Paulo Coelho has a way of writing that is simple, straightforward, and goes straight to the heart. Very strongly entrenched in spirituality, his tales do not preach and yet communicate so much!
I loved the book from the word go. Be it the prologue, where he refers to the story of a cardinal and three Aztec priests, or the main story, C does not flag even for a second. Childhood love tales are my favourites. And, this one promised to be one. And gave more. The pain which does not hurt, the elusive moments when you expect a climax but get the real-life disappointments that keep you hoping for things better to come, and the final climax that was unexpected and yet lyrical.
Summarising his tale will make it mundane - for if I had his power of communication, you would be reading my book and not a review. So, I leave you to read it. But, read it, you must.