Comments on: First Chapter

By: Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello « Sociological Imagination

Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello « Sociological Imagination — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:50:21 +0000

[...] Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello Posted on June 28, 2008 by Maureen Flynn-Burhoe “But then, how many of us will be saved the pain of seeing the most important things in our lives disappearing from one moment to the next? I don’t just mean people, but our ideas and dreams too: we might survive a day, a week, a few years, but we’re all condemned to lose. Our bodies remain alive, yet sooner or later our soul will receive the mortal blow. The perfect crime - for we don’t know who murdered our joy, what their motives were, or where the guilty parties are to be found. Are they aware of what they’ve done, those nameless guilty parties? I doubt it, because they too - the depressed, the arrogant, the impotent, and the powerful - are the victims of the reality they created. They don’t understand and would be incapable of understanding Athena’s world (Coelho/Heron Ryan, 44, journalist. The Witch of Portobello. 2007:5-6.)” [...]

By: Max Yoder

Max Yoder — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:59:55 +0000

Sir, you have made my life a more beautiful place. The wonders of this world have been more apparent to me now that I have read some on your wisdom from many of your books. Thank you for showing me ways to see existance in a way that is fresh and new as well as inspiring me to life not only longer, but more fully.

By: Ketan Patel

Ketan Patel — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:31:54 +0000

As always you have whetted my apetite for more, cannot wait to read the following chapters.
I pray thay I will have the opportunity in my life to look at the world as you do.

By: Eckie Friar

Eckie Friar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:57:21 +0000

Thank you for sharing your soul with the world. You are of great inspiration. Looking forward to the release of your new novel.

Love, Live and Laugh.
Eckie Friar, Danville, Pennsylvania
author, Luella’s Calling

By: ami

ami — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:43:57 +0000

Oh no! It will take a very long time for me to wait ’till the book published in my country, Indonesia…

By: Ain

Ain — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:50:03 +0000

Paulo Coelho you are Great… the spirituality, freedom, culture descriptions ahh what can I say… mesmerising… I cant wait to get my hands on Witch of Portebello!

btw, I believe in the Omens!

Ain
Muscat, Oman

By: Saber Keramatey

Saber Keramatey — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 06:44:52 +0000

Dear Mr. Coelho

You know, as Hafez (the grate Iranian poet), you are a sacred man for me and your books are also sacred as the Hafez book. There are only two non Iranian writers that I have read and collected all their books: You and Mr.Marquez.
Reading your new book, Witch of Portobello, of course in English version, I found you a real classic and very very greate writer. Now, you are in near the gratest writers in the world. Congratulation to you for beeing a sacred writer and thanks God for granting us a holy prophet: Paulo Coelho

I kiss your hands

By: Goran

Goran — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 11:22:44 +0000

pure joy
reading your books, exploring your thoughts its something that really
inspires me to go on walking my path and finding my way in life…
thnx for all the things that you share with us…..
best wishes

By: Anna

Anna — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:01:52 +0000

i am so excited that a new book will be coming out! i’ve got all the others, and decided to come online to see if there was any news on a new book, and here it is! i can’t wait to buy it!

thanks mr coelho for your amazing writings, they really lift the spirit!

By: Karishma Manga

Karishma Manga — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:29:37 +0000

Very engaging…You books have so much meaning that there are times when I actually wonder whether you have been able to realize the extend to which they influence and the greatness of the lessons they teach.

Its rewarding for me as an individual to read one of your books and I possess each and everyone of them…

Encore…

Karishma Manga, New Delhi, India.

By: Diana

Diana — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:12:10 +0000

You write what I need to read.

By: Kasia

Kasia — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:34:07 +0000

You have no idea how much faith and power your books are giving me. Ever since I read your book “Veronika docide morrer” I can’t stop reading the rest of them ! And I truly can’t wait for another ones…. You’re amazing! Greetings Kasia

By: Aileen

Aileen — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 19:06:27 +0000

I am greatful to be able to read the first chapter of your book…I will buy it soon it gets released. This is going to be another one of my Coelho’s library!

By: minoco arakawa

minoco arakawa — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:21:20 +0000

Are you for real? Do you really believe in what are you writing? I meam the books are well written, you master the craft, but the subjects?! You know we do not live in a permanent “lord of the ring”.

By: Vatsa

Vatsa — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:14:12 +0000

Paulo,
Very generous of you to share so much of your ‘yet-to- release’.

I read first fewlines and stopped..will continue only when the book is released and I can read all of it.

Eagerly waiting for the release.

All the very best for your new feather in your crown!!

Regards, Vatsa, Bangalore,India

By: Sophie

Sophie — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:55:01 +0000

Dear Paulo.

What else can I say but wonderfull, intelligent and fantastic.
You wright books that talks to you not at you.
Can`t wait untill I can read it and add it to my collection.
Thank you, very much for every single book you have written.

