Reviews

The Prophet: A New Annotated Edition by Kahlil Gibran, Suheil Bushrui

art_humaniser's review against another edition

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3.0

Lost in translation

readingoverbreathing's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

When I originally bought this, I had no idea it was a work of fiction. In fact, I had prepared to read it as a philosophy supplement. It was only the blurb's label of it as "a classic work of inspirational fiction" that made me realize my mistake.

That was quite some time ago now, but I still wasn't able to shake the categorization my brain had previously attached to this when I finally got around to reading it recently. And in my defense, I think labeling this as a work of fiction is still a bit of a stretch. The book has no real plot, merely an exposition that Gibran sets up to share words of wisdom on a variety of very human topics. The fictional facade really frustrated me, especially when I got to the end and it was clear that a facade was indeed all it was. The writing style I also found a bit fabricated and rather biblical, donning a tone that was often just a bit too pompous.

There are a lot of really lovely human truths and emotions explored here, but I would have preferred Gibran share those separately on their own merit rather than shrouding them in this folktale-like setting. It was almost like he wasn't confident in his own self and chose to hide his personal thoughts and musings behind the character of the Prophet.

I can see why this book is so beloved, but it was just not the thing for me. I would prefer my philosophical musings to be a little more grounded in reality.

searlait_carolinehoey's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

alulushi's review against another edition

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inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

incredible, inspiring, and reflective. i will be thinking about these words for years

“when you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find that it is only that which has given you sorrow has given you joy.”

dyno8426's review against another edition

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3.0

I feel conflicted due to my mixed reactions after reading this book. The bittersweet aftertaste feels more bitter now due to its incomplete undertaking - something that even begins to feel like betrayal. First to the wonderful part - its poetic delivery of the prose. It elevates its prophetic content to scripture like holiness. Analogies and metaphors interspersed within the prose are impressive with their beauty and uplifting sentiments. At places, I literally exclaimed with appreciation and felt the same exhilaration that any beautiful imagery or idea evokes. The symbols also convey a feeling of harmony - pleasant and stabilising like a musical symphony. Although the ideological freedom that provides this unity also see-sawed its favour in my opinion and left me intellectually unfulfilled.

The underlying philosophical fibre seems to be spiritualism - the idea of human's spiritual reality as paramount than any material aspect. A grander design and its intellectual access through spiritual realisation comes out to be the purpose of living. Everything is developed relative to it and uses the same existential harmony to fit in the groove that completes the bigger picture. Complex topics like suffering and evil are explained as a vacuum of this spiritual awareness. This somewhat neutralises the comforting interludes of beautiful symbols by offering trite words - to the extent of contradictory seeming statements that irked me to the point of "What?!". As pointed in someone else's criticism as well (not quoting verbatim) - in its entirety, it comes out as a sugar-coated blend of theology, spiritualism and morality which makes it easier to swallow. Its embalming effect makes it agreeable. It seems to be constructed from the good parts of various ideologies you might have heard of which makes it acceptable. Its optimism feels artificial which seeds doubt and leaving an impression of "more saccharine with less substance". I believe I am not biased towards pessimism to feel this way. This is what divides my appreciation and second-guess the worthiness of this work. As a moral guide, its simplicity and clarity is agreeable and identifiably in the right of mind and heart. Like spiritualism, its positivity just feels overused in order to make it widely acceptable. Appearance of depth sometimes also comes from an inadequacy of light. It does not carry the intellectual burden or inspires anyone to share it with the author. It closes in on itself as soon as it started while heading into waters which always left many wondering. Maybe it was never meant to do so. I can understand and accept that. I am glad it exists to provide enough beauty for some emotional respite and enough light to clear the complexity of some human experiences.

jvsaucceda's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was gift from a dear friend of mine. As I was reading it I was blown away by the use of language and the colorful illustrations that compared life to life. It seemed convoluted at times which made it difficult to understand what I was reading, but the parts I did understand I really enjoyed.

afroditi86's review against another edition

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5.0

Though this book is short, it's not one to be read in one sitting. The meaning is condensed and one needs time to take it all in. The writing can also become tiresome after a while. However it's a beautiful book with a beautiful message. I enjoyed every second of reading it.

eleader's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

elcapu's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

sarak2's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

5.0