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    Manuscript Found in Accra
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    Manuscript Found in Accra
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    Manuscript Found in Accra
    Ebook124 pages1 hour

    Manuscript Found in Accra

    By Paulo Coelho and Margaret Jull Costa

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    The latest novel from the #1 internationally best-selling author of The Alchemist.

    There is nothing wrong with anxiety.
    Although we cannot control God’s time, it is part of the human condition to want to receive the thing we are waiting for as quickly as possible.
    Or to drive away whatever is causing our fear. . . .
    Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it—just as we have learned to live with storms.
     
    *  *  *
     
    July 14, 1099. Jerusalem awaits the invasion of the crusaders who have surrounded the city’s gates. There, inside the ancient city’s walls, men and women of every age and every faith have gathered to hear the wise words of a mysterious man known only as the Copt. He has summoned the townspeople to address their fears with truth: 

    “Tomorrow, harmony will become discord. Joy will be replaced by grief. Peace will give way to war. . . . None of us can know what tomorrow will hold, because each day has its good and its bad moments. So, when you ask your questions, forget about the troops outside and the fear inside. Our task is not to leave a record of what happened on this date for those who will inherit the Earth; history will take care of that. Therefore, we will speak about our daily lives, about the difficulties we have had to face.” 

    The people begin with questions about defeat, struggle, and the nature of their enemies; they contemplate the will to change and the virtues of loyalty and solitude; and they ultimately turn to questions of beauty, love, wisdom, sex, elegance, and what the future holds. “What is success?” poses the Copt. “It is being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace.” 
     
    *  *  *
     
    Now, these many centuries later, the wise man’s answers are a record of the human values that have endured throughout time. And, in Paulo Coelho’s hands, The Manuscript Found in Accra reveals that who we are, what we fear, and what we hope for the future come from the knowledge and belief that can be found within us, and not from the adversity that surrounds us.  
     


    This eBook edition includes a Reading Group Guide. 

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRandom House Publishing Group
    Release dateApr 2, 2013
    ISBN9780385349840
    Unavailable
    Manuscript Found in Accra
    Author

    Paulo Coelho

    One of the most influential writers of our time, Paulo Coelho is the author of thirty international bestsellers, including The Alchemist, Warrior of the Light, Brida, Veronika Decides to Die, and Eleven Minutes. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Paulo is the recipient of 115 international prizes and awards, among them, the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor). Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947, he soon discovered his vocation for writing. He worked as a director, theater actor, songwriter, and journalist. In 1986, a special meeting led him to make the pilgrimage to Saint James Compostela (in Spain). The Road to Santiago was not only a common pilgrimage but a turning point in his existence. A year later, he wrote The Pilgrimage, an autobiographical novel that is considered the beginning of his literary career. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

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    Reviews for Manuscript Found in Accra

