Aleph    by Paul Coelho Order:  USA  Can Vintage, 2012 (2011) Hardcover, Softcover, CD, e-Book     Reviewed by Barbara Lingens The Aleph is the point at which everything is in the same place at the same time. This story depicts a man (perhaps Coelho himself) having a crisis of faith, who finds he must use the Aleph as the means to understand a past life. A train journey across Russia is the means by which he begins to understand, that although he knows many things, there are others who have much to give him. Hilal is one. A gifted violinist, maddeningly persistent in her pursuit of him, she is one among many whose demons have stunted their growth. Everyone must relearn what it means to love and to forgive. And as the author voyages through time and space, making discoveries about past lives, we learn about the history of religion and our place in the universe. This novel may not satisfy those who look for understanding based on logic, but those who can open their hearts and minds to the spirit as Coelho describes it will take a very interesting journey. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews