Coelho’s narrator tells us “if a book isn’t self-explanatory, then the book is not worth reading” (248). Though such a statement may not appeal to a Formalist critic in the sense that literature should alienate, defamiliarize and make difficult the literary experience, Coelho proves in The Zahir the assumption of his narrator. The book is so simple and its narrative flows so smoothly like a running stream of water in the early months of spring. Coelho’s narrative magically transfixes its readers and absorbs them into the mystical and mythical world of its narrator.
Charles Blackstone is the author of "The Week You Weren't Here," a novel. He is the co-editor of an anthology, "The Art of Friction," which is due out in 2008. He lives in Chicago.
Kathleen Woolrich is a freelance writer and a lover of Algeria. Many books of her poetry have appeared through Lulu and her book Dearest Algeria is available through many online bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She is also and particularly an active member of our editorial staff.
I am drinking wine and the house is on fire
I cannot find my shoes
I made my bed 2 weeks ago
But I put on my best perfume
I smell like royalty and my blood runs hot
But I am in a burning house
I refuse to flee