Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
London : HarperCollins, 2010
Description
At the Cannes Film Festival, a successful, driven entrepreneur goes to the darkest lengths to reclaim a lost love. Captured in all their crassness are producers, actors, aspiring starlets, supermodels, and notorious fashionistas, whose lives and actions hold sway over millions.
User reviews
LibraryThing member JonArnold
There's one major flaw about this book, that it's tough to try to say anything profound about an intrinsically shallow subject without sounding trite.
For all the research he's done, Coehlo simply reinforces the simple prejudices those of us who aren't rich, famous or powerful might have against
And the other major problem is the dialogue. I don't know if it's a problem with the original text or the translation but it's simply unconvincing to have the characters all talking and thinking in purple prose, having the same voice regardless of experience or nationality. People from Russia and Swansea don't generally talk or think this similarly. Every thought is fully articulated, all motives thoroughly explained. Therefore there's little intriguing about these characters, no hidden shallows, let alone depths, to make them interesting or ring true. Indeed, ti's more a sign that the author's trying to distract from how hollow and unreal all these characters are. That might be less of a problem if the plot was interesting or complex but it isn't - it's extremely straightforward with no real twists. Igor, the spurned lover, simply works his way through an ascendingly important array of characters, culminating in offing his ex and her lover. Igor's almost as pure a force as you'll find even in Greek drama, a moral Nimrod before whom the hype and falsity of Cannes is powerless. Come to think of it, this book really does have something of an Old Testament morality at times, striking down what Coelho seems to see as a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah.
There are some nice touches though - I was fond of the conceit of the male star being called the Star, a neat way of letting the reader picture whoever they want and reinforcing the power of his fame at the same time. The equivalent use of Superclass as a collective noun grated after a while although, again, it's a neat way of conveying the self imposed importance of that collective.
If you're after the literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster then this will do perfectly, even if you have to keep your brain in gear to battle the preachy writing, but if you're looking for anything that might make you think then you'll have to look elsewhere. It's as guilty of the sin of shallowness as the world it seeks to criticise.
For all the research he's done, Coehlo simply reinforces the simple prejudices those of us who aren't rich, famous or powerful might have against
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those who are. I always felt as if I was being beaten over the head with that lecture on how spiritually unsatisfying power, money and fame are. Everyone in this novel who pursues a slice of Mammon either ends up dead or with their dreams dashed, those who reject the shallow temptations of fame and fortune and act from motives of love survive. Cannes, as a microcosm of the film and fashion industries, is shown to be endemically corrupt, no more than a front for organised crime. This isn't anything like as spiritually profound as we seem to be supposed to think it is. That attempt to make something so shallow look deep and wise is offset a little by the author creditably not suggesting religion (specifically Christianity) as the alternative answer, but it's still offputting to be blatantly preached to.And the other major problem is the dialogue. I don't know if it's a problem with the original text or the translation but it's simply unconvincing to have the characters all talking and thinking in purple prose, having the same voice regardless of experience or nationality. People from Russia and Swansea don't generally talk or think this similarly. Every thought is fully articulated, all motives thoroughly explained. Therefore there's little intriguing about these characters, no hidden shallows, let alone depths, to make them interesting or ring true. Indeed, ti's more a sign that the author's trying to distract from how hollow and unreal all these characters are. That might be less of a problem if the plot was interesting or complex but it isn't - it's extremely straightforward with no real twists. Igor, the spurned lover, simply works his way through an ascendingly important array of characters, culminating in offing his ex and her lover. Igor's almost as pure a force as you'll find even in Greek drama, a moral Nimrod before whom the hype and falsity of Cannes is powerless. Come to think of it, this book really does have something of an Old Testament morality at times, striking down what Coelho seems to see as a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah.
There are some nice touches though - I was fond of the conceit of the male star being called the Star, a neat way of letting the reader picture whoever they want and reinforcing the power of his fame at the same time. The equivalent use of Superclass as a collective noun grated after a while although, again, it's a neat way of conveying the self imposed importance of that collective.
If you're after the literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster then this will do perfectly, even if you have to keep your brain in gear to battle the preachy writing, but if you're looking for anything that might make you think then you'll have to look elsewhere. It's as guilty of the sin of shallowness as the world it seeks to criticise.
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LibraryThing member SmithSJ01
This book is so frustrating to read! The chapter headings helped me get through the torturous 400 pages. Each chapter is a time of day and I kept thinking to myself that the day was nearly done and the book would be over. Phew, what a relief when it was!
The reader follows a Russian businessman
I feel that although the book lacked any emotion, this was the author’s way of getting across the insincerity of the stars and celebrities involved in the Cannes festival. Yet for some reason it didn’t work. It felt too academic and became a chore very early on. This is my fifth read of Coelho’s and is one I won’t recommend to friends.
