Fleeing his home from persecution, 23-year-old Elijah takes refuge witfi a young widow and her son in the beautiful town of Akbar. Already struggling to maintain his sanity in a chaotic world of tyranny and war, he is now forced to choose between his new-found love and his overwhelming sense of duty.

Evoking all the drama and intrigue of the colourful, chaotic Middle East, Paulo Coelho turns the trials of Elijah into an inspiring story of how faith and love can ultimately triumph over suffering. A gripping and moving story of how one man can surmount tragedy and inspire a war-torn city to rebuild itself.

'Coelho's writing is beautifully poetic ... He gives me hope and puts a smile on my face.
'THE EXPRESS

'His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.'
THE TIMES

'One of the few to deserve the term "publishing phenomenon".
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY