Comments for Witch of Portobello

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Pramod

Pramod — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:48:47 +0000

WOP is a superb book. Loved reading it till the end. Bit disappointed the way it ended for the once courageous Athena hiding behind a corpse so that the world wont trouble or misunderstand her was, I felt not how a real Athena would probably react.
Paulo, You have a wonderful gift given by God (Goddess) and the way the almighty manifests Himself in you leaves anyone who comes in contact with you, even remotely (like me), blessed.
More than the story, your words inspire wisdom and confidence in me and in my plan to read all your works, I lay down The Witch of Portobello in my library, planning to read it again…

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Julia

Julia — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:54:18 +0000

Hi.
This book was given to me about a year ago. I decided to pick it up when going on a trip out to Colorado for a college visit. It felt like magic, like I chose a somewhat magical time to read it and learn more about myself at the perfect time. Still under the house and rules of my parents I find it to keep my world hidden from them. They think I’m crazy for talking to the spirits I see and feel everyday etc…hah who would blame them I guess. Anyways, this book was just another addition/hint that I’m being told that there is an underground movement on the way! I finally have refused to go to the Catholic Church I have been forced to go to since I was in the womb and taking my faith in my own direction. So thank you! You’re book taught me thing I can and never would take back. This is the kind of book to read from, not the ones they hand us in school. Once again thank you! You’re message will stay with me forever.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Yna Legaspi

Yna Legaspi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:22:19 +0000

From the book “The Alchemist” here comes another heart and spirit moving book “The Witch Of Portobello”. These books teaches and shares different life’s structures. This reached my deepest individuality and motivated me to live life at it’s best, pleasing before my Creator’s Eyes.

“Life is too short to waste away.”

“Life is a journey that we all traveled-in there ain’t short ways nor smooth walks alone neither a promise of non-stumbled steps and the goal of reaching the ‘Finish Line’ is still a mystery for us but one thing is sure; a ‘Finish Line’ wouldn’t feel overwhelming and achieving if you wouldn’t bend your neck back and take a peek from your ‘Starting Line’.”- Yna Legaspi

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Meghashyam Chirravoori

Meghashyam Chirravoori — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:02:04 +0000

I was too taken up the way heron loved athena. But when athena spoke of love, a hidden part of me emerged and smiled at the heron part of me. Then I realized for a moment that love cannot be possessed, but that s all had been seeking to do all along.

May this state last.

Thank you of course.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Meg Holford

Meg Holford — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:17:01 +0000

My book club is currently reading WOP. I was immediately struck by the structure, at first not understanding the italics, then realizing the boyfriend from Scotland Yard was real. I will discuss WOP on 9-9-09 if all goes as planned. A sign I just discovered while writing this.
I am also following the sign of Eliade’s name showing up twice this month for me. I watched the movie, “Youth Without Youth”,recently which is based on his book. Then my husband has “The Sacred and The Profane” on his bookshelf for 10 years.
So this book really does teach….many things.
Thank you.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by neroda

neroda — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:35:45 +0000

Dear Mr.Paulo,
something strange happened to me before i read this novel ,I was having a hard time understanding this world
I’m living in ,we just can’t fit together ,and once me and my friend were talking about it and that we may belong to
the next century… a year after that i was reading your novel and you just been talking about the same idea literally .
any way i red many of your novels i loved them all but this one is way different it’s magical it’s change the reader
mindset just like Athena’s dancing .
thank you for writing such a book.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Frankie Torrelavega

Frankie Torrelavega — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:21:32 +0000

The part of myself that I was once ashamed of, I learned to understand and love and be proud of… this was through the help of this book. The Witch of Portebello served as one of the instruments that made me realize how empowered I am as a woman.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by tana

tana — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:41:42 +0000

Go for Brida, You are so going to love that one and Veronica Decides to die. ^_^

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Sue

Sue — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:08:38 +0000

I’ve nearly finished this amazing book & went on here to find out where I can listen to this music. Please please can someone tell me!!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Ouarda

Ouarda — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:11:38 +0000

Hi Paulo

First I will say thank you for your very inspiring books. Your book `The Alcymist` is and will for ever be the best book I have ever read – calling it a book is not fair – because the Alchemist is more than just a book – it is magic book which change it’s message for the reader each time its read. The Alchemist has given me; hope, joy and wisdom in times in my life where no light was to find in the dark space I was in.

I have also read other of your books and latest I have read `The Witch of Portobello`. It is an inspiring story, even though there is something in the book there leave me unsatisfied. I know that book have had an impact on me (because I have never ever even considered writing to a blog). I finished reading the book yesterday and since then my thoughts keep discussing whether the book “just was a good story” or if there is more into the story. Please do not write that was your intention (to leave the reader with questions) – the Alchemist is a book that I have read several times because it keeps teasing my thoughts, but The Witch of Portobeloo – have an effects on me, as if I have read an unfinished book (I do not wish to offend you – I just want to understand my thoughts about the book).

My questions/comments for you:
•What will you say to my hypothesis; the story is not about finding meaningfulness by Athenas way of living but let the reader reflect about, how easy it is to let us be seduced by charismatic persons and the our wish to find easy solutions where need others to out our empty spaces between the letter (the space can only be filled out by the individual who have courage, patience and is able to reflect).

Athena manage to learn a lot about her self and the spiritual world, but she never learns anything about understanding others or do things for other people unselfishly (everything is about what she needs). I understand that as humans, we can learn and be enlighten by wisdom but that is not any guarantee that we will keep acting differently or realize how we keep the path there have been enlighten to us. Is that what the story is about?

Why did she need to make it look as she was killed, that just do not give any meaning for me?

Why did her boyfriend need to set the story right by telling her story…? The story will only be read of the group of people who is already open-minded for that world she represents. She would have achieved more by staying and facing the challenges. A boyfriend who is not interested in her spiritual way of living – why would he even consider writing that story about her?

Why and how can a person who is trying to understand the meaningfulness in life - be so shallow as Athena– she have no interest in others besides herself and her son?
- I truly believe we all have a path individually and collectively, I also believe that our challenge as humans it is about finding a balance between having courage to challenge our self’s/surroundings, be grateful (the most difficult challenge we have as humans), and find meaningfulness of our life’s (as said in the book – joy can be find even when we wash dishes).

When you finished writing the book – what was your own instinct by the book?

I would be gratefull if you have a comment our two about my thoughts. – I now what I writing is proberly confussing, but I need to write you now before I convince my self, that writing my questions is trivial!

I will be looking forward to read more of your books.

Best wishes and regards,
Ouarda

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Sara

Sara — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:44:07 +0000

I’m confused as to what is the 4th stage of individual progress? persona, shadow, soul, and ?
can you explain a bit on that and how it is different from the soul of the world?

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Shirley

Shirley — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:52:08 +0000

after reading this wonderful book, i was once again reminded to trust my instincts more, and just enjoy the moment. hanging on to things not meant to be ours for an entire lifetime only puts an anchor around our necks and weighs us down.
thank you for reminding us to be light…weight-less.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Kat

Kat — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:41:10 +0000

I have recently finished The Witch of Portobello… I am SO grateful for this book!

First, I take S-Factor, which is Organic Feminine Movement (which happens to be pole dancing! I paraphrase Sheila Kelley who says in S-Factor she’s returning fire to the natives from whom it was stolen to begin with) into which I enter a non-rhythmic purely intuitive state (on my best days) and feel, truly, as though I am in touch with divinity living inside my body and in a space of pure Zen.

Second, I have taken classes at the School of Womanly Arts in New York City, and, as I am an engineer, and raised inside a very left-brained construct, some of what happened in the course of my association with this group was very confronting…but then again some of my biggest life learning has come in a Zen Koan style of paradox and surrender. Your book has provided an excellent reflection of what I experienced with that group, and the difference between “The Tradition” and left-brained teacher/student relationships… The book assisted me to hang a thought onto the construct of the Feminine form of teaching and say, “Oh, there it is again” and helps my ego to let go and understand that all really is well.

Thank you for the deconstructed structure of this book, which seems to be an apt way to write in alignment with such a non-linear thing as the path of the goddess.

Best,
Kat

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Ann-magritt

Ann-magritt — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:17:39 +0000

This book changed my life. And even tho I am extremely ill after childbirth and am blessed with my daughters presence for as long as I can I am prouder than I could ever imagine that she has been given the name Athena. And I hope she finds the love and inspiration in the book as I did <3

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Ayman, Beirut

Ayman, Beirut — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:54:51 +0000

Hello

I loved the book. I am lebanese and i was happy to read that the roots of sherin are lebanese. However, i would have liked it more if you have mentioned that lebanon later on risurged from its conflicts to gain its previous glamour as swizerland of the middle east.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by The witch of Dittonc

The witch of Dittonc — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:51:08 +0000

I just finished reading The Witch of Portobello and I loved it. Specially the beginning of the book the way Sherine finds herself, finds the way to get in touch with the vertex and the dance and the calligraphy and the empty spaces. Those parts were perfect. To me more than just a book, just a fiction. To me those were the guide or teacher for me. The end starting from the crouds following Sherine were fiction. So I am not impressed through the end but still I loved the book. I want to reach the vertex. I am looking for Diedrov and I want to find out the music that I can dance to see the light.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by The girl with the inspiration

The girl with the inspiration — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:39:54 +0000

I read ‘The witch of Portobello’ I think 1 month ago and Ireally wanted to tell you that it impressed me very much, especially by changhing my way of seeing the world. Now I can say that I am more myself, just because I discovered a little Atena in mysel, a part that I knew that exists, but never let it free. So this book is brilliant and it really made me free my mind. ‘The witch of Portobello’ is pure art!:)

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Samantha

Samantha — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:41:42 +0000

I finished reading this novel recently, and have to honestly say that it had a hugely profound effect on my life and the way in which I view the world.
All I can say is thank you.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Mark

Mark — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:31:12 +0000

I have just finished the book (10 March 2009) and enjoyed it thoroughly. Loved the closing line that ‘Love simply is’ I definitely relate to this.

Thanks for another work of art!

Markc777

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:33:26 +0000

Hello.
I have just read the book online and have to say it’s such a wonderful tale to read as defined by the stories of ‘others’ - but also what a great blueprint for the video competition; moving so fluidly from one media to another.

Thank you for having made the book available online and free to readers.

Best wishes ;o)

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Brian

Brian — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:37:42 +0000

Hi..This is my first time to write on your blog.I hope i my question will be answered..thanks…

I’m still reading the The Witch of Portobello, i find it very interesting but i found things I really don’t understand, the “dance”, how can I be in the state of a “trance”?..

please explain it to me..

Brian, PH

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Ali Jamil

Ali Jamil — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:06:07 +0000

Dear Paulo, me and all those million of people who had read your books are really lucky that we are living in the era of you. Your books not inspired us but also became mentor to guiding us. I have already read Alchemist, The Warrior of the light, Zahir, Eleven Minutes and now The Witch of Portobello. Thanks for sharing your wonderful work with us.
Ali Jamil, Sharjah, UAE

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Nya

Nya — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:34:14 +0000

Dear sir,
Thanks for a great read- Witch of portobello. You a true inspiration. When i grow up, i want to be like you:)
Many thanks

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Gabriela

Gabriela — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:15:04 +0000

Señor Paulo Coelho:
Quiero agradecerle y brindarle mi mayor admioración hacia usted porque en mis ratos libres leo sus libros, hace años que los vengo leyendo. Con mis recientes 18 años me encuentro feliz de haberme enterado que se ha filmado una película sobre mi libro preferido: “Verónika decide morir”, me atrapó esa historia porque me sentí muy identificada con el personaje de ella. Esa historia refleja una parte de mi ser.
En este momento estoy termianndo de leer “La quinta montaña” y hasta ahora me resulta un libro muy apasionante.
Me agrada que usted cite antes del comienzo de sus libros una cita bíblica.
Adoré leer “La Bruja de Portobello” porque aprendí que a veces cueste lo que cueste, uno tiene que ir en busca de lo que quiere, desea sin importar los prejuicios. La frase que más me marcó fue: “El amor es…” amo esa frase porque con tan simples palabras simplifica lo inexplicable…
Le quiero confesar que el libro “El alquimista” también me ha fascinado y se lo he recomendado a mi madre porque esa lucha de Santiago me hace recordar a la de mi madre.
Ojalá algún día pueda llegar a escribir ún libro como usted, ya que es una de mis pasiones escribir.
Le envío mis cariños y mis deseos de muchos más éxitos.
Saluda atentamente…

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by SHEILA MAY DE LA TORRE

SHEILA MAY DE LA TORRE — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:40:40 +0000

As always when reading Paolo’s novels, i have the urged to rush through the pages. In fact I always put gaps in reading from one novel to another because the message is so strong that I always allow enough time to absorb everything.

This WITCH OF PORTOBELLO is one novel that I have loved reading from the start and it amazes because Paolo was bale to put up story as told by people on different aspect.

Anyways, I have learn to love the book when I came to the end. It was like magic…

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Miranda

Miranda — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:19:13 +0000

hi I think that your most beautiful book is whitch of Portobello

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:18:42 +0000

Hello Paulo,
Thank you for writing such wonderful books, your inspiring blogs and for you encouragement to all Warriors of Light. My question for you is this… I am most intrigued by the suggested musid in the Witch of Portobello. Can you refer me to specific tracks/titles/artists? Thanks much, Lisa

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by James

James — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:59:50 +0000

I read your novel in one sitting, and was absolutely moved by it. It placed many things in perspective for me. Thank you!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by sushant

sushant — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:26:40 +0000

you might be tired of listening this but u r a terrific writer who has awoken a whole new generation to reading
i read your books- ALCHEMIST & WITCH OF PORTBHELLO
THEY WERE WONDERFUL

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by geoff san agustin

geoff san agustin — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:08:37 +0000

‘The Witch of Portobello’ is a great masterpiece dealing with love, the journey in search for it and the ability to let go. The book covers all aspects of life and the connection with each other. I like the book so much that I learned that LOVE never has to be owned, it just has to be felt, cherished and be allowed to manifest itself. To dance is to own yourself, to live to own your life…

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by kyab

kyab — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:00:27 +0000

I am Tibetan,
It’s intersting for me to read your Books.
Keep working!
Best of luck!
And TASHI DELEK!!!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by anushri

anushri — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:37:04 +0000

after reading this book i discovered the woman hidden inside me in continuaton with this i even realised the ‘magus’ within me when an old and a dear friend of mine after many years met me and worked like a subject when i applied it to my life i got instant answers to all my doubts
Thank You Paulo
Anushri

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Sophia

Sophia — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:26:30 +0000

I just finished the book last night. This is such a wonderful read because it is about love, relationship and finding your path and having the courage to follow it and everything in between. After reading the part about Athena finding her birth mother, I wanted to go into my daughter’s room to hug her; I want to call my mother in Taiwan to tell her I love her. I realize that as much as I need my mother to love me, she needs that unconditional love from me as well. This makes me want to search for my light in me and the mother figures in the book just make me want to love and weep.

Thank you for writing such a wonderful book. I have always enjoyed reading them either in Chinese or in English. Thank you.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:39:52 +0000

Olá Paulo Coelho, bom uma vez já havia lhe parabenizado pelo seu trabalho maravilhoso, e volto a escrever isso. MAs agora com uma pergunta que me inquieta, estou lendo o livro A Bruxa do Portobello, e sinceramente estou adorando a leitura, principalmente por que traz aspectos relevantes sobre a espiritualidade, a necessidade de termos algo que vá além do convencional, acredito que estou com essa necessidade.
A dança de Athena como é? Quais são essas músicas utilizada por ela?
E o mais importante como encontrar algo diferenciado no aspecto espiritual, se nossa sociedade é tão conservadora? Não encontro nada que cesse a inquietude do meu coração…
queria muito me aproximar de alguns elementos que são usados em seus livros…
Obrigada pela atenção.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Joanne

Joanne — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:46:15 +0000

I simply wanted to say thank you for writing The Witch of Portobello and the Zahir. I am currently experiencing how difficult life can be thanks to redundancy and being in debt but in my darkest hours I picked up your books and began reading again. Whilst I have always been an independent thinker your books made me think about life and how easy it is to lose oneself in the unimportant things whilst missing the signposts showing the way to improvement.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Dacier

Dacier — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:08:15 +0000

I just finished reading this book and it’s so wonderful, magical and powerful. This book in a way has opened a door I once closed. Next read: Brida.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Anu

Anu — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:26:32 +0000

Hi,
I am writing this from India. I started reading your books a month before and I was really amazed. I donno whether such a world exist because here in India, everything is relatesd to family. I read witch of portobello and it was quite amusing. I have practiced yoga and now I can be very calm even in some tense situations. But it doesn’t provide me the ultimate joy. But I am satisfied with my life. I want to know more about the dance that is described in the book. The book was really very inspirational and it led me to buy ‘The Zahir’ and ‘The Alchemist’. Now I am reading Zahir and it too is amazing. Canu please share more details about that dance?
Thanks in advance.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Mike Kane

Mike Kane — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:18:36 +0000

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I feel the right attitude is necessary when reading this book and personally I had trouble with keeping my mind open but not too impressionable, because without an open mind you will never advance beyond what you already know and you will never see the true light in things but if you leave yourself too vulnerable you will learn all the wrong things. I am struggling with what happened to Athena’s Catholic faith, did it just die or was it still a part of her new found beliefs?

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Marta

Marta — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:23:09 +0000

Dear Paulo, I have not read all of your books, but The Witch of Portobello is certainly my favorite book ever, so far. That’s why I’m writing to you, because your entire lifework reminds me my old favorite author, who was Hungarian (just like me), and her books were published all over the world, as well. Her name is Maria Szepes, and I think that if the Witch of Portobello is the best book on the world, then The Red Lion from her must be the second best. I just wanted to note that she’s almost as great as you are, so if you want to read something different, just look her up, and I’m sure you’ll find some interesting things (there’s a rumor about that her brother was a male witch) about her and her writings. Thanks 4 the great reading experiences, and keep up with the excellent job!!!! Greetings from Denver

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Aleksandra

Aleksandra — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:43:10 +0000

Hello mister,
you are one of my favourite writers. I’m growing up on yours books. These days I have red ” The witch from portabello” and I’m very interesting about spiritual dance, Athens’es dance who is mentioning in the book. I would like to know something more so please can you tell me where I can find music and some more details to learn and try it? On the end I have just to add : You will make sin if you ever stop writting… With respect

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Bala

Bala — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:40:57 +0000

have read four of your books. what a narration of incidents and handling self realisation, so simple and beautiful. i beacme a fan of you. witch of portabello is my favorite. hope i’ll finish all the collections soon and expect more of your books which is deifinetely leaving impacts on readers.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by angel

angel — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:52:33 +0000

mr. paulo,
thank you so much.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Gila Skjolde

Gila Skjolde — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:12:59 +0000

This book, more so than any of your other books, touched me deeply. It speaks on such a deep level that I felt as if the book was written specifically for me. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by jessica v

jessica v — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:04:08 +0000

this is a great book
it changed the way i looked at life and others
i love the deep philisophical meaning

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Alida

Alida — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:39:55 +0000

Namaste,
As you have heard a thousand times over, your book has had a profound effect on me… When I was nine I chose the name for myself Athena, it stuck with me through many moves and is still how my closest friends address me. The only other name I went by that was not my own was Liliana (the irony was amazing)… I’m 21 and I’ve started to dance a lot more, into a trance you could say, and women both my age and older come frequently for different healing work (from horses to Reiki and much more), I have traveled a lot, turned down huge scholarships as I needed to follow a different unconventional path, a oath to learn what love really means. I have been through greece, nepal, italy and since I was 16 in the mountains in the northern yukon for sums up to 102 days at a time…. I want to thank you so much, more than I could ever express for who you are and for this book. A friend of mine recommended the book with a shocked expression on her face, and I am near tears after reading it, all things happen for a reason. Thank you so much.
Alida/ Athena

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Cherries

Cherries — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:59:38 +0000

Hi Paulo,

Your book frightens me and I’m halfway through it and wonder what the ending would be.

It seems to be describing me, my inner struggles and all my encounters with a teacher whom I deeply respect!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by pynkah

pynkah — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:43:21 +0000

Reading The Witch of Portobello opened up window to the world and my imagination brought me close enough to Athena that I became her. I discovered things I knew all along, but was afraid to share with anyone.

A close friend believes that I possess some psychic powers, and occasionally I read her future through an old tradition I learned from my grandmothers, but thought this always as a form of entertainment with girlfriends.

Part of me believed the higher powers of a human (specifically a woman), but since this is at most occasions a taboo subject I’ve chose to adopt this way of thinking and completely ignore my friend’s belief.

However, reading parts of this book felt like someone was reading my mind and words were forming magically in front of my eyes.

Fantastic experience. I may look for my witch one day.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by kasturi

kasturi — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:26:17 +0000

Hello,

Amazing book.I must say Brida,and The Witch of Portobello were both too good.It has helped me,too,to get a deeper understanding of myself.Its really beautiful the way you describe a woman and her powers.

Thanks.(again:P)
Love always,
Kasturi.
[India.]

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Diana Chavarro

Diana Chavarro — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:34:45 +0000

Llegue instintivamente al libro hace unos pocos dias, cuando en Berna entre a una libreria que no conocia y encontre una eidiion en Ingles. Comence a leer y siento que mis espacios en blaco se van llenando un poco mas gracias a la lectura. Se resume muchas cosas que ya sabia y un nuevo angulo para enfocar mi proceso.

Gracias

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Mitra

Mitra — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:10:25 +0000

Dear Paulo,

I wanted to express to you what an amazing experience it has been for me to read these 2 absolutley amazing and beautiful novels. There was so much I identified with both of the main characters, and through reading them I have gained such a deeper understanding of myself. Your understanding of the female psyche is astonishing.
Thank you for the beautiful words you deliver to us, and the amazing experiences we gain from reading them.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Rita

Rita — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:34:42 +0000

Hi,
I am from Latvia and have read your book “The Witch of Portobello”. I enjoyed reading very much. This character of woman, called Athen inspired me so much, that I am still thinking about her and what she did. I enjoy dancing very much and agree, that by dancing you can feel something special, it helps to relax and concentrate in one time. This book helped me to realize what exactly makes me feel good, what fills up empty gaps in my life. Thank you very much

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Loren

Loren — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:38:01 +0000

por tu trabajo, por ser un maestro, por que tus libros me ayudan a encontrarme, estoy leyendo la Bruja de Portobello, mi novio como regalo de aniversario me da uno de vez en cuando y este mes toco ese libro, compartir con ella, y era el que queria leer, nada es azar, …trato de no perderme en lo cotiadiano, es dificil pero lo intento gracias!! a vos y a todos los que hacen posible esto.Amén

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Joost

Joost — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:01:07 +0000

Dear Paulo,
I’m re-reading the witch of portobello. I have the beautifull experience that re-reading your novels gives me the opportunity to connect with a deeper level in the storíes. And I have the feeling that it also moves me to a deeper contact with my own heart and soul. It is asif I open a next door on my way the the light deep within me.
At the same time I’m listening to the devil and mrs prim during the time I am driving to my work.
I want to share some experiences with you, as short as i can.
First on the witch: I am now at the episode that Athena is going to meet her mother. I was reading, and than i feel that I am in another counsciousdimension (don’t know the right word) and than I am reading again and I had the insight that the search for her mother is an search for her identity and maybe it is also a search for going back to the place and time when every soul was connected, not separeted. It is bacause you used the image of the space between the words, maybe souls are longing back to be a part of the original Light.
Second: I want to thank you for your idea to let each friend and husband and other person to tell the story of athena. From the outside to the inside. It helps me understand how difficult it is to even have a heart to heart connection to my own heartpartner because I have my own language, ears, difficulties connecting to my heart. One of the best parts for me is the returning suggestion that Athene understands her ex-man Lukas more then he can (or dare to?) imagine.
The third goes about the devil. For the second time I have the experience that listening to a (dutch) version of a novel has the effect that it touches my heart deeper than while reading it. Maybe it’s because of the fact that with reading, I have to use my brains, and they want to keep in control.And the experience this time is that I can feel more and with love that I can identify me more with the stranger then I was aware of earlier. Untill yesterday it felt as a wrong form of human being, but now i am aware of the possibility that it is a (in the end) good part of me and that it may be a goal of my path to meet the stranger in me and connect and be friends.
Of course, these are all my personal experience. But at this momant, sunday morning, it seems right to give it back to you, in the image: you put on the light, I have opened one of my doors and now I can see it and be one myself, giving form at LC, 11:33. If you sell one hundred million copies, you may recieve a lot of these mails. It tells you that the hearts of people are listening and talking back. Maybe your readers are your desert.
Thank you, with love

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Heleen

Heleen — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:58:34 +0000

I have just finished reading The Witch of Portobello and would like you to know that I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is wonderful to enter a world through a good story, where reality is demonstrated to be so much broader than we perceive it to be in daily life, even though if we’re honest, everyone, without a doubt, has experienced some events or moments that are outside the “square”. I am looking forward to reading your other works and I am sure I will read them over again, like I do with Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who also has such a wonderful sense of reality not always being exactly what we would think it to be. As for making books available on-line, I think there are still a lot of people, like me, who wouldn’t dream of reading it that way, I love the feeling of getting comfortable somewhere with a good book and losing myself in another world for a while.The feel of holding a book is a large part of the experience. I look forward to reading my next, which will probably be The Pilgrimage.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Intan

Intan — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:17:22 +0000

dear Mr. Paulo, I am an Indonesian, and I am a buddhist, as you can see we both have very different culture and belief, but your books really inspire me and give me a new angle to see through my life. They make me ‘think out of the box’, out of the rules, but still not out of the roots.
I’ve read The Alchemist, The Manual Book of The Warrior of the Light, and The Witch of Portobello. They are amazing!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Andreas

Andreas — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:04:49 +0000

Dear Mr. Coelho,
First of all I would like to congratulate you on your work which I admit gives me great pleasure to read. I wish though to comment very briefly on something that you state in the Witch of Portobello.
Been Greek, I was truly flattered when I saw that the heroine of the story was known as Athena, which was quite appropriate as Athena is the goddess of wisdom. I was equally flattered when Athena “transforms/transposes” into Hagia Sophia, as Hagia Sophia is for us Greeks is one of the ultimate symbols of our faith (Greek Orthodox), it can be compared to what the Basilica di San Pietro in Rome represents to the Catholics, or what Solomon’s temple means to the Hebrews. We consider Hagia Sophia or more correctly (Holy Sophia) a part of our Greek heritage. I’m sure that you can understand me now when I say that I was most disturbed when in your book you mention Hagia Sophia as a Mosque, especially at this particular point in time where we Greeks all over the world are fighting to petition that she will recognized as a religious symbol and not as a museum which she is now. I will say no more on the matter as I am confiden!
t that you meant nothing by the statement, you been a religious person yourself. I just had the need to express my disappointment. Thank you for the time to read my email.

