenant's Woman and didn't care for it, then you probably won't enjoy The Magus, whichis considered the author's masterpiece.

The French Lieutenant's Woman's has all the ingredients of a typial Victorian novel: a mysterious woman, an invalid (a Victorian novel is not a Victorian novel without at least one invalid), and a marriage between an aristocratic groom and a titleless heiress where only one of the parties bears love for the other.

John Fowles is a contemporary writer. This novel shouldn't be compared to the great Victorian novels. I don't think the author meant to be compared to any nineteen-century writers. The French Lieutenant's Woman explores nineteenth-century customs and at times compares them to our own. I still haven't read every Fowles novel, but I'm excited to see there are still quite a few for me to discover!

It really depends on your reading likes & dislikes
This is not a bad book by any means. But here is the thing, on a literary level, this is easily a 4 star, probably even 5 star book. Fowles destroyed the boundaries of fiction writing with this book. He took a Victorian novel, filled it with authorial intrusions (chapter 13 anybody?), anachronisms, mockery, and it is full of irony. Hey, he even places himself, as the author writing the book in the late 1960's, into the story taking place 100 years earlier. Why? Well, that is for you to decide. Ultimately, Fowles set out to do something completely original in the field of literature and fiction. And he accomplished it.

So then, what is the problem? Well, for one, I found the basic story to be extremely boring. This story was not in my tastes at all. But that is a personal choice. Another part was Fowles syntax and diction. This guy can throw together sentences that are just staggering. And his vocabulary is uncanny. If you often lookup words you are unfamiliar with, I would keep a dictionary duct taped to this book--you will need it. I am all for using your writing skills to the best of your ability, but this books comes across as nothing more than show-boating at times. As if Fowles just wants to show you how much better his skills are than yours. I found it to be frustrating at best. It often becomes very wordy, with a lot of fluff and entire chapters of more fluff. I skipped several simply because it had little to do with anything else going on. Just read the first and last paragraph and I was good to go.

I suppose that the main point is that this is not a book for everybody. It was written with lit majors, critics, and English professors in mind. Actually, it was written in response to a critic who said the field of literary fiction was dead and that nothing new would come from it. Fowles proved him wrong obviously. If you like Victorian literature, you will likely find this an entertaining read. But you have to read it with a tongue-in-cheek style. Fowles is writing a modern novel in a Victorian style (an odd combination for sure). If Victorian works are not your style, then be warned. This book spent a lot of time in the NY times best seller list, which says a lot, but wow...it is a harder read than one would generally expect from a NYT best seller.

Oh, and don't bother with the movie, it does not even compare to the book. This is a book that people should read or be generally familiar with, but I for one found it to be an average read as far as entertainment goes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great - inspiring and beautiful
A fascinating insight into the methods and influences of this up-and-coming design partnership, introduced by a foreword from actor Jeremy Irons. Her style is free-flowing and organic; his is classically inspired and architectural. Ranges over their complete oeuvre from Allegra's patterned rugs and fabrics to Ashley's jewelry and furniture. With a brief review of historical inspirations (from ancient Pompeii to modern England), fabulous photographs by Bill Batten, and a wealth of practical advice and beautiful images. The text is both down-to-earth and fascinating, with unexpected humorous touches. Thoroughly recommended for any lover of great design. ... Read more

Product Description
In this wonderful compilation, an incredible array of stage and screen stars lend their voices to the works of the world's finest poets. Among the classic performances gathered here are James Earl Jones reading "The Stolen Child" by W.B. Yeats, Rod Steiger's rendition of e.e. cummings' "pity this busy monster, manunkind", Jeremy Irons reading "Snake" by D.H. Lawrence and Emily Dickinson's "Hope is the Thing with Feathers", read by Julie Harris. 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Word-music
This is a wonderful collection of poetry readings by some of the bestactors in the world. If youallow yourself only one tape of poetry, Iwould recommend this one. The rendition of Lawrence's "The Snake"is spellbining, and the reading of Macneil's "A Death in theFamily" is quietlly gut-wrenching. And you will be surprised how wellBill Shatner recites about whales. Buy this tape, and you will listen to itagain and again. ... Read more

Product Description
Oversized hardcover book published in 1994. This book and CD were produced in honor of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Wallenius Lines. Olof Wallenius, the founder of the shipping line was a music lover and named his ships after well-known operas. His favorite ship was My Fair Lady. Book has the story of My Fair Lady and colorful illustrations. CD is 70:28 in length. Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Mauceri. Soloists: Kiri Te Kananwa-Eliza, Jeremy Irons-Professor Higgins, Warren Mitchell-Alfred Doolittle, John Gielgud-Col. Pickering, Jerry Hadley-Freddy, Meriel Dickinson-Mrs. Pearce. ... Read more

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A recording of Mike Nichols acclaimed 1984 Broadway staging, which won Tony Awards for best play and for actors Jeremy Irons and Glenn Close. ... Read more

Product Description
Book DescriptionWhen it was published in 1955, Lolita immediately became a cause célèbre because of the freedom and sophistication with which it handled the unusual erotic predilections of its protagonist. But Vladimir Nabokov's wise, ironic, elegant masterpiece owes its stature as one of the twentieth century's novels of record not to the controversy its material aroused but to its author's use of that material to tell a love story almost shocking in its beauty and tenderness.Awe and exhilarationalong with heartbreak and mordant witabound in this account of the aging Humbert Humbert's obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion for the nymphet Dolores Haze. Lolita is also the story of a hypercivilized European colliding with the cheerful barbarism of postwar America, but most of all, it is a meditation on lovelove as outrage and hallucination, madness and transformation. ... Read more

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Jeremy Tyarks' first book, The Soft Side of an Iron Gag, is a short collection of poetry inspired by various outlooks on language, how we speak, and the irony in his lack of ability to communicate. ... Read more

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"Rubicon" - In the midst of Civil War, Captain America and Iron Man meet secretly, one last time, to see if there's any hope of working things out before further tragedy occurs. Don't miss this oversized special that reveals how these two men, once the closest of friends and staunchest of allies, could end up leading opposing armies in the conflict tearing apart the Marvel Universe!48 PGS./Rated A ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Awesome Vegetarian Recipes!!!!!
This cookbook is a fantastic buy for those looking for some creative and delicious vegetarian recipes that will wow everyone!Based off of the TV show Iron Chef... these recipes were created by every day chefs who have a taste for the gourmet!For those of you who know iron chef, they they base the challenges on secret ingredients-- in this case, avocado and sweet potato!I was totally blown away!! ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on April 15, 1999. The length of the article is 1619 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Lolita.(TT: Lolita.)(Reseña)
Author: Mario Saavedra
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: April 15, 1999
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: 65Issue: 2391Page: 80

Article Type: Reseña

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more