I can’t even describe who this book would appeal to. It reads like it should be a thriller, but it isn’t. I’ve given it two stars instead of one star, simply because once I made the decision to read it in as short a time frame as possible I actually got into the characters a bit more. In hindsight, this isn’t actually a selling point and maybe it should join the one star reviews.
The reader follows a Russian businessman
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called Igor, who wants his love back. Actually, it felt more like a case of “if I can’t have her then no-one else can”. His wife is with a new man called Hamid and his story and Igor’s story is told intermittently throughout the novel. In order to get his wife back, Igor uses the Cannes film festival as a back drop for a killing frenzy.I feel that although the book lacked any emotion, this was the author’s way of getting across the insincerity of the stars and celebrities involved in the Cannes festival. Yet for some reason it didn’t work. It felt too academic and became a chore very early on. This is my fifth read of Coelho’s and is one I won’t recommend to friends.
I can’t even describe who this book would appeal to. It reads like it should be a thriller, but it isn’t. I’ve given it two stars instead of one star, simply because once I made the decision to read it in as short a time frame as possible I actually got into the characters a bit more. In hindsight, this isn’t actually a selling point and maybe it should join the one star reviews.
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LibraryThing member rtp3
This is an average book, perfect for those days when you want something entertaining to read.
While the story is not that imaginative (see other reviews for details of it) ... it is well written and is a quick read. The perfect summer blockbuster of a novel.
While the story is not that imaginative (see other reviews for details of it) ... it is well written and is a quick read. The perfect summer blockbuster of a novel.
LibraryThing member Neale
Didn't really understand this book. I couldn't understand Igor, the main character. The other characters were very easy to understand almost being cliches - but Igor didn't make much sense to me. The book targets movies and fashion - both are easy targets for cynics. The murder mystery side of the
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story also left me wondering what was it in for. Maybe I missed something but this book seemed disjointed. Show Less
LibraryThing member VivianeoftheLake
I'm so disappointed. I was such a fan and defender of Coelho's work! But this book is just cliché! Its the best word for it. I think he managed to say all the cliches about showbiz that he can muster in a mid sized novel. I was hoping that the serial killer angle would carry the book but it
I feel that all of Paulo Coelho's books are mocking me on the shelf...
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did´n't it just seemed pointless.I feel that all of Paulo Coelho's books are mocking me on the shelf...
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LibraryThing member knittinginLondon
I have read Paulo Coelho before, but this book starts out totally different from previous books. I thought it wasn't for me (opens with information about compact pistols) and took me awhile before I picked it up again. The story does unfold, but I wasn't interested enough in the characters and felt
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the author repeated himself about the evils of the fashion, movie industry one too many times. Show Less
LibraryThing member flossiepots
This book was an Early reviewers choice, and I wouldn't have read it casually if I hadn't won it through that. However, despite this, I found it a very intriguing and interesting book, and led me to reading some of Paulo Coelho's other books, including the Alchemist (which I would highly recommend-
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a short story which you can read in a few hours but it makes you think and is a metaphor for so much else). This book is about a man who has been jilted by his wife, and wants revenge. It takes place in Cannes Film Festival, and the way to was written was refreshing and original. The whole story didn't come together until the very end in a way which reminded me of Margaret Atwood's style of story telling. I loved it, basically, and I'm very glad I won it from librarything! Show Less
LibraryThing member questbird
It is hard to enjoy the experience of a narrative from the point of view of a serial killer, but that is what Paulo Coelho expects of his readers with this book. The serial killer is one of several unsympathetic characters variously obsessed with fame and celebrity in the fashion and movie
The story itself is mostly about the activities (well, the murders) of the serial killer, but it is (in Coelho's own words) 'not a thriller'. It isn't a thriller because there is no suspense about who killed who, or any real likelihood that the killer will be caught. It is hard to empathise with either the killer or his victims. The clear style got me through the book but it was a disheartening read.
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industries. This book is a rant against the so-called 'Superclass', the high-consuming, vain and vapid elite powerbrokers of the world. However the Coelho's clear and simple language, so effective in the fable of 'The Alchemist', comes across here as rather simplistic. For one thing, lumping all of the super-rich into this category is quite a generalisation.The story itself is mostly about the activities (well, the murders) of the serial killer, but it is (in Coelho's own words) 'not a thriller'. It isn't a thriller because there is no suspense about who killed who, or any real likelihood that the killer will be caught. It is hard to empathise with either the killer or his victims. The clear style got me through the book but it was a disheartening read.
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LibraryThing member Bardley
I found this book slow going, it did get interesting around the murder scenes and the way in which they were written gave a good sense of the scene but I found the other parts which make up most of the story boring to read and it didn't hold my interest at all well. Half way through the book I just
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wanted to put it down, it is written more like a narrative than character based which was the biggest let down for me. I won't be reading anything else from this author unless it gets a glowing review somewhere and then I may give it a go. I wouldn't recommend it, it's a good story concept but not very well written. Show Less
LibraryThing member isabellacreations
For an author whose books I normally find uplifting this one left me feeling disappointed. He used the thin "murder" plot as a soapbox to vent his views on a host of issues. Whilst many of his observations may be valid, the overall effect was exceedingly negative and depressing.