    3.5/5

    157 ratings19 reviews

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    • 4/5
      This was an interesting read. It presents itself as non-fiction, in the same genre as The Prophet, but more readable. While the philosophy presented is decidedly Christian, it tries to be broader, enough that most people who believe in a God like that of the Christian faiths will probably mostly agree with what Coelho is saying.
      I really did not like the anti-intellectual theme that creeps in toward the middle. Even when I was Christian I would have found that part off-putting. But the line about that miracles do not violate the laws of nature, but just seem to because you don't understand the laws of nature well enough- I liked that. In fact, translating most of this book from Christian to atheist-but-spiritual would not lose much of the philosophy. I could see this book developing a broad enough following to last as a classic.
    • 5/5
      This is by far my favorite of Coelho's books. It's short, succinct, and beautifully written.
    • 3/5
      Worth reading if only for the small chapter on weapons.
    • 3/5
      This book was so not what I was expecting. Perhaps had I known more about Mr. Coelho I would have known what I was getting. Perhaps had I read the synopsis more closely. I don't know. I was expecting a story, what I got was so much less and yet so much more.As I've stated many a time in the course of my reviews I am not one for sussing out deep meaning within the pages of books. I read to be educated, to be entertained or to just get away from things for a bit. I don't read to look for allegorical meanings in things or to sit and think philosophical thoughts. My mind does not work that way; it's kind of a "shortest distance is a straight line" kind of mind although it has been known to take the occasional meander along the winding road. I read Manuscript Found In Accra through rather quickly and then realized it's really not a book to be read in the traditional sense. It's a book to be picked up now and again and thought about at moments when you want to do a bit of sitting and thinking. After the initial set up of the finding of the manuscript - which I must admit is what had me so excited to read the book. I was all up for a story about old papyri and Biblical controversy. - it segues into the the questions and answers from this young philosopher, the Copt. He gives his thoughts on what are really eternal questions regarding war, peace, love, luck, sex, life, etc. The purpose is to carry the sense of Jerusalem forward to a time when it lives again in Peace.As if any of us will see that in our lifetimes.I can't say I liked this book and I can't say I didn't. This is a very hard one for me. It is the most different book I've read since I started reviewing books. It certainly made me think and I suppose that is it's purpose.
    • 1/5
      "It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all" says the mysterious Greek known only as the Copt, in Paulo Coelho's spiritual odyssey, set in Jerusalem in 1099. Thereby allegedly pre-dating Alfred Lord Tennyson, to whom that quote is usually attributed, by some 750 years.

      And that, for me, sums up the problem with the book. Possibly an interesting idea, but it doesn't actually come up with anything new. Or where it does, it all feels a little out of step. Or just plain daft.

      My purchase of this book was a prime example of why you should not judge a book by its cover. Being interested in history from the Crusades to the Reformation, a book with a central theme of an 11th century manuscript appealed. I anticipated getting a story set in the First Crusade. What I got was a series of platitudes.

      The book begins by giving background - the discovery of a manuscript in 1974 - then leads into the "manuscript" itself. In Jerusalem, on the eve of the First Crusade battle that saw the recapture of the city, a group of men and women gather together to listen to the aforementioned mysterious Greek. As you do.

      Over the course of the evening, they ask him to talk of many things: Defeat; Solitude; Love; Elegance; Beauty; Sex; Anxiety; Miracles; and so it goes on. And that's it.

      For an ancient manuscript, the Copt's sermon appears to address some very modern problems; the anxiety referred to here seems to be very much the modern, office-related anxiety, rather than that of people about to face battle.

      I'm not sure what this book sets out to achieve. If it meant to be thought-provoking, then by lifting old quotes from elsewhere, such as Tennyson, it fails, as the only thought it brings to mind is who said that before.

      Perhaps I am missing the point completely. Perhaps it is meant to be ironic. Perhaps phrases like 'Listen to the wind, but don't forget about your horse' are actually meant to be ridiculous. Along with the story of the religious followers who in the space of three generations managed to forget how to light their sacred fire, how to recite their prayer, and where their sacred place was, but were still rewarded by miracles. It is probably meant to say 'God is with you as long as you have faith'. To me it just says why bother with all that religious stuff if even when you show no respect and forget everything, you still come out on top?

