The Dream Seller

Finally finished reading this book by Augusto Cury, a Brazilian author, quite sometime back like almost a month ago. It was a good read. The Chinese translator again did an excellent job, on an otherwise unusual novel, which was depicted from first and third person perspective interchangeably that could be confusing at times.

The author Augusto is termed a rising star best selling author in Brazil, or has he already surpassed Paulo Coelho in terms of no. of books sold? I haven't read any of Paulo's book yet, thus can't comment. But Augusto really does have something to share in his messages.

This book is the first of a trilogy series. Inside the main character is as mystic as a Prophet. He was trying to sell dreams (aka hopes) to those in need, so that they can get back up on their own feet, from whatever failures or setback they have been facing.

This charismatic prophet soon attracted a group of followers. The author (first person) is the first disciple, after he was saved by the prophet (teacher) from the brink of committing suicide.

There are a lot of references to Biblical teachings, especially those of Jesus Christ. I have been holding the suspense not to finish the last chapter to reveal who the real identity of this Dream seller is :)

As the story progress, more is known about the background of this 'prophet'. He was once a mental patient! Indeed, he went crazy for a period of time after his family was killed from an airplane crash. The prophet was spared because of his hectic work schedule, and didn't join them due to last minute office meeting over run.

After that incident, he went on for soul searching, gave up everything and become homeless. Towards the last few chapters, he was revealed indeed the CEO of the largest business empire Megasoft Corp.

There are many dramatic turns, all weave with smaller stories when the 7 followers were each introduced. An alcoholic rehab, university professor (main actor), a model, an old educated lady, a thief etc

The unusual scenes are plenty: and how the 'prophet' was able to turn the situation around by giving his unusual speech, and sold more dreams to the listeners. Eg he gate crashed to a funeral and urged people to remembrance the joyful moments of the deceased, and ended up become a carnival!! The other occasion was like when his identity was about to be disclosed, he actually led a group of high power executives to a tomb and reminded they are in fact the slave and deprived because of the work stress and constant worrisome that they are undertaking, as compared to their staff. How true it is!

At the beginning of the book, when the author ie the college professor was about to commit suicide by jumping off the roof top of the Megasoft building, that's where the 'prophet' appeared. He managed to convince the author not to jump down, by selling him more commas ",", the reasons to continue to live on his life, and not to put on a full stop (period) so abruptly.

Augusto says he still has 3000+ pages of materials not yet published. His main role is clinical psychiatrist and researcher. He has been writing non stop for the past 25 years, with a passion to share on what he has received as a calling. What a writer!

I look forward to seeing the part 2 and 3 sequels for the dream seller book series, to see what kind of dreams the seller has in store for us as the buyers! :)