By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept A Novel of Forgiveness — Paulo Coelho

The story of an independent young woman whose life is changed forever by a chance encounter with a childhood friend A magical blend of compelling action exotic locations and intriguing characters told with Paulo s characteristic power and insight Pilar is an independent and practical young woman who is feeling bored and frustrated by the daily grind of her university life Looking for a deeper meaning to her existence she happens to meet an old childhood friend now a handsome mesmerizing spiritual teacher and a rumoured miracle worker As he leads her on a magical journey through the Fench Pyrenees Pilar begins to realize that this chance encounter is going to transform her life forever With Paulo s trademark blend of mysticism magical realism and folklore Pilar s story is a poignant and deeply inspiring tale

What happens when shyness prevents an adolescent love affair from developing And what happens when 11 years later destiny brings the lovers together again Pilor is now an independent and strong young woman who has learnt to bury her feelings She is studying at a small town university when she receives an unexpected call from her old childhood sweetheart He is now a handsome spiritual teacher with a reputation for performing miracles who has turned to religion as a refuge from his inner conflicts Together they take a journey that is initially fraught with difficulty as blame and resentment resurface after years of being hidden But in a small village in the French Pyrenees they find a way to discuss many of life s big questions and re evaluate their own special relationship This wonderful novel by Paulo Coelho the author of The Alchemist offers a poetic and transcendent narrative that reflects all the mysteries of love and life