This is the story of Athena, or Sherine, to give her the name she was baptised with. Her life is pieced together through a series of recorded interviews with those people who knew her well or hardly at all – parents, colleagues, teachers, friends, acquaintances, her ex-husband.

The novel unravels Athena's mysterious beginnings, via an orphanage in Romania, to a childhood in Beirut. When war breaks out, her adoptive family move with her to London, where a dramatic turn of events occurs…

Athena, who has been dubbed 'the Witch of Portobello' for her seeming powers of prophecy, disappears dramatically, leaving those who knew her to solve the mystery of her life and abrupt departure.

This gripping new novel is filled with the themes Paulo fans know and love: spirituality, relationships, destiny, freedom.


Reviews

Praise for Paulo Coelho:

‘An exceptional writer.' USA Today

‘His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.’ Times

‘One of the few to deserve the term “Publishing Phenomenon”.’ Independent on Sunday

‘Coelho’s writing is beautifully poetic but his message is what counts…he gives me hope and puts a smile on my face.’ Daily Express

‘“The Alchemist” is a beautiful book about magic, dreams and the treasures we seek elsewhere and then find on our doorstep.‘ Madonna

‘It’s like music, really, the way he writes, it’s so beautiful. It’s a gift that I envy above all others.’ Julia Roberts