A review by orionmerlin
The Prophet by Suheil Bushrui, Kahlil Gibran

inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

Characters: 4/10

While Almustafa, the protagonist, had some memorable qualities as a contemplative guide, I felt the lack of depth in the townspeople detracted from the overall experience. Their symbolic nature overshadowed any individuality, making it hard to connect with them on a personal level. This made the characters feel flat and one-dimensional.

Atmosphere/Setting: 5/10

The setting of the city of Orphalese was serene and contemplative, but I struggled to feel fully immersed. While the poetic tone added to the atmosphere, I found the descriptions sparse, which made it harder to visualize the world and feel drawn into it.

Writing Style: 6/10

Gibran’s prose was undeniably poetic and moving at times, but I found it overly dense in places, which affected the readability. While the lyrical quality added beauty, it occasionally felt like it overshadowed the clarity of the ideas. The writing was unique, but I didn’t feel compelled to seek out more of his works.

Plot: 3/10

The lack of a traditional narrative made it hard for me to stay engaged. The episodic structure, while intentional, felt repetitive and monotonous. I appreciated the thematic progression, but the absence of a dynamic plot or surprises left me feeling underwhelmed.

Intrigue: 3/10

I found myself having to push through certain parts of the book rather than feeling compelled to pick it up. The philosophical reflections, while interesting in isolation, lacked a sense of momentum that kept me engaged. It felt like the intrigue wasn’t consistent throughout.

Logic/Relationships: 4/10

The symbolic relationships between Almustafa and the townspeople were clear, but they felt abstract rather than emotionally compelling. While the ideas presented were logical within their philosophical framework, I found the lack of concrete world-building left too much to interpretation. It sometimes felt overly vague.

Enjoyment: 3/10

While I appreciated the depth and artistry of the work, I found my enjoyment inconsistent. Certain sections resonated with me, but overall, it felt more like an intellectual exercise than an emotionally engaging or pleasurable read.