I bought the book with a lot of
excitement. Alchemist had touched my heart. Aleph had refined my soul.
Veronica decides to die gave me so much pain. The Zahir triggered in me more
questions about the worthiness of relationships than answers that can console.
Eleven minutes taught me about love beyond lust. The winner stands alone tried
to dissect my personality and left me in loneliness.
None of these things happened
while I read Manuscript found in Accra. Actually, I was disappointed in my
first reading of the entire 194 pages on a moving train. I was impatient to
reach a safe destination. But I couldn’t. My mind travelled faster than the
train. Faster than the responses by Copt (the strange man and the hero in the
book), who believed only in the present moment. But I had already reached the
destination, without actually been there.
This happens, as we face battles
everyday with one aim. We argue, fight, and justify. I looked at the scars. I
felt sad. I felt lonely without realizing that at life’s most significant
moments we are always alone.
I had to read again to get the meanings of the
answers. And it said: ‘Only those who fail to recognize that inner strength
will say ‘I lost’, and be sad’. I didn't understand. He said: ‘Scars speak more
loudly than the sword that caused them’
The book talks about failures. Who has not tasted failure? But
with each failure, we get depressed. We think, that is the end of everything.
Why did I try? Why did I waste my time? Is it for losing the battle? He says:
‘I am here to tell you that there are people who have never been defeated. They
are the ones who never fought.’
Did we hear someone calling us
useless? Did we call someone useless? Why didn't we appreciate that each soul
that came down to earth is here for a reason. Nothing is useless.
We see beauty all around. We see
colourful opportunities everywhere. But
we fail to understand that the brightest light comes from within and not from
the cosmetics, language or expression.
I learned all this and more when
I attempted a second reading of the book. Eighteen people representing varied perspectives
of life asked the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ to Copt who shared from his
wisdom. No answer is unique. We have
heard all those he said from great men and women in history, from scared texts
and all those advisers we have among our friends, relatives and teachers.
Then what is unique about the book?
All of us love a life full of
roses. But unfortunately very few of us are ready to face challenges, disappointments
and difficulties patiently without losing hope.
The ‘manuscript’ gives a message that there is no shortcut to success
and happiness. The miracles happen in life by transforming wheat into bread
through work (not by being idle), the grape into wine through patience (not by
hurry-worry), and death into life through the resurrection of dreams (not by
losing hope). Success is possible for anyone irrespective of his position in
the social ladder. The book says, ‘each time we see the humble exalted and the
arrogant humbled, we are witnessing a miracle’.
The central theme of the book,
according to me, is the message of peace and hope. Manuscript found in Accra is
the transcription of a document Paulo Coelho received from the son of an
English archaeologist Sir Walter Wilkinson who discovered it in 1974 in Egypt.
The origin of the manuscript was traced to a place called Accra, outside the
Egyptian territory.
“I
fell asleep and dreamed that life was only
Happiness.
I woke and discovered that life was
Duty
I did
my Duty and discovered that life was
Happiness. (Page 118)
Manuscript found in Accra, Paulo Coelho, HarperCollins,
2013, 194 pages
© Sibichen K Mathew
Click to read some of my other book reviews
Nice review. I went through a similar thought process while reading it. I also felt it was similar to The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot. Delighted to know that you had similar thoughts.
DeleteHeard mixed reviews about this one. After one phase of only Coelho books, now I am off them, most of them seems to speak the same language. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised :)
ReplyDeleteI'm yet to read this one. I'm in a dilemma now after this review of yours. But I do believe that if I should read read this one, then it will happen.
ReplyDeleteJoy always,
Susan
Read this book slowly. If required twice. You would enjoy it the second time!Thanks Susan
DeleteGood Morning Sibi,
ReplyDeleteJust a little note to thank you for sharing your book review link.
I enjoyed all of Paulo's books very much and like you, read Manuscript Found In Accra, twice. Also, just finished rereading The Alchemist!
It's precious how the books touch readers in unique ways.
I'm really not so great with words, but feeling very hopeful and inspired about accepting my contradictions. Even embracing them. Learning how to be a little more patient too.
Rediscovering (and at once discovering for the first time) the beauty of simplicity.
Like walks outdoors, visits with family, coffee with friends, grand children's laughter.
Smiled when reading what you shared about dreams.
Have a wonderful day,
Love,
Jane
Thanks a lot Jane for your wonderful words straight from the heart. As you rightly said, in spite of various contradictions in life, let us rediscover the beauty of simplicity and life's finer emotions. You know Paulo and his messages so closely for many years and have read all his books. Therefore, your comments are very valuable for me. Thanks once again Jane
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