Reviews

I tried my best to enjoy reading this but maybe because it was written from a third person view so it seems a bit static and flat to me. I don't fancy the story telling that much either but I appreciate that bits of it making me understand and learn about Coelho and his experiences while traveling, although not much of inspiring. My favorite part probably the view of social and culture also personal ideologies/values that the author represent in the narrative. Other than that, it was just an okay book for me.

deervv's review against another edition

Go to review page

inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

alyah_harby's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

kalebthereader's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A story which felt scattered and like a semi-stream of consciousness with a plot line that simply didn't carry the novel. Several times while reading I honestly felt like this book could’ve been condensed into an article online and had a much stronger point. Unlike The Alchemist, where every sentence truly mattered and made you stop and think, this story had several passages that truly could’ve been cut. Neither of the main characters was likable in my opinion - a much more viable choice for a protagonist would’ve been Jacques and Marie or the drivers instead of a privileged male like Paulo basically living off of his parent's money.

In the beginning of the autobiography, the audience is transported to Paulo’s home country where he suffers from his most traumatic incident. While the situation is definitely scarring, the way it’s written feels like a semi-cheesy action film where you expect Paulo to light off a detonator and fly away in his chopper.

With all of that being said, if you love reading about this period of time it’s still a fairly pleasant experience. As someone who hasn’t had the chance to leave America yet, I always love escaping through literature - I just would’ve loved for Paulo either to take more time to actually explain his surroundings areas or again put it into an email lol. For me, this “autobiography” would be around a 2.5-3/5 range! For how incredible this story should’ve been with what the situation was it missed that magic that Paulo is famous for in my opinion.

I will say though, Marie's LSD experience in Istanbul is fucking wonderful.

marlyne_eva's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

arpitjo's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

3.5 Stars

leoni1975's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

More...