Katrin Czerwink; Interview with Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho collects controversial opinions about his work, but everybody agrees that he is indeed a “publishing phenomenon”, writing books that capture not only his fellows Brazilians, but also the whole world. And the key to this phenomenon seems to be that he knows how to say the grand truths with simple, clear and pure language.

"Paulo Coelho is not only one of the most widely read but also one the most influential authors writing today" wrote the Bambi awards in Germany. "His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people" wrote The Times in UK.

To date a total of 210 translations have been sold with sales totaling almost 43 million copies. In 55 languages and published in 140 countries of the world.

Paulo Coelho has led an extreme life. Rebelliousness defined his youth. He was a hippie. He wrote popular song lyrics for some of Brazil's famous pop music stars, including Elis Regina and Raul Seixas. Shortly after, he worked as a journalist.

In 1986 Paulo Coelho walked along the Road of Santiago, the ancient Spanish pilgrimage. He would later describe this experience in ‘The Pilgrimage’, published in 1987. The following year, with his second book ‘The Alchemist’, established his worldwide fame. The book is an authentic phenomenon.
Other titles include ‘Brida’ (1990), ‘The Valkyries’ (1992), ‘Maktub’ (1994) - a compilation of his daily column, ‘By The River Piedra I Sat Down & Wept’ (1994), ‘The Fifth Mountain’ (1996), ‘The Manual of the Warrior of Light’ (1997); ‘Veronika Decides to Die’ (1998). His most recent novel, ‘The Devil and Miss Prym’ (2000), is a resounding success, in all the countries where it has been published to date.

For 10 years Paulo Coelho's different titles have made the top places on the bestseller lists around the world. He was named the second best-selling author worldwide by the French magazine "Lire" (March 1999), a nomination based on information from several leading medias' bestseller lists. The critics have specially praised his poetic, realistic and philosophical style, and the symbolic language that does not speak to our brains, but to our hearts.

On 25 July 2002, Paulo Coelho became a member of the prestigious Brazilian Academy of Letters (ABL). The academy was founded 104 years ago, and the 40-member body makes the rules on how Portuguese is spelled and spoken.

Now, let's talk to Paulo Coelho ...