Regads Sophie, from Sweden

By: sarah rose

sarah rose — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 05:05:35 +0000

Your books do not only stir thoughts in my mind, but, also emotions throughout my body. I need to align my spine before I sit down to read anything you write. Thank you for offering bits and pieces of your work online for free because I don’t always have enough money to go out and buy one of your novels, essays, poems, and more. You inspire me all the time . Thanks

By: Eleni

Eleni — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 02:18:24 +0000

Sounds like another magnificent book. I look forward to reading it and adding it to my collection.

By: Ayu

Ayu — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:17:12 +0000

Hey Paulo,

I’ve enjoyed your books ever since I laid hands on The Alchemist. Your reputation preceeds you all the time. And you obviously have another great inspirational story coming up with this one. I extremely love your style of writing, the way you convey deep messages for humanity through your interesting stories. Can’t wait to read this! Greetings from Singapore!

Cheers!

By: one step closer to death

one step closer to death — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 18:39:31 +0000

His stories come with a depth that grips us to the end .. until we are finsihed reading it covers us with curiosity n wonder of his style and effectivenes that he flashes in his writing… Great author and Great salute for him…

Regards
Rex

By: gopati

gopati — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 00:41:17 +0000

Bless you for allowing us in! What a gift!

Something about the way you write, be it The Alchemist, The Pilgrimage, 11 Seconds, or The Witch of Portabello, makes me want to experience every step of the character’s lives…their pain and their joy.

I want to see what you’ve seen!

with great respect and love,

Gopati

By: Aditya

Aditya — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 03:56:26 +0000

Dear Paulo !

So much …… pain ! aaahh !!, lately I don’t like to read u’r stories, they try to wake me up. I for one cannot read anything ‘just like that’. & as u r well aware, waking up is a dangarous business in a world where most walk asleep. But ….neither can u stop nor can I, so be it.

regards

Aditya

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 21:52:41 +0000

Thanks Paulo,

Greetings from Australia!

I am one of those who cant wait for the book to be published… I always want to devour your books from cover to cover the minute I open them .. so reading a chapter prior to publication, for me, is a torment..

Still I am tempted to have a sneek preview! But I wont spoil the anticipation..

With Love,

Karen

By: Tal

Tal — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:51:22 +0000

Dear,
Your books help me in some of the most hard time in my life
Thank you

By: Freddy

Freddy — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:06:56 +0000

“They too are victims of the reality they created”. Brilliant.

Sending my regards to everyone

By: Justine

Justine — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 09:39:06 +0000

Dear Paulo,

Thank you for your beautiful stories! They change my life and the way I think and see the (other) world around us.

Gracias from Holland!

By: jacqueline

jacqueline — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 02:29:25 +0000

Dear paulo
i just want to say i cant wait for your new book ad i hope you will always make the greates as i raed before like the zahir, by the river piedra and alchemist, make me live and always be strong to facin all things in my life. Thank you paulo to be my great friend and i hope one day i ca meet you somewhere.

By: Rita K

Rita K — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 05:27:20 +0000

Dear Paulo Coelho,

I am really eager to read your new book.As usual I am sure it will be inspiring and touching on different aspects of life.Your books have been very inspiring to me especially “Alchemist”,”Like the flowing river” and”The manual of the warrior of light”.They are like an almanac to me and I always read them whenever I feel low.I really pray that you will keep on writing and inspiring and guidig me for years and years.ALL THE BEST! GOD BE WITH YOU!!

Rita.

By: Singel_83

Singel_83 — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:21:02 +0000

[quote comment="39"]Dear Paulo,

Thank you for this first chapter. It makes me curious and I cannot wait to be able to read the other chapters. A sentence as

“Knowing her as I did, she would have battled on to the end, wasting her energy and her joy on trying to prove something that no one, absolutely no one, was prepared to believe.”

triggers me! This must be a great novel!
All the best,

Lex[/quote]

Magic is the ability to understand what is beyond our understanding in order to accept the incomprehensible and believe in the unbelievable: “They don’t understand and would be incapable of understanding Athena’s world…Anyone who happens to discover a gift and dares to speak of their abilities is usually regarded with distrust.”

I’m sure it’s a great novel…No doubt about it!

By: snezana

snezana — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:56:28 +0000

Hello Paullo,

You have been an inspiration in the hardest times!!!
What to say?-that you already havent been told by your readers?-except “thank you” deeply from my soul.
are you ever planing a signig in belgrade?, i am very shure that a lot of people would love to meet you.
Gracias

By: Lex Jansen

Lex Jansen — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:23:52 +0000

Dear Paulo,

Thank you for this first chapter. It makes me curious and I cannot wait to be able to read the other chapters. A sentence as

“Knowing her as I did, she would have battled on to the end, wasting her energy and her joy on trying to prove something that no one, absolutely no one, was prepared to believe.”

triggers me! This must be a great novel!
All the best,

Lex

By: Rosaura

Rosaura — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 03:26:31 +0000

Today of all days I read this…It is as if it was faith that brought me here to read about Athena…somebody I can already relate.

