The Zahir- Paulo Coelho

"The Zahir" is a profound exploration of love, obsession, and self-discovery, following a bestselling novelist's quest to find his missing wife, Esther, a war correspondent.
Overview
"The Zahir," published in 2005, is a novel by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho that delves into themes of love, loss, and the nature of obsession. The title "Zahir" means "the visible" or "the evident" in Arabic, symbolizing something that becomes an all-consuming obsession in one's life.
Plot Summary
The story is narrated by a successful novelist living in Paris, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Esther, disappears without a trace. Esther, a war correspondent, leaves behind a life of privilege, prompting the narrator to question the nature of their relationship and his own identity. As he grapples with her absence, he becomes a suspect in her disappearance, leading to a deep existential crisis.
In his search for Esther, the narrator encounters Mikhail, a friend of Esther's, who may hold the key to her whereabouts. Mikhail offers to help him find her, which leads the narrator on a journey across various countries, including Spain and Central Asia. Throughout this quest, he reflects on his past, their marriage, and the love they once shared, ultimately realizing that his obsession with finding Esther is intertwined with his need for self-discovery.