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Overall Summary

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept is a novella written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. It was published in 1994 and follows two childhood friends who reunite after eleven years of separation, during which time each has undergone profound changes. One character, Pilar, has evolved into an independent woman while her friend Santiago has become a spiritual leader. They embark on a journey to the Pyrenees river with many unresolved issues between them. The story explores themes such as love and spirituality as well as hardships that life presents us with. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept received overwhelmingly positive reviews upon its release in Brazil; it was later translated into English where it became equally successful among readers worldwide.

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept is about a woman named Pilar who was raised to be a studious Catholic. Her parents and teachers tried to mold her into what they thought would be an ideal Spanish Catholic, but she feels like she has failed society’s rules. She suppresses her happiness in order to fit in with others’ expectations of her. Her struggle with these instincts makes up the book’s primary conflict.

Pilar goes on a journey with her friend, as they cross over the border into France. Throughout this journey, she begins to loosen up and then turns back because of fear of the unknown and feeling uncomfortable. Despite it being more uncomfortable to live in her current skin rather than make a change, she is scared to take the leap. When she finally lets herself try something new and opens her heart and mind to the concept of feminine side of God, Pilar feels herself being transformed into someone who can truly love and live the way she hopes to. However, her friend is facing a challenging personal conflict as well; he loves Pilar but must choose between his relationship with her or staying at seminary where he has direct communication with Virgin Mary (a spiritual gift that many people strive for).

In the book, “The Alchemist”, Pilar doesn’t want her friend to give up his gift of finding treasure. She also can’t be with him because she’s married and has children, but they form a connection that is deeper than physical contact. The rest of the book explores what it means to believe in something and how people find true happiness through their faith. As the story ends, Pilar has met with her friend and priest, as well as discovered who she truly is and what she wants out of life.

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author who has written over thirty books including his most famous book, The Alchemist. He’s also been very politically active in Brazil and was even the subject of a documentary called The Pilgrim – Story of Paulo Coelho. In 2007 he was named a UN Messenger of Peace and in 1996 he received the honor to be Knighted by France as an Officer of Arts and Letters.