I have been searching for my treasure, mind you that I still do not know what my treasure is; nevertheless, I still search. I have been for about two years now. Today when I was about to loose all hope; today the day that I was about to tell my heart to keeo silence forever and tell my ears to listen no more; today I find the one that has sent me originally in the quest for my treasure. Thank you for today you have reminded me that in the journey I will hurt, dismay, and maybe loose faith in myself but I should never ever loose hope. You may never know how your writing has touched my life. Thanks for everything.

It will an honor to read your new book.

Respectfully,

Rosaura

By: adriana munteanu

adriana munteanu — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:48:28 +0000

when you walking and walking …when the head, the arms become more and more hard,i saw a light,a little light .first i didn’t see it(because it was a lot of fog and darkness), but it succeeds ,that this little light let me so good for listening and opening myself to the love. thankyou, “my little light”!your pages make me to see everything in a different way.thankyou!

By: marie

marie — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 20:45:59 +0000

sounds like a life i know…..I look forward 4 it to touch my heart, mind, and soul.

By: ville

ville — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 23:18:19 +0000

hello there paulo.

ive noticed that you have a great gift.
you can give people so much love and inspiring them just by writing your blog here. you do´nt have to write all those explanations, you make it good anyway. a very grat talent. about your new one; this introduction says so much about, not about the book itself but the concept. a typical coelho concept. this seems to be another master peace. I hope this book have magic and spritual parts,cause i loved the alchemist and Devil and miss prym most.
have a nice 2007!

By: Fatma

Fatma — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 19:15:25 +0000

I always considered myself ordinary, but reading your soul in your books makes me feel the person I am, very special very deep.
I couldn’t stop crying when I read the first part of your new book..it is more than awesome…
Reality strikeS

By: mia

mia — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:52:11 +0000

i have just noticed that there is so much more in spanish and portuguese ! why arent all those chapters in english as well?

By: mia

mia — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:47:24 +0000

i must be honest and say that i am not a big fan of your writting. however, the passion i have for reading and discovering through books always leads me back to read something of the great Coelho. the second i heard you were to publish some of the new book in a blog i got even more curious and had to see it for myself. the first minute or ss it was a bit confusing, dont know if its the language barrier or something else. i kept reading and must say that this one i like. if its the spurge of the moment, i dont know. i just feel like reading more of it - which is a good sign.

By: Beth Collier

Beth Collier — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 03:53:09 +0000

so far so good - im looking forward to the 28th.

Thank you Paulo

By: paolo orduña

paolo orduña — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 01:27:42 +0000

dearest paulo,

i have with me right now ten of your 12 books. i really like most the “11 minutes” and “the alchemist”. i like all of them. you inspire me a lot…as if you are talking to me personally. your words and line pnetrate in my inmost being. you’re indeed a very wonderful and a fantastic writer who can blend both realism and magic realism. i’m looking forward for your books to come…

one thing… i noticed that you are very oriental!

i hope i can get a copy of your books given by you personally! thanks

seminarian paolo
philippines

By: Sandeep Dahiya

Sandeep Dahiya — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 16:56:45 +0000

Dear Paulo,
It is pretty difficult and would be unfair to comment on a story just by looking at first few pages. I would request friends here to wait alittle bit and i am sure we are going to get another great story just waiting to unfold.
Keep waiting Friends!
sandeep

By: Aldona

Aldona — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:11:23 +0000

What can i say? I suppose it will be another great book.can’t wait to read it.
But i have one simply ouestion could we ask for polish site in polish language pls? u have got a lot of fans from my country as well?
best wishes from polish people:~))))

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:44:49 +0000

Wonderful start! I can’t wait to read the rest. Thanks much for being so great to your fans and allowing us to sample the novel before publication.

By: jerome

jerome — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:22:22 +0000

hello paulo coelho !!!!

i started to read your books when i was in malta, it was for improving my english skills, then when i came came back to france i go on with reading an other book written by you. after i went to russia, and there again, i read an other book. and because of reading your books, i met with your friend valentina (lovely person).
Anyway, this new book looks real interesting and i am sure that i will learn many things of life with this one.
You make people including me travelling by your books, show them a different way to the life, give them hope, make them thinking of what are their goal in their lifes …….. ( my personnal opinion)
hope to meet you one day

By: Irini

Irini — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 14:16:33 +0000

Sounds like a good start to a great book!
Can’t wait to get my hands on all of it!

Thank you Paulo!