a lover of good literature

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Chris

Chris — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:54:49 +0000

hi!My name is Chris and I am 15.I have only read two books of yours…both of which I like very much.Through Alchemist I learnt to look for signs around me and go after my dreams…however I am not sure yet about what I rally want…!The witch of Portobello was very interesting and I felt “jealous” of Athena being herself and doing what she thought it was right not only for herself but especially for others…I hope you get what I mean!Anyway I would like to express my appreciation towrds you and I strongly believe that your books will last,because each of it has a meaning that remains to your readers’ minds and hearts,which is most important.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:04:30 +0000

I recently read The Witch of Portobello (a coincidence that it is the 3rd random book I’ve read in a row dealing with the female side of God), and I was surprised to find that I’ve experienced similar trance-like states since I was a child when I pray. Only sometimes do I receive a clear message. It’s always scared me each time I recieved a message that came to pass in real life. It terrifies me so much that I stop praying for a long time each time this happens. How do I overcome my fear and should I overcome it? I wonder if the messages I recieve are what you call my messenger. If so, how do I safely get to know my messenger? Thanks for your time if you read this!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:58:29 +0000

Dear Paolo Coelho ! Your books touch my soul in a very deep beautiful way. Specially The Zahir and the witch of Portobello. In your Biography I read you have an Foundation to help people to make their dreams come true. Do you still have this foundation ? Iwould be very happy about support to make my dreams come true.I spent so much energy to survive. Well,I don;t know if you are interested in those things.I would be very glad to get an answer from you. Nice greetings from Austria

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by login

Logging into this website should be a requirement for anyone knowledgeable on earth these days…

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Cindy

Cindy — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:49:31 +0000

Dear Mr. Coelho,

I want to thank you for your all your works. I’ve read almost all your books (2 aside. So still even more Magic for me to look forward to..) I’ve just finished reading Brida and immediately after that I read The Witch of Portobello.

Something special ALWAYS happens when I read your books. It is as if my life comes into a rapid again, where all kinds of wonderful uplifting things start to happen. Life really becomes magical again and I feel so vibrantly alive. For instance.. Yesterday evening I went to my favorite place in the woods to be alone in the nature, to feel the the silence (I live in an appartment near a busy highway). As I was sitting there on a bench in an open space surrounded by beautiful high trees, I thought it would be so nice to make a fire at that place and just to stare into it. I’ve been coming here for about 10 years already and this never happened before since it is forbidden to make open fire in forests in Holland. Also it is even forbidden to be there in the forests after dusk. But I stayed anyway, I was feeling so happy there. And as you can already feel from a miles distance.. suddenly there came two youths around, starting to make preparations for a campfire! They were wildcamping there (also forbidden haha) and they came over to me and invited me to join them. It was a wonderful evening, two adventurous 16-year old boys and a 38 year old woman. It was a magical evening. No sexual attractions whatsoever but a communion which went beyond that. -Certainly something new for me there
At times like these I love being alive. I’m grateful that you are part of this world and I’m glad that I am one of the happy ones to have found your magical books. Last evening was only one of the great things that happened while I was under influence of your words (because that is how it feels: under influence of your words). Many more precious gifts were given to me, too many to describe. Even this morning! My teacher asked me to exchange our experiences with eachother (healing massages) and I was afraid at first (fear of failing) but then I got courage, because I remembered all your characters have courage, which is transported to me too somehow so I accepted his invitation, which is a gift and opportunity for me off course! These wonderful gifts of chance just keep coming and I feel it is all because your words wake up this power in me.

So…. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
- For much more than you can imagine.

Love,
Cindy

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Jo

Jo — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:05:26 +0000

Dear Mr. Coelho,
The following question has been in my mind in various shapes and forms ever since I read The Witch of Portobello: Most of the characters that have an influence on Athena’s interior growth are male. Those that are female had previously been influenced themselves by a male prophet. Was this a conscious choice, probably driven by the reality that most of the popular New Age spiritual writers/teachers are in fact men, or was it an unconscious choice, which you were not aware of? If the later is true, what do you think guided you make that unconscious choice?

