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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
This book read like a traditional fiction novel, rather than as a spiritual collection of parables that have defined Paulo Coelho's other works. I enjoyed finding my own way of interpreting 'The Witch of Portobella.' I fell in love with the story when dance became a magical experience for Athena because I relate to the power of the creative process as a spirit-opening experience. For me, The Witch of Portobello was an affirmation of my own experiences. (Not dance. Oh, how I do not dance. Pottery on the other hand? Yes)
I loved the book also because Athena is a very complex character. A reader might strongly like or dislike her, or both, but there is no doubt that she is strong, brave, and powerful.
The perspectives of many narrators was a writing style that definitely acted as an reading incentive: curious to see what Coelho was going to come up with in the next chapter.
I've recommended this book many times over the years. I don't know anyone who loved it quite as much as I did, and some hated it. It's just that kind of book.
I loved the book also because Athena is a very complex character. A reader might strongly like or dislike her, or both, but there is no doubt that she is strong, brave, and powerful.
The perspectives of many narrators was a writing style that definitely acted as an reading incentive: curious to see what Coelho was going to come up with in the next chapter.
I've recommended this book many times over the years. I don't know anyone who loved it quite as much as I did, and some hated it. It's just that kind of book.
Ecrire en français est un peux difficiles pour moi pour le moment, je me suis habitués a ecrire des REVIEWS en anglais, mais je vais essayer.
Les livres spirituelles ne m'attire pas, par ce qu'ils sont trop eloignés de la religion, c'est un refuge pour certaines personnes, mais pour moi , ce sont rien que des bêtises.
Pour la plupart des personnes, la religion n'est plus adaptées a ce que nous vivons, ils cherchent d'autre maniéré pour "se trouver" cherchent un sens a leur vies.. donc ce livre est peut etre pour ceux qui cherchent un sens a leur vies.
Les livres spirituelles ne m'attire pas, par ce qu'ils sont trop eloignés de la religion, c'est un refuge pour certaines personnes, mais pour moi , ce sont rien que des bêtises.
Pour la plupart des personnes, la religion n'est plus adaptées a ce que nous vivons, ils cherchent d'autre maniéré pour "se trouver" cherchent un sens a leur vies.. donc ce livre est peut etre pour ceux qui cherchent un sens a leur vies.
Whenever I read a book by Paulo Coelho, I often feel that any review needs to be done on 2 levels: Objectively and Personally. So, here we go.
Objectively, this was not my favorite of Coelho's writings, though the story was interesting. Pacing was a little uneven, some events happening quite abruptly while other bits meandered for several pages that felt rather uninteresting. The ending was quite an unexpected treat though and brought it back for me from a 3 star to a 4 star rating.
Personally, however is another matter entirely.
Whenever I'm feeling a little lost, I inevitably find myself in Coelho's pages, and somehow it always ends up being the exact book I need to read at precisely the right time. "Witch" was no exception. Parts of this storyline felt pulled directly from my own history, drawing on areas that I deeply needed to revisit. So many messages came through its words, it's given me a lot to reflect upon. And for me, this is where Coelho's real magic lies as a writer - not in his craft, or in the translation, but in the message. The message each reader takes away from the words. The pieces that radiate in your mind and your soul. For me, this one came through with banging drums and quiet nudges and whispers of memories I'd long forgotten or had hidden away. With that in mind, this book gets 5 stars from me.
Objectively, this was not my favorite of Coelho's writings, though the story was interesting. Pacing was a little uneven, some events happening quite abruptly while other bits meandered for several pages that felt rather uninteresting. The ending was quite an unexpected treat though and brought it back for me from a 3 star to a 4 star rating.
Personally, however is another matter entirely.
Whenever I'm feeling a little lost, I inevitably find myself in Coelho's pages, and somehow it always ends up being the exact book I need to read at precisely the right time. "Witch" was no exception. Parts of this storyline felt pulled directly from my own history, drawing on areas that I deeply needed to revisit. So many messages came through its words, it's given me a lot to reflect upon. And for me, this is where Coelho's real magic lies as a writer - not in his craft, or in the translation, but in the message. The message each reader takes away from the words. The pieces that radiate in your mind and your soul. For me, this one came through with banging drums and quiet nudges and whispers of memories I'd long forgotten or had hidden away. With that in mind, this book gets 5 stars from me.
I loved everything about this book - how it's written, message behind plot, characters... It's life changing for those who see and choose to practice. Let's dance!
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In a further attempt to get a few more posts up while I’m on vacation I went to my TBR shelf and found I had two more Paulo Coelho novels yet to go so I grabbed them to read. They’re always easily written, well translated and fascinatingly beautiful and The Witch of Portobello, was no exception. I’m actually not sure when I picked up this book as I can’t find a photo of it, so I’m going to assume it was sometime in 2011 right after I read The Alchemist.
Every time I read a book by Coelho, I find myself wondering about and searching for my spirituality. Whether he is talking about the Mother or organized religion (usually not), Coelho has a way of writing incredibly complex ideas and intricate narratives that is so simple and beautiful that it’s almost breath-taking. I do wonder if it is even more beautiful in his native Portuguese, how can it be so incredibly beautiful translated into English and not be beyond beautiful originally. So that being said, some credit must, obviously, be given to Margaret Jull Costa who has translated other works by Coelho including Veronika Decides to Die and Eleven Minutes (my next read) and many works by José Saramago including Seeing.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
Every time I read a book by Coelho, I find myself wondering about and searching for my spirituality. Whether he is talking about the Mother or organized religion (usually not), Coelho has a way of writing incredibly complex ideas and intricate narratives that is so simple and beautiful that it’s almost breath-taking. I do wonder if it is even more beautiful in his native Portuguese, how can it be so incredibly beautiful translated into English and not be beyond beautiful originally. So that being said, some credit must, obviously, be given to Margaret Jull Costa who has translated other works by Coelho including Veronika Decides to Die and Eleven Minutes (my next read) and many works by José Saramago including Seeing.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
It has some nice aspects, but, as with many Coelho books, you can't help feeling that the plot is just there to serve the spiritual message. I don't mind the message, but I would find it more enjoyable reading if the characters and plot had more depth.
At first as I wasn't sure if I even wanna read that book. It's definitely made different and still I enjoyed it a lot. Paulo Coelho simply is a fantastic author and knows how to right. I'm 100% his books are even better in the original language Portuguese, as there's usually always getting something lost with in a translation. I can't wait to pick up another book by him.
I LOVED this book. It was exactly what I needed to read when I needed to read it. It is told in a way that makes you forget that you aren't really getting the point of view of the main character - you aren't privy to her innermost thoughts and feelings. And yet, it is supremely powerful, just the same.