Title: The Witch of Portobello
Author: Paulo Coelho
First published September 1, 2006
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007251865 (ISBN10: 0007251866)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
In Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello, readers are introduced to Athena, a woman shrouded in mystery. Through the perspectives of those who knew her, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to remain true to oneself.
Coelho’s poignant and thought-provoking novel asks the question of how we can find ourselves in a world that often tries to mold us into something we’re not.
About the Author
Paulo Coelho, a celebrated Brazilian author, was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947. Although he worked in various fields such as theater directing, acting, and journalism, he eventually devoted himself entirely to writing.
In 1986, Coelho embarked on a pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostella, an adventure that he later wrote about in his book, The Pilgrimage. The following year, he published The Alchemist, which initially had poor sales and was dropped by his publisher.
However, it went on to become one of the most successful books in Brazilian history. Coelho’s other notable works include Brida (1990), The Valkyries (1992), By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept (1994), Maktub (1994), Phrases (1995), The Fifth Mountain (1996), Manual of a Warrior of Light (1997), Veronika Decides to Die (1998), The Devil and Miss Prym (2000), Stories for Parents, Children and Grandchildren (2001), Eleven Minutes (2003), The Zahir (2005), The Witch of Portobello (2006), and Winner Stands Alone (2009).
In 2006, Coelho celebrated the 20th anniversary of his pilgrimage by traveling around the world for 90 days, even taking the Trans-Siberian train to Vladivostok. During this journey, he surprised his readers by holding book signings in some cities along the way.
Coelho documented his experiences and impressions on his blog, Walking the Path – The Pilgrimage. Since then, he has expanded his online presence through daily blogs on Wordpress, Myspace, and Facebook, as well as media sharing sites like YouTube and Flickr.
Coelho is a strong advocate for the internet as a new media and is the first bestselling author to support free distribution of his work online. He even launched a project called The Experimental Witch, where he invites readers to adapt The Witch of Portobello to the screen.
Coelho’s innovative use of the internet has allowed him to connect with his readers in new and exciting ways.
Editoral Review
Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello has garnered mixed reviews since its publication in 2006. Coelho, a Brazilian author best known for his international bestseller The Alchemist, imbues his writing with themes of spirituality and self-discovery.
The genre of this book can be classified as a philosophical fiction that explores the relationship between the individual and society. The plot of the book revolves around Athena, an orphaned girl born in Transylvania and adopted by a wealthy Lebanese couple.
Athena knows from a young age that she is different from others, and this leads her on a journey of self-discovery, one that ultimately leads her to becoming a powerful spiritual leader. The book is narrated through the perspective of various characters in Athena’s life, including her adoptive mother, her ex-husband, and her fellow spiritual seekers.
The setting of the book is set in different parts of the world, following Athena as she travels from Lebanon to London to Romania and beyond. The conflicts that the characters face are primarily internal, as they are forced to confront their own beliefs about spirituality and the nature of the self.
The Witch of Portobello is significant in that it explores the themes of spirituality and the search for a higher purpose in life, themes that are particularly relevant in a world where many people feel lost and disconnected from larger values. Coelho’s novel also explores the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated society, and the difficulties that come with defying societal expectations.
However, while the novel’s themes are powerful and thought-provoking, its execution can be lacking at times. The pacing of the book can drag, and the various perspectives that the novel is narrated through can make it difficult for readers to connect with the characters.
The characterization of Athena can also feel shallow at times, leaving the reader with an incomplete understanding of her motivations and goals. Despite its flaws, The Witch of Portobello has its strengths.
Coelho’s writing is lyrical and emotive, with striking imagery and moments of profundity. The novel poses important questions about the nature of spirituality and the search for meaning, and encourages readers to interrogate their own beliefs and values.
Overall, The Witch of Portobello is a book worth reading for those interested in philosophical fiction and introspection. While it may not be a perfect novel, its themes and message resonate powerfully with a wide audience.
I would recommend this book to individuals who are interested in reading about personal growth and the power of the human spirit. I give The Witch of Portobello a score of 3.5 out of 5.
