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tinarucek's review against another edition
2.0
Quite a simple writing, monumental idea but very poor execution, reads like a bible - story with some parables thrown in for a good measure. Describes, but doesn't show, preaches instead of telling a good story. Unbelievably flat characters, simple language. I decided to give Coelho a chance since I'm going through 1001 books list, but I have to say I retained my opinion of his work I've formed at 14 after reading Brida. Sad to see that between ten years he has written these two books, his writing hasn't evolved one single bit.
faintgirl's review against another edition
4.0
Another book in a run of short but quirky tales, The Devil and Miss Prym deals with the trials a small ageing village must face when a mysterious stranger offers them a deadly deal. Should they commit a deadly sin to rescue their ailing village? Dealing with sentimental, religious and moral sensibilities with the same occasionally harsh criticism, whilst offering a rather bleak view of the human soul, the book is incredibly readable and gripping, that is until the slightly disappointing ending. That sentence is far too long but I'm tired and uninspired so it'll have to do. Despite being of a similar length, this feels like a more complete novel than "I'm Not Scared" was, and certainly makes for a more satisfying read.
margaery's review against another edition
2.0
Paulo Coelho is overrated. I enjoyed reading The Alchemist. The rest I wanted to DNF. Will not read any of his books anymore.
shelfportrait's review against another edition
2.0
Not my favourite book from this author. I didnt realy care much for the characters. I already predicted what would happen in the end. It was just okay for me.
kalin_grace's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
heathergstl's review against another edition
3.0
I was a bit disappointed in this selection. I had been so very impressed with The Alchemist, and had held high hopes for this book.
The writing was splendid and made for a quick and easy read. The story, however, was predictable and not very original. It honestly felt like a watered-down Stephen King novel.
The writing was splendid and made for a quick and easy read. The story, however, was predictable and not very original. It honestly felt like a watered-down Stephen King novel.
ledimirnunez's review against another edition
3.0
Coelho delivers memorable passages with such wit and wisdom. He delivers messages that warn you against trusting blindly, but then tells you that to love fully is to expect nothing in return. Contradictory characters build up the storyline that revolves around a battle of Good and Evil. We all have a bit of both, but ultimately we control which side we support.
If it weren't for the simple-story arc, this story would have been given a higher rating. I would still recommend it to readers nonetheless.
If it weren't for the simple-story arc, this story would have been given a higher rating. I would still recommend it to readers nonetheless.