LibraryThing member kpdriscoll
Paulo Coelho is one of my favorite authors. His metaphysical character development is always outstanding. That said, I did not enjoy this book as much as his other ones. While the commentary on social elites, the movie and jewelry industries, and high society in general was good reading, the
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murderous plot left me with a hollower feeling. He usually keeps himself out of that fray. Nonetheless, his insights make a poor topic very readable. Show Less
LibraryThing member deadgirl
I knew that the world of glitz and glamour isn't always what it looks to be, but the author opened my eyes and showed me a lot of things "behind the scenes" which I never imagined.
Our obsession with power and fame can drive us into darkness, and I think we all have that darkness inside us to a
An enjoyable read, I was hooked from the start.
Our obsession with power and fame can drive us into darkness, and I think we all have that darkness inside us to a
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certain extent. Human beings are naturally greedy and crave greatness. But this novel shows how dangerous the craving is, and what it can lead to.An enjoyable read, I was hooked from the start.
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LibraryThing member ukaissi
I liked this book. It is a successful attempt by Paulo Cohello to expose the dark sides of the human nature by going deep into the human mind. In fact the main character Igor may personify every person who was hurt by love. Yet the character went too far in an attempt to regain his love. In most of
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Coello's books he emphasized the freedom of love. Yet in this book Igor is trapped by his love and in his attempt to regain it he goes into a series of murders sending messages to Ewa to convince her that he is doing this for her so that she returns to him. In other words he is trapping her not letting her loose. This book is in fact a lesson for all those who are hurt by love just to let go of their past and continue with their lives since being trapped by love will only bring loss. The latter will not be a winner as the author suggests since he will have brought destruction to himself and all people around him. Show Less
LibraryThing member TpJay
Kept me turning the pages - overlapping characters stories interwoven - ending left a lot of unresolved issues - a great read nevertheless
LibraryThing member Micalhut
The most provacative of all Coelho's books that I've read, but not in a warming way. It niggles into fears we all habor about how seemingly sane people can be completely and murderously insane. I also am starting to dislike how he writes . . . not naming people, but calling them by his
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"description" i.e. the "Superclass", or the "Star." It becomes a lecture as often as it is a story. I know he is doing this to write about a group as a whole and its particular character, but often it's too simplistic and it was annoying this time. Still, Coelho is interesting as always in that he makes me think beyond the brainwashing of our societal standards, yet if asked if you should read this book, I'd say, no. It's too disturbing and lacks story or characters to care about. Show Less
LibraryThing member rajveerspace
Great Book, with unmatching characters
LibraryThing member Amzzz
I really thought Paulo Coelho to be one of my favourite authors, but I actually haven't enjoyed many of his books apart from The Alchemist and Veronika Decides to Die. I think he's a bit too philosophical for my taste.
LibraryThing member goofyfoot
I first learned of Coelho’s books when Clark was asked to read The Alchemist for his December book report. I heard a beauty and soul in the language and then picked up this novel in the library. On a thriller level it is fascinating. I read it quickly whenever I had spare time. An obvious
The story takes place among the “Superclass” of the film world, a backstory of superficiality and immorality for Igor’s quest. In the end, is there a difference between the “Superclass” and the protagonist? Or a difference between evil and passivity in the face of evil? I picked up another Coelho novel at the library today.
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psychopath, a successful Russian businessman named Igor, stalks his ex-wife and her husband to the Cannes Film Festival. He is obsessed with love for her and will “destroy worlds and universes” for her. Translate: kill people. He is the ultimate killer, the ultimate evil; each kill is to send a message to his wife, Ewa, that he loves her.The story takes place among the “Superclass” of the film world, a backstory of superficiality and immorality for Igor’s quest. In the end, is there a difference between the “Superclass” and the protagonist? Or a difference between evil and passivity in the face of evil? I picked up another Coelho novel at the library today.
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LibraryThing member lizplummer
I received this 2 days ago from Early Reviewers and finished it yesterday! It was a very compelling read, although a bit superficial, I found. It is about Igor, a Russian man, who plans several murders during the Cannes Film Festival to try and win back his ex-wife. Punctuating the action are a
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series of commentaries about various aspects of the fashion and film industries and I thought these a bit too much like authorial comment without being integrated into the story very well. The story might have been better if these issues had arisen naturally from the actions, thoughts of and dialogue between the characters - as it was, I didn't think any of the characters were particularly well developed, apart, maybe, from Igor himself. This is the first Paul Coelho book I've read so I don't know if this is his usual style. I'd certainly read at least one more to find out. Show Less
LibraryThing member yamiyoghurt
Interesting book, but his others were much better.
Subjects
Language
Original language
Portuguese
Original publication date
2008
ISBN
0007306083 / 9780007306084