Book: The Witch of Portobello
Author: Paulo Coelho
Publications: Harper Collins
Price: Rs. 170
Pages: 323
Plot: Athena was an adopted child. She was told about her adoption by her parents. Her parents loved her so much, but sometimes, they do not know how to deal with her. There are times when she is adventurous, independent, courageous and wild.
After knowing the truth of her adoption, one question always drift in her mind, ‘Who am I?’ And in this quest of knowing herself, her experiences lead her to some powers, powers of prophecy. Her vibes, her presence is altogether wearying for some. She talks about life, love and herself so openly that it causes inconvenience for some people.
But one day she disappears, no one knows what actually happened to her. Murdered, died, or kidnapped what exactly happened? It is when her story is told by different people, her teachers, friend, ex-husband, colleagues, people who know her or hardly knows her.
As Paulo Coelho’s other books, this book also goes around spirituality, love, passion, joy, and sacrifice.
My Views: The story starts with a mystery. Athena is missing, and it is in search of her when people remember and tell about the days spent with her. Talking about important times of her life, her childhood, when she gets to know that she is an adopted child, the time when she did a job in a bank, the time when she learned calligraphy in Dubai. And above all how she appeared to others during all these experiences. It is through different people’s eyes we get to know about Athena.
I loved how honest Athena is with her thoughts and life. How raw she is, accepting her naivety and then experiencing life. We can see that how she is flowing with life and yet how she is strongly facing all the challenges. She is unworldly yet so intelligent, she is a mystery yet an open book, she is liked by so many, and yet hated by many. I love how the author has shown a contradiction in the character.
What I love the most about Paulo Coelho’s writings is its depth. The author has the talent to say so meaningful things in such a subtle and easy way that it will definitely hit you hard. As always, there are so many beautiful quotes which can teach you important lessons about life. I enjoy Paulo Coelho’s books so it was not difficult for me to fell in love with this one too.
The story is really good and nicely put together, definitely an engaging book. Overall, I would say I really enjoyed reading this book.
Recommendations: If you love Paulo Coelho’s writings then this is a must-read for you. The theme of this book is spirituality, love, life and hope, so if you love reading books revolving around these topics, then go for this book without any second thought.
Ratings: 3.5/5
If you would like to read more of Paulo Coelho’s books, then here is a review of another book, ‘The Alchemist.’ Give it a read. I will see you with the next post, till then keep celebrating life!
With Love,
Komal
6 Likes
I enjoyed it because I am like her, Athena. I met a New-Age teacher called Judy at the time Athena was looking for life to make sense and to be her changing self. This Judy wasn’t kind and she interfered with our marriage because my husband ‘followed’ her, so reading the book was healing for me.