The Fifth Mountain: A Novel

Wonderful book!

I loved this story for its wisdom and challenge to look on adversity in a completely different light. With God as his master, Elijah could look straight into the jaws of death without fear, as he saw our existence on earth as a training ground for the soul, and God, in his infinite wisdom and timing would do what God chose to do in ending or prolonging one’s life. Implicit, to me, was Elijah’s deep seated belief that God works in ways mortals view as devastating, when the true reality is that God is good, and adversity brings about growth and change.

Though provoking and had me constantly searching up historical details. I really enjoy his writings, but I'd like the Alchemist better. I probably should have read this one first as I kept comparing it to the Alchemist.

This book is a fictional extension of the story of Elijah from the bible. In my opinion it was a bit emotional, but is packed with many life lessons, including one that I had just recently discovered from reading a book by Iyanla Vanzant. This lesson is that if you do not make a choice, you will live by default. In this book by Coelho, Elijah had trouble making a choice, therefore God made the choice for him and hence, Elijah had to live with the consequences of that choice. It was a good book. Paulo also was able to make references to some of the characters in his other books. I was only able to pick up on 2 as I have only read 2 other of his books, not including this one. A reference was made to The Alchemist as well as to Warrior Of The Light.

"The Fifth Mountain" is one of Coelho's earlier works, one in which he takes us to biblical times and events. He brings us the story of the prophet Elijah, whom we follow along, he and his tormented soul, through this landscape so tormented unto itself; this land of Levites, Curses, Tribunals, Angels, Israelites—Gods Will Be Done. Coelho was raised up in the Catholic Church, not, as many assume, in some far—out, new—agey, spirit to light seeking kind of religion. His traditional religious upbringing shows up in this beautifully written, powerful tale of a young Elijah, beginning with his quest for a better understanding of his visions."Since childhood, he had heard voices and spoken with angels. This was when he had been impelled by his father and mother to seek out a priest of Israel who, after asking many questions, identified Elijah as a *nabi*, a prophet, a "man of the spirit," one who "exalts himself with the word of God."So begins his search for meaning amidst the backdrop of the never—ending violence and chaos of the times, and always, the search for God, God's Word, God's Love, God's Strength, His Wisdom and Grace. Do you hear *me* God?There is also an element of physical love here, which is hard enough for any man, in easier times, to really grasp and hold onto. All the harder for young Elijah.This is one my favorite "Little Coelho's" plucked from his "Tree" on which he has mapped out his literary pilgrimage. Highly recommended.

I have read quite a few "Coelho" books to date, and am truly amazed by the powerful insights woven within the stories of each and every one! In fact, I have yet to read a book by this author that has not moved me in some way."The Fifth Mountain" is a story written about the biblical figure Elijia - his trials & tribulations, as well as his joys, loves & great accomplishments. In a very interesting way, the author guides the reader through the many lessons to be learned through the life of this prophet and all those he touched.Some of the lessons/insights that I realized/remembered through reading "The Fifth Mountain" include:*Through every hardship we go through, there is a lesson to be learned - so be on the lookout for what lessons/insights are showing up in your life, and take heed.*Freedom is the ability to follow your heart without concern for the opinions of others.*We must CHOOSE rathter than ACCEPT our fateOverall, I found this book to be an easy, interesting, powerful read - with many great insights woven into a memorable fable-type story. I would recommend this author to everyone!

so tempted so many times to put this book aside. I started out enjoying it, then lost interest, thought it was going nowhere - was pointless - but something kept me reading, and I'm glad it did, because it proved to be an inspiring, powerful, interesting, and enjoyable read after halfway through. I love reads that leave me changed in some way, and this book did. A joyful experience.

My husband read this book to me. It was so beautiful. We cried. We laughed. We felt so many things. It’s a beautiful journey really.

Es handelt von der Reise des christlichen Propheten Elias. Eine sehr interessante Geschichte, die von der Bindung zu und dem Glauben an Gott handelt.

Loved this story of spoke to me like his other books. ExcellentNikki Simpson

Muito gosto o livro pelas pessoas maduras! Excelente.

THIS BOOK REVIEW IS ONLY BASED ON MY FEELINGS DURING READING THE BOOK. IT DOES NOT INTENT TO HURT ANYONE’S FEELINGS, AND DOES NOT MEANT TO COMPARE WITH ANY OTHER REVIEWER’S FEELINGS.“ Yes it was the first feeling that came to my mind when I first finished the book. This brilliant narrative takes us to the path of a simple person, who eventually becomes to be called as a prophet, first becomes a victim of the circumstances & after realization, fought back to conquer his destiny. The author portrayed here the plot as a historical narrative, based on some ancient cities of Lebanon, & with passage of time taught us some much valuable life lessons. Though sometimes use of the Old style of English Language may create problems for the readers but one has to remember that it actually a translation from the original Portuguese writing. So if the originality was not maintained, the essence might have been lost. The thing I liked most in this reading is it’s simplicity of the narrative, and some serious life lessons through a few words, what the author had given. Anyone who is fond of spiritual writings, it is a must read.Though it is kind of an offence to give rating for a creation from an author like Paulo Coelho, but from a reader’s perspectiveMy Rating is 4.5/5.0.