The Winner Stands Alone is a captivating novel by the incomparable Paulo Coelho.

The story unfolds during the Cannes International Film Festival and all the action takes place within 24 hours. Igor is a wealthy Russian businessman. His wife Ewa left him two years ago, and Igor has never come to terms with their separation, especially since Ewa is now married to a famous fashion designer, Hamid Hussein. Igor is maniacally jealous and when Ewa left him, he promised her that he would destroy "entire worlds" to win her back, and intends to keep his promise…

The glittering festival film serves as a backdrop to a manic series of murders, and we meet various characters who desperately try to seize their opportunity in the shallow world of showbiz. Gabriela, a young and naive actress, is exploited by her agent, as well as Jasmine, a struggling young refugee from Rwanda working as a model.

The Winner Stands Alone is a gripping, fast-paced thriller, and Coelho skillfully incorporates elements of social satire, mocking our obsession with fame and wealth.