The Fifth Mountain, by Paulo Coelho. Trans., Clifford E. Landers. New York: HarperPerennial, 1999.

In 1979 Paulo Coelho was, at the age of thirty, on his way to becoming a successful recording executive. He was working as artistic director for CBS in Brazil, having given up his lifelong dream of being a writer. Then, suddenly, his world fell apart. The president of the company fired him without explanation, and Coelho was unable to Find another position in his field. After a period of confusion, he began writing again, later becoming one of Brazil's most widely acclaimed novelists. The experience led Coelho to explore the role of destiny--what he calls "the unavoidable"--in human life, and to this end he retells the story of Elijah the Prophet, a man who attempted to ignore his calling.

In the ninth century B.C. the Princess Jezebel attempts to impose paganism on Israel by ordering the execution of all prophets who refuse to worship Baal. Since childhood Elijah has heard voices and spoken with angels, and, after carefully examining him, the priests determine he is a nabi, or prophet. However, Elijah's parents try to keep his powers secret in order to avoid problems with the government and, with time, the visions subside.

As a young man, Elijah opens a carpentry shop, which absorbs all his time and energy. He has no desire to be a leader of the Chosen People. When Jezebel begins to take repressive measures, Elijah goes on working in his shop, certain the whole business will soon blow over. However, when an angel appears and tells him to inform...