Maktub review

Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 24, 1947. As a teenager, Coelho wished to become a writer, but his mother had a different opinion when he told her, “Dear; your father is an engineer, a logical, practical man, with a very clear vision of the world.” Do you really know what it means to be a writer?” At the age of sixteen, Coelho's introversion and resistance to the traditional ways of life led his parents to send him to a mental institution, which led him to flee from it three times before he was finally released from it at the age of twenty! Coelho later commented, "It wasn't that they (his parents) wanted to hurt me, they just didn't know what to do with me. They didn't do it to destroy me, but to keep me." and in accordance with the wishes of his parents; Coelho goes to law school and abandons his old dream of becoming a writer. and one year later; Coelho left school and lived a bohemian life, traveling to many places; South America, North Africa, Mexico, Europe, and began taking drugs in the 1960s. Upon his return to Brazil, Coelho worked as a songwriter for some singers, and was arrested in 1974 on charges of "subversive acts" during the prevailing military rule at the time, which considered Coelho's lyric compositions a dangerous "leftist"! Coelho also worked as an actor, journalist and theater director before turning entirely to writing.

Maktub review by Paulo Coelho

Maktub serves as a reservoir of shared experiences rather than a conventional advice book. Drawing from lessons imparted by Paulo Coelho's mentor over 11 years, the majority of the texts delve into teachings received during this period. Additionally, the book includes narratives from both acquaintances and strangers who have left indelible messages, along with excerpts from Coelho's readings and stories from humanity's spiritual legacy.

Paulo Coelho's intention is to weave a tapestry of universal wisdom that underscores a common theme in all narratives: the pursuit of happiness. Despite diverse contexts, the desire for happiness consistently rests on timeless pillars—love, humility, solidarity, and renunciation. "Maktub" invites readers to engage in introspection and reconnect with these fundamental principles.

The author encourages those on the path to their dreams to fully commit and close the exit door, resisting the temptation to entertain doubts with the excuse, "This isn't quite what I wanted." Coelho advocates for embracing the journey, even if it involves uncertain steps or acknowledging the potential for improvement. By accepting present possibilities, readers pave the way for a brighter future.