By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
180
Novel • Fiction
France • 1990s
1994
Adult
18+ years
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho follows Pilar, a strong and independent woman, as she reconnects with a childhood friend who has become a charismatic spiritual leader. Together, they embark on a journey through the French Pyrenees, confronting old feelings and exploring profound questions about love, spirituality, and personal growth.
Contemplative
Emotional
Romantic
Melancholic
Inspirational
105,176 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho explores themes of love, spirituality, and self-discovery. Critics praise its poetic prose and thought-provoking messages. However, some find the narrative predictable and the characters underdeveloped. Overall, it is a mystical, introspective read that resonates differently with each reader.
Readers who enjoy tender, philosophical love stories with a spiritual journey at the heart, akin to The Alchemist or The Notebook, will find By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho captivating. Ideal for those who appreciate introspective narratives that blend romance with deep existential reflections.
105,176 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept is part of Paulo Coelho's "And on the Seventh Day" trilogy, which explores a week in the lives of ordinary people facing a major life change.
Published in 1994, the novel contributed to Coelho's international reputation, resonating with readers for its themes of love, destiny, and spiritual awakening.
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The story is inspired by Coelho's own experiences and explorations of spirituality, particularly influenced by his time with a Catholic religious movement called Charismatic Renewal.
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180
Novel • Fiction
France • 1990s
1994
Adult
18+ years
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