      I am lead to believe Coelho is a highly popular and respected author. On the basis of this work, the words of the Copt seem apt: "Each time we see .... the arrogant humbled we are witnessing a miracle." It's time for a miracle.
    • 4/5
      I love the "realism" of the setup (have always found it entertaining when authors use this method). There's a lot of wisdom in this "religious text", even for the atheist or the agnostic (that would be me). Maybe if you read this kind of philosophy all the time, there would be nothing ground breaking here, but I don't, haven't in a while, so lots of this was impressing me. The tone is really positive and that's definitely something I can get behind. The length is also just about perfect ringing in at just over 2 hours on audio. And read by Jeremy Irons, which was a definite plus.This is my second Coelho and I remember liking the other one a lot too. Looks like I'll be looking for more.
    • 5/5
      I greatly enjoyed this books. The title pretty much tells you what the book is. It is a manuscript that is recovered. I loved the message and how it is told. It is very direct and for me it felt more like a philosophy book, which I thought was very interesting. I would highly recommend this books, especially if you love his other books.
    • 4/5
      A quick read. Advice on life from the ages - as always easier said than done. Some passages were good, others I found a bit difficult to follow. He's written better.
    • 5/5
      Manuscript Found in Accra is the first book I read by Paulo Coelho not knowing that he has somewhat of a cult-like following. I opened this book without any expectations but soon hated for it to end. Manuscript Found in Accra is one of those books you want to keep on your nightstand and have a copy in your desk drawer at work. A Greek man known as The Copt is answering questions about life in the same town square where Pilate handed Jesus over to Roman soliders. There are questions about solitude, anxiety, loyalty, beauty, and many more conditions we face as humans. The Copt answers them all beautifully and direct. Those that are asking the questions are just as diverse as the subjects they are inquiring about. There are a mix of Muslims, Jews, and Christians who are comforted by the words of The Copt. They sit and listen while the enemy is at the gate. Jerusalem is surrounded and by morning will be invaded by the Crusaders. The wisdom of The Copt seems to soothe their souls. This book was inspirational and in a sense spiritual. There were religious references but The Copt was not a member of any religious sect. The thoughts shared in this book were like a healing salve. Manuscript Found in Accra is one of those books that will stand the test of time. The wisdom in this book will always be useful as long as there are humans on Earth.Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher. The views and opinions shared are my own
    • 4/5
      feels like a compelation of jesus' words, confuzius, andother wise men. the story is just a frame that is fast forgotten. but i had the urgr to highlight so many sentences to requote them later.very uplifting and makes you think.
    • 3/5
      This book was so not what I was expecting. Perhaps had I known more about Mr. Coelho I would have known what I was getting. Perhaps had I read the synopsis more closely. I don't know. I was expecting a story, what I got was so much less and yet so much more.As I've stated many a time in the course of my reviews I am not one for sussing out deep meaning within the pages of books. I read to be educated, to be entertained or to just get away from things for a bit. I don't read to look for allegorical meanings in things or to sit and think philosophical thoughts. My mind does not work that way; it's kind of a "shortest distance is a straight line" kind of mind although it has been known to take the occasional meander along the winding road. I read Manuscript Found In Accra through rather quickly and then realized it's really not a book to be read in the traditional sense. It's a book to be picked up now and again and thought about at moments when you want to do a bit of sitting and thinking. After the initial set up of the finding of the manuscript - which I must admit is what had me so excited to read the book. I was all up for a story about old papyri and Biblical controversy. - it segues into the the questions and answers from this young philosopher, the Copt. He gives his thoughts on what are really eternal questions regarding war, peace, love, luck, sex, life, etc. The purpose is to carry the sense of Jerusalem forward to a time when it lives again in Peace.As if any of us will see that in our lifetimes.I can't say I liked this book and I can't say I didn't. This is a very hard one for me. It is the most different book I've read since I started reviewing books. It certainly made me think and I suppose that is it's purpose.
    • 5/5
      MANUSCRIPT FOUND IN ACCRA by PAULO COELHO"Daughters of Jerusalem weep not, for me,but weep foryourselves, and foryour children.Luke 23:28 This is a story about different truths. Truths I would say are needful in order for me to continue my life journey successfully. The Copt answers the questions from a rabbi, a neighbor, a merchant, a young woman, etc. Each of these people asks a significant question of the Copt. By the way the Egyptians ultimately gave the papyri to the Coptic museum in Cairo, Egypt. The papyri were found in the 1940's and went through different hands before landing in the Cairo museum. Anyway, it felt almost too good to be true to read questions I have wondered about myself. None of the life questions bored me to tears. I sat in bed or on the couch reading at my normal rate of speed but praying all of the wonderful, wise and beautiful answers would stick in my head for the future. Then, I remembered a good goal would be to reread the book. Then, I will journal part of the book for reference. It is amazing how PAULO COEHLO could write in such a simple way the answers to questions only owned by wise men. The people ask questions about solitude, defeat, anxiety, etc. Rather than making