In a remote corner of India, there’s a tree. Its branches are festooned with strips of paper; the sap that circulates through it is hope; its leaves embrace the dreams of thousands. It is a wish-tree: according to a centuries-old tradition, anyone can entrust their innermost hopes to this holy tree, writing their thoughts on a paper strip, and tying it to the branches with a ribbon. An individual act of faith which transforms into a collective energy capable of making everyone’s dreams come true: the power of desire. The story’s main character, Sofia, is about to find this out for herself. Newly-arrived in India to piece together her broken heart, she seeks refuge in an ashram, a place of prayer and meditation, to rediscover that much longed-for peace of mind which has so eluded her. An unexpected conversation with an Indian guru, the sage of the temple, leaves a profound impression: “In five days’ time I’ll give you a letter. But first you must learn to look within, in order for your soul to be capable of understanding the message”. Confused, Sofia seeks comfort in the wish tree, where amongst seemingly chance coincidences and encounters she will at last find the answers to reclaim her life and embark upon a journey into her very depths which will lead her to understand what happiness truly is. A story of the power of hope and dreams, which will touch the heart of everyone who reads it.
The master is Sri sathya sai baba. The town in India is puttaparthi. Much of the story in India was familiar to me.guru pilgrims is of course in July not February but this was a minor distraction. Sofia reminded me of a friend and fellow sai devotee also a tall blonde Italian girl from northern Italy. I am sorry to hear that the mall broken in contravention road is damaged it was fine last time I saw it. I really loved the book it brought back many happy memories.