ieemee's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of my favourite books by Paul Coelho. It criticised the institution of religion whilst highlighting the importance of true religious belief
ginath13's review against another edition
4.0
Typical Paulo Coelho. It's hard to not like what he writes.
simmerman's review against another edition
2.0
This was the book club pick of the month. I finished it last night and I'm not exactly sure what I thought of it. I enjoyed how the book was set up as a series of interviews. The flow was clear and the different voices of the book easily went together - it wasn't choppy or broken as I have read in other books. I didn't love the actual text of the story, but it kept me interested enough to finish it before I had to. I'm not terribly interested in witchcraft, the occult or other such spiritual items. I was however surprised by the ending. I'm very curious to see what the group thought of the book in a few weeks.
calinareads's review against another edition
1.0
I could barely read 60% of this book. I felt as if I was forced to finish the book, hoping to get to the better part, but no, nothing was good about this book imo
When I found this book and bought it, I was super excited to read it (the main character was born in Sibiu, Transylvania - which is in Romania, and I am Romanian as well... you get my point). I enjoy to read everything about witches and witchcraft, so "The Witch of Portobello" promised me that I will feel pleased in the end. What end? I couldn't even reach the end of the book, because I started to get so fed up! I don't know what my expectations were for my first Coelho novel, but I'll summarise my opinion in two words: utterly disappointed.
I still have no clue about why I didn't like this book at all: was the super self-absorbed main character? The fictionalised essay style of the novel and the non-uniqueness of the other characters? The author's preachy dominant character and overwhelming philosophy.
I couldn't sympathise nor like Athena a little bit. I tried my best but her character isn't realistic, in my opinion. In fact, I couldn't sympathise with any of the characters.
In conclusion, "The Witch of Portobello" is the kind of "either hate or love it" book. I personally hate it, and I can understand why some people love it. Overall it didn't feel realistic and it was boring and not unique.
When I found this book and bought it, I was super excited to read it (the main character was born in Sibiu, Transylvania - which is in Romania, and I am Romanian as well... you get my point). I enjoy to read everything about witches and witchcraft, so "The Witch of Portobello" promised me that I will feel pleased in the end. What end? I couldn't even reach the end of the book, because I started to get so fed up! I don't know what my expectations were for my first Coelho novel, but I'll summarise my opinion in two words: utterly disappointed.
I still have no clue about why I didn't like this book at all: was the super self-absorbed main character? The fictionalised essay style of the novel and the non-uniqueness of the other characters? The author's preachy dominant character and overwhelming philosophy.
I couldn't sympathise nor like Athena a little bit. I tried my best but her character isn't realistic, in my opinion. In fact, I couldn't sympathise with any of the characters.
In conclusion, "The Witch of Portobello" is the kind of "either hate or love it" book. I personally hate it, and I can understand why some people love it. Overall it didn't feel realistic and it was boring and not unique.
journey_keeper's review against another edition
2.0
This falls in much the same category as Brida for me. And I did not enjoy either very much. There are some very interesting thought patterns and ideas in both books, but the story itself just did not bind me.
I am finding Paulo Cpelho to be a very interesting writer though. I really love some of his books (Veronika decides to die, The Devil and Mrs Prym, etc), but others are just not for me.
I am finding Paulo Cpelho to be a very interesting writer though. I really love some of his books (Veronika decides to die, The Devil and Mrs Prym, etc), but others are just not for me.
mazza57's review against another edition
4.0
Paul Coehlo never disappoints. Each of his books have their own life and individuality. This, almost a book of impact statements show a woman of contradictions and developing powers. The whole is about belief and the power of faith, about change and its impact and the ending brings its own twist. There were parts where the reader has to keep full attention on the story line but overall an excellent read
hanusiek_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kkop12's review against another edition
3.0
So this book sat on my shelf for a long time. I had just read the Alchemist and wasn't sure I wanted to tackle another 'deep' book by this author. Surprisingly it was much easier to follow. And the ending was actually a surprise! Which is always a treat.