life seem too difficult to live the author made life's journey seem like one I could take with ease if I only tried and didn't mind failing along the way. My impression is that it's important never to give up. I thought of a sermon I once heard. The minister begins the sermon with the words Never Give Up. He said those words ten times in succession. He told us Winston Churchill had spoken those three words in a famous speech.Thank goodness the Manuscript Found In Accra leaves room for failure. I'm one of those people who have to practice, practice, and practice until I get it right. Then, I might fall down all over again. I need that room for Grace. Here is what is written about failure in Manuscript Found in Accra. "Failure does not allow us to dream. Its motto is: "Expect nothing and you won't be disappointed." Paulo Coelho also writes about death. This is the one time we can't run away from ourselves or get a friend to walk with us around a dark corner. He calls death "the unwanted visitor." I think the most important words were about feeling useless. Again, the author writes "Nothing in this world is useless in the eyes of God. Not a leaf from a tree falls, not a hair from your head, not even an insect dies....Don't try to be useful. Walk neither faster nor slower than.....There are many words written about dreams, taking risks and what if feels like not to take a risk and settle for the humdrum mode of life. In the author's words "I will look at everything and everyone as if for the first time, especially the small things that I have grown used to...." As seen this is a powerful book. Reading the questions is also delightful like the main meal when I'm so hungry the feeling is unbearable.coelhopaulo
    • 5/5
      This was a book I picked up on a lark while waiting for my flight home. I thought it was going to be more of a story format rather than an almost lesson format. Still, I ended up enjoying it and finished it entirely in a two hour flight. Turns out I kind of needed this book and didn't know it until I started reading. It just really hit home.
    • 5/5
      A few years ago, I had read The Alchemist, and was absolutely transformed by Coelho’s words and vision. Now, I am truly amazed at his newest work, The Manuscript Found in Accra. The philosophical message of self-love and giving a positive outlook on the world is a theme that most are familiar with; but the message comes from a wise Copt, who speaks to the crowds of Jerusalem before the city is attacked by Crusaders. Speaking in a similar manner to Socrates, he instructs his followers to ask as many questions they choose, and he answers back in his own profound way. This book gives incredible insight to a great many questions like: What does the future hold? Why are some people luckier than others? Why does love pass me by? And many more. The sage advice that is given by the Copt is great for those who are struggling to find themselves in these difficult times, a recent graduate seeking to make his/her way in the world, or just someone needing helpful and profound advice. I give his work 5 stars because it is very well written, and it has a profound effect on the mind and heart.
    • 3/5
      The Manuscript From Accra by Paulo Coelho is a short book and one I do not believe was intended to be read in one sitting, it is my impression that Coelho wants the reader to take time to digest his words. With that said, I was not enamored with The Manuscript From Accra, as one who has read Coelho’s previous works, this one just appeared off, or possibly I am unfairly comparing it to his wonderful book The Alchemist, regardless, Coelho does offer the reader quite a lot to think about which makes this book an ideal candidate for discussion groups.
    • 5/5
      Book Review - Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo CoelhoManuscript Found in Accra Paulo Coelho Hardcover Publisher: Knopf Publication Date: April 2, 2013 ISBN-13: 978-0385349833 208 pages Paulo Coelho’s Manuscript Found in Accra overflows with platitudes, beatitudes, and parables seemingly written for the 20th Century but found in the 11th in the holiest city on the planet. It is the eve of the First Crusade, July 14th, 1099 and Jerusalem lies in siege awaiting the invasion of Christian forces under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon, Robert II of Flanders, and Raymond IV of Toulouse. Forces of thousands of white-mantled soldiers surround the city’s gates. There, inside that holy city’s walls, on the eve of destruction, men, women, and children of every age and faith gather at a cistern to listen to the wisdom of a mysterious teacher known only as the Copt. He has summoned the panicked townspeople so that he can address their fears with truth; truths that resonate through the ages, truths that transform the audience into better human beings just for having heard them. Coelho records the last days of a terrified people using platitudes and parables as a wise teacher instructs the crowd on how to live better lives, even in the midst of sure death for many of them. Using the voice of the mysterious Copt, Coelho addresses the human condition in adverse times and how harmony, joy, and peace bookended with discord, grief, and war define our lives. He speaks of daily life and difficulties overcome and how to live rather than the coming war and what is about to happen to the people of Jerusalem. He speaks of what matters – love, beauty, knowledge, art, poetry, sex, grace, and the future – and of finding your own way or “Personal Legend” even in the middle of war and of “being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace.” In the end, what Paulo Coelho teaches us in all of his recent works is that there is a “correct” way to live our lives. Forget color, race, money, religion, or position – there is a right way to conduct your life. Be decent and respect each other, love one another, and be at peace. One would hope that we could honor that philosophy by one day becoming apt students of this school of thought…4 ½ stars out of 5The Alternative One Southeast Wisconsin
    • 2/5
      This was a Goodreads First Reader Win, thanks.


