The best work of fiction in recent times  

a book that i just finished that you may want to take out of the library is '501 best writers of all time'. it gives you a short synopsis of the best works of each writers and though i barely read fiction, i found it a very good book. (it was printed last year, so this author may be in it!)

Paulo Coelho is, maybe, the best writer I ever read. I recommend The Alchemist,Warrior of Light, The Pilgrimage and maybe Maktub.

Hi Pathfinderr,

Paulo Coelho isn't Portuguese, but Brazilian. Yes, it was a great best seller, but not the most important of his career, you should take a look in other books that sold much more than this.

I agree that he has a glimpse in many spiritual aspects, but read about his life as well. You will understand why he wrote so many books talking about this "endless" trip to find his own "self".

Have a great time!