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A review by readingoverbreathing
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
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.
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.