Paulo Coelho has done an amazing job with the “Manuscript found in Accra”, not that he hasn’t done a similar job with other books. I may get a bit subjective, as he is my favorite author, but my praises are genuine. I read the “Manuscript found in Accra” in under a month.
The content is not divided by numbers, but rather by the message relayed. You have the opportunity to select the parts you actually want to read. This is what gives this book depth. It’s like the content is divided into different stories, each focusing on a specific topic, be it love or loyalty. You can read whatever it is you’re looking for. You can jump a chapter and come back to it once you feel the need to approach a new topic. This won’t take away from the pleasure of the read or the plot.
There is no complex plot actually, only a minimal one. The story is set in Jerusalem in 1099, a day before the crusaders assault the city. History told us what transpired, but this book will allow us to witness the wisdom shared by an older man.
This man, the Copt, is Greek of origin. He is a natural when it comes to public speaking and makes good use of it in the final day of the city to share his wisdom with the masses. Jerusalem was a multicultural city, with people of different origins and religion. Regardless of ethnicity, age, sex, rank or knowledge, people gathered around the Copt. They asked him about love, war, loyalty, struggle, sex, elegance, beauty, and so on.
I’m now struggling to find the right end for this review. I’m trying to synthesize what I learned by reading this book. It’s quite hard, as it is rich in various messages that need time to sink into my mind.
I will actually read the “Manuscript found in Accra” again and focus on some parts I’m in need of understanding at this moment in my life. You can start with any chapter you like, because you won’t miss out on a plot twist. Take only what you need.