“The Winner Stands Alone” is a thriller which tells the enthralling stories of it’s characters- Igor the Russian millionaire, Hamid Hussain the Middle Eastern fashion legend, the lovely American actress Gabriella, hardcore detective Savoy and Jasmine the heart-breakingly beautiful young girl on the brink of a successful modeling career. Set in France at the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, the tale narrates the epic drama and tension between the characters in a 24 hour time period. Igor, extraordinarily intelligent and ‘religious’ as he is, is here to murder people in order to send the message to his ex wife Ewa that he still loves her. Incidentally, Ewa left Igor for Hamid Hussain. Gabriella, a Chicago girl is here to land a lead role opposite a big star. Savoy is desperate to solve the case of a serial killer in usually eventless Cannes. Jasmine is the young model everyone wants, but she is searching for the perfect offer.
Don’t be deceived by the size of the book, big as it looks, every single page is the opposite of boring. Coelho hasn’t dragged the story for too long and has beautifully crafted this story into a page turning thriller which holds your interest till the very last page. Coelho has mentioned many of the clichés that exist in today’s world and satirized them through his characters, mainly Igor and Gabriella. He has written the book with such skill, that it creates a sense of sympathy not only for Igor’s victims, but also for Igor himself. While many would argue that Paulo Coelho books are overrated, that is completely false. This book, is, in fact underrated and did not receive the credit it deserved. With every turn of the page it sends a shiver of thrill running down your spine.
The readers will find it an easy read because of the simplicity of the words and the language. Coelho’s description of Cannes is elaborate and makes it easier to imagine the white beaches and blue bays of the French Riviera.
This book serves as the perfect read on all days that end with “day”. I for one couldn’t put it down till I finished it.