Paulo Coelho - The Witch Of Portobello
January 15, 2012 
Paulo Coelho - The Witch Of Portobello
/ Die Hexe von Portobello/ Čarovnica iz Portobello/ La strega di Portobello/ La Sorcière de Portobello/ แม่มดจาก Portobello
First published in 2007
This is what is said about the book on wiki.
As the book begins, Athena is dead. How she ended up that way creates the intrigue sustaining the book. The child, Sherine Khalil renames herself Athena. As a child, she shows a strong religious vocation and reports seeing angels and saints, which both impresses and worries her parents.
She grows into a woman in search of answers to many questions that arise within a person. She has a contented life but her mind is not at ease. So she sets out to find answers to the classical question of "Who am I?" through many experiences. In her quest, she opens her heart to intoxicating powers and becomes a controversial spiritual leader in London.
I hope you'll enjoy reading it and that we can discuss more after finishing the book. We were thinking of a monthly rotation and as we already have mid January I think it's apropriate to say that the next book will be presented March 1st.
Do you think that is okay?
Reader Comments (26)
A wonderful beginning!! Yes - for those who choose to read the book - let's reconvene and discuss on the 1st of March!! Looking forward...
I love P. Coelho!! If I'm liking the book I know I would love to share while actually in the middle of reading it. Not to be a bug....but I'd love to discuss the book while going through it...what do you gals think? Either that, or I'll have to take notes along the way otherewise I won't be able to remember a lot of stuff (my dyslexic (brain)
HUGS!!
Since I haven't done this before, I'm not sure what's usual. But I do think a few check ins along the way would help me not wait until the last minute to read.
OK I found this at the library this afternoon so I am good to go. This is going to be quite a departure from my usual crime/thriller fare. I'm going to have to take it one page at a time :-)
I think posting a few notes thoughts on the way would be nice since this is build on several interviews. We follow Athena trough the eyes of those she met along her way. I haven't done this before either (online).
Sounds like an intriguing book. I'm more into non-fiction for some reason but I'll definitely have to pick this one up.
I can't remember the last time I 'discussed' a book. Book clubs have never 'been my thing.' But, in an effort to participate -- even marginally, I have downloaded the book to my Ipad. I may have to extend an 'invitation' to a few friends to join the new Vision and Verb International Book Club! Could someone create an invitation we can email to friends?
I have to asmit I've never read anything by Paulo Coelho, so this will be interesting for me. The downside - do I have to abandon "The Lacuna" that I am reading right now? Decisions decisions... First I need to get the witch though.
Just went to the library yesterday and started to read it. Thank you Frida,
I have never been in any book club and I am so looking forward to it :-)
Just had to drop a quick note...on page 47 of the book and it has everything!!!mystery, suspense, spirituality, search for self....oh boy!!!
"Everyone's looking for the perfect teacher....don't confuse the teacher with the lesson, the ritual with the ecstasy, the transmitter of the symbol with the symbol itself."
I have read it in Swedish and have realized that I have to pick up a English version to be able to pick the pieces I would like to present :-) Mary I have never read a book by this author before and I'm hooked...
I am new to book clubs and I still have to get hold of the book. shall I read the Dutch of the English one?? I don't mind reading in English, but if the original isn't English, I might as well read a Dutch translation.
Petra, good question! It was originally written in Portuguese. I'm thinking this author is famous enough he must have a pretty decent translator!
I would say read it in the language that best suits you to get the most understanding out of it.
I now have a copy of the book and I started reading on a long train journey yesterday. I am enjoying it very much.
Petra I agree with Mary, read in the language that feels best for you I think we are able to discuss it anyway. It is translated to lots of different languages.
OK, I have actually read the book now. An amazing feat for one who seldom reads anything other than crime fiction.
Now I have to "think" about it.
What a nice idea for you all to do this...
Marie
-One need to recapitulate and think about it as it affects in many different ways.
How are you doing with your books. Anyone having any thoughts yet?
What do you think of Athena's adoptive mother?
How is she handling Athena's growing curiosity towards her birth mother?
Still reading it and loving it :-)
I've got 60 pages left!! I was having a hard time tracking all the characters for a while but...a good long hot bath changed all that!!
The last portion of the book...everything is hitting the fan...all the stops have been pulled out. I've got several pages "dog-eared". Can't wait to find out what you all think about the ideas and philosophies presented in this book!!
Okay, I finished the book over this weekend. My lips are sealed until we're all done and start the discussion! ;-)
This will be interesting. I have just bought it to read as an iBook on my iPad. Sadly I can't get it here as an actual book so this is the next best thing. I'm not entirely sure about reading books on a device...I am a bit of a purist that way, but as it's the only way I'm going to approach it with all enthusiasm. Will let you know how it goes!!
How are you all doing with your books?? Are you ready to discuss a bit or shall we wait a few more days?
I answered you yesterday from my email but don't know if you received it....anyway...I'm ready. I actually need to get the book back out of the library to jog my memory ;-)