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simplyv375's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Racism, Islamophobia, and War
Moderate: Racial slurs and Sexism
grays_opinion's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I will say that I, as someone who believes in a higher being and was looking for a hopeful message, did generally enjoy the book. It is a very philosophical book at its core, and it ponders love, destiny, and the environment around us. A lot of the judgement and beliefs expressed in the book are rooted in a belief that there is at least one higher being out there, one that created and predetermined everything. If you don't believe in any gods or divine creators, you may dislike all the discussion about God and fate. The main character is Christian, but discussions of God are kept non-denominational enough so that readers of all religions can relate at least on some level. I personally found comfort in the discussions of making your own decisions and working to fulfill your dreams; it inspired me to look seriously at the signs scattered around in my own life and further encouraged me to pursue my dreams rather than stay in a familiar status quo.
The book does come off as a bit xenophobic/racist at times, with the main character referring to Muslims as "infidels" and calling a character a "gypsy" (then subsequently describing that character as a trickster.) I also disliked the romantic story line. The main character immediately falls in love with a random woman, and tells her the next day that he wants to marry her. And she's just...okay with that. She immediately becomes his biggest supporter and encourages him to go chase his dreams. I'm not sure how exactly to phrase it, but it felt like wishful thinking on the author's part. If you fall in love with a stranger, they're not immediately going to understand your dreams and reciprocate your feelings. Furthermore, with all the discussion of how "women of the desert wait for their men to come back," it felt like it was reducing women to people whose only purpose is to support a man, and I did not appreciate that message.
I've heard some people call Paulo Coelho's works didactic, and I can see that somewhat in this book, especially towards the end. This perception will be a lot worse if you dislike the book, but even as someone who liked it, it felt like the story was really trying to push a moral at times. The entire book is really an allegory for
I will say that I am conflicted about the ending. Without giving too much away, I understand how it drives the main moral of the story home, but it also felt slightly defeating of the main character's journey, in a way. I'll leave you with that.
Overall, if you're an optimist or someone looking for hope and you can look past the racism and misogyny, you should give this book a try. You will find insightful quotes and inspiring moments that will really resonate with you. However, if you're someone who hates when people try to preach to you and you don't believe in a higher being, you're going to find this book to be self-righteous and annoying. Make of that what you will.
Minor: Violence, Islamophobia, and War
cornustella's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Alcohol and War
_david_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
The main character's naive and extreme approach becomes plain annoying, lacking the nuance of a balanced perspective. Moreover, the portrayal of the two women as mere side characters existing solely to admire the main character didn't sit well with me. It reinforces a narrow narrative.
The endorsement by celebrities who've of course successfully chased their dreams isn't surprising; however, it doesn't resonate with those who value a more present-focused and balanced lifestyle.
Ironically the book does introduce a character advocating for present-focused living, but this advice seems overshadowed by the relentless obsession from the protagonist with his supposedly paramount destiny. I find it funny that Narcissus is mentioned in the prologue, since I find this tale extremely self-centered.
Graphic: Murder, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Sexism and Classism
Minor: Gun violence
carojust's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
You'll enjoy this book if you're in the mood for something more lighthearted, inspiring, and thoughtful.
Moderate: Violence and War
gatogato's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and War
phvntomstvrs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexism and War
Minor: Animal death
hue's review against another edition
3.25
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, and War
lycheeteareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, and War
Minor: Animal death
redheadorganist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death and War