      I would have adored this book when I was 17 or even 20. But alas, I am much, much, much older than that now and less fond than I was then of books full of quotable Words Of Wisdom.
      The premise of the book is poignant...the people are gathered before a time of great struggle and potential endings (and yeah, sure, it could well be a parable of our times, why not). They are of many faiths...Jewish, Christian, and Muslim, there in the lovely city of Jerusalem where in 1099 everyone is living in peacefulness and delight, apparently. But the crusaders are about to attack. (wait, don't I recall that the crusaders were Christians?? But that's okay, History is not one of the book's themes). (actually, come to think of it, the set up is like the Gita too)
      Anyway, as of course any bunch of people facing destruction or battle would do, they all sit around and listen to the mysterious dude who shows up to tell them diverting stories (in 1099 you couldn't just go on FB and alert your buddies that something was up). He's known only as The Copt.
      In a style kind of like that of Gibran (when I was 17 I carried The Prophet with me everywhere, told you I would have liked this book then) The Copt is asked to talk about various Big Subjects. And yes, yes he does.
      Elegance,Defeat, Love, and so forth.
      The Copt has obviously read the basic texts of the folks he is chatting to, because his responses are dotted with bits from Isaiah and Matthew and mostly likely from the Koran (I'm not well versed in the Koran, so I didn't immediately recognize quotes as I did those from the Bible). And he does now and then sonorously contradict himself, but hey, it's all good.
      And sure, there are good wise moments in this book. The same sort of good wise moments we meet again and again in our spiritual readings and recognize once again.
      Like "Enthusiasm is Sacred Fire". Or "If we are happy we are on the right road"
      It's a very slender book, so it will fit nicely in the pockets and backpacks of its admirers.
    • 2/5
      It was with trepidation that I agreed to review Manuscript Found in Accra. I will say upfront that I am not a big fan of The Alchemist and, if you are going to like this new Coelho book, I feel pretty confident saying that you probably should be a fan of The Alchemist. If you loved The Alchemist, then you may as well stop reading this review right now.It’s been a long time since I read The Alchemist but if you’d ripped the cover off this book and replaced the cover of Manuscript with the cover of Alchemist, I imagine that I would not know the difference; there are lots of similarities between these two books. Both take place in exotic settings Both have central characters who are Wise Men. Both Wise Men spend most of the book dispensing Important (if somewhat banal) Wisdom to those around them.Please forgive me, but I was not swept away by this book. I have my own list of Highly Treasured Books that Have Been Widely Skewered and Are of Dubious Long-Lasting Value (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Little Prince, etc.) Unfortunately, I will not be adding Manuscript to this list.
    • 5/5
      Exceptional, engaging novel of a spiritual nature. Set in Jerusalem on the eve before a great battle that will render Jerusalem into pieces, a crowd of Christians, Muslims and Jews gather to ask the local mystic (the Copt) questions about life, love, loyalty and purpose.The opening to the "manuscript" begins: "Now that I am at the end of my life, I leave for those who come after me everything that I learned while I walked the face of this Earth. May they make good use of it."