November 12, 2009

The Witch of Portobello

The Witch of Portobello  by Paulo Coelho

✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

Well, to be honest. I did not really like the book.  I have a lot of mixed feelings. If I had to choose one word about the book, it would be... lacking. The story could have been so much more, and much better written. I liked the characters enough, but they seemed so shallow...not much depth. I did not like the way he told the story either, jumping back and forth, from a reporters point of view.  I also thought the ending was very disappointing.
I did like some of the thoughts and concepts that Athena, the main character, talked about and explored.  
I really think that there was a good idea for a story, I just didn't like the way it was executed by Paulo. It seemed to me like he was trying to be deep and talk about all these spiritual things...but just fell a little short of the mark. 
I am curious about his other book, The Alchemist...so I am going to try that one too, eventually.

3 comments:

The Rogers said...

Hey April, I am curious how you decide on what books to read? You often review ones I have never heard of;)

The Rogers said...

Ps. I like your book reviews!

April said...

Well, this one was recommened to me. I always try ones my friends liked.
I go to the bookstore a lot, and "window shop". Also, I am on the goodreads website, you can sign up with your friends, and read reviews, leave reviews...and search a huge data-base of books.