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Girish

Girish — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:30:55 +0000

Me from India
Will read some day…….
Love + Sacrifice = Devotion
It is easy to dia for some one u love, but sometimes difficult to live. But MAKTUB, so there is nothing like worry. God is gr8 & everything happens for good. Good for all. After all alchemist teaches us to burn ourself willingly to spread lite as a warrior of lite. I am tring to capataize this beautiful concepts, full of knowledge. Pray that road is long and summer mornings are many. Hay, sir, Indirectly I told that I have gone through your The Alchemist & The Zahir, both suggested by my Zahir. But, now I am also convinced that no one looses anyone as no one holds anyone. Finally, Warrior smiles because nothing frightens him , nothing holds him. With the confidence of one who knows what he wants he opens the door. I am slow learner, tring to learn my self. I am convinced I am soul, waiting for angel………
Regards

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Giselle

Giselle — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:07:59 +0000

i’ve read almost all your books,. i pass them on to family and friends after i read them hoping that they’ll absorb the lessons i’ve gained,. your book,the witch of portobello,. kept me up for 1 whole day,. i can’t put it down with out finishing it,.(i don’t know how else to discribe it,i hope you pretty much get what im trying to say, :),.) well,. anyway,. i just wanted to say thank you, your books,the thoughts in them,made me realize. (realize what? i don’t know exactlly but a lot,.) it is so generous for a person to share his brillant thoughts to people,. thank you,.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by abmi handayani

abmi handayani — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:15:07 +0000

hello sir, am a reader from indonesia. i read your books and i just finished the witch of portobello last night. i want to say that the book is really really beautiful. the story about sherine, a little bit reminds me about my personal life. and am writer also, i must say, that you’re one of some other writers whose inspired me and my work
i wish i could see you for real one day

best regards,
abmi

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Tae Jun Park

Tae Jun Park — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:58:32 +0000

Hello, Mr. Coelho. Last week I read “The Witch of Portobello”. It is so fascinating that I cannot stop reading until I complete it.
Now I’ve been reading “Alchemist”. Your book reminded me of “The Zelator: A Modern Initiate Explores the Ancient Mysteries “. I am deeply interested in ancient mystery and philosophy. And I want to know The Music that Hagia Sophia dance with. Finally, I am very happy to know your books.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Shoma

Shoma — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:38:41 +0000

hello Mr Coelho,
I was never into reading novels or any sort of books rather tghan technologies but my Boyfriend gifted me a book of your’s “The Witch of Portobello”from then i have become your huge fan.You just touch the people heart and mind so very close to the fact of their life.that just make us to live life the full.I have read your other books like Alchemist,Eleven Minutes,Veronika decides to die,Brida. all are so amazing everything has it’s own charm and reality of life and love.
in some way or the other i feel you have changed my life ina good way.
thanking you
Shoma

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by NIDHI VYAS

NIDHI VYAS — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:23:11 +0000

helo sir..m nidhi from India and till date have read all your books. the alchemist, witch of portbello were the best ones. but after reading brida i have become your huge fan. its just excellent work sir. i can relate my self very much to her. the story was very well written and was amused by every word of yours , they were used beautifully. Am waiting for your other releases , just wanted to know which is the next one.
i wish and hope it is much better and best then the previous one as usual. keep the good work up sir. god bless you…

your huge indian fan,
NIDHI!!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Maira

Maira — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:21:23 +0000

Paulo, recentemente acabei de ler o livro da Bruxa de Portobello. Achei uma história muito interessante, adorei sua obra, como tantas outras que ja li, ( DIÁRIO DE UM MAGO; O ALQUIMISTA)e admiro muito seu trabalho. Não leio mais, por falta de tempo, mas sempre que da, procuro sempre me interar.Parabéns, muita sorte em seu caminho.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Bharti Verma

Bharti Verma — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:08:07 +0000

In this book, unhh rather in every book you write i can find “something of myself”…some part of mine which is just went missing & that part is just lying in the corner, screaming to get with me again….we are just so busy with our wordly duties that we forget to dance to our own tunes. Best part in the book ‘Witch……’ was Athena’s dancing…..with the music, where she just forget everything around her, & its just her…alone dancing to her own music, for her own self……isn’t it amazing……..That feeling…that environment Mr. Coelho created, that we feel as if we are present there & can see a soul just freeing herself.
Bharti Verma.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Manuela Hernández

Manuela Hernández — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:52:54 +0000

Dear Mr. Coelho,

I just finished reading the book which I did between yesterday night and this morning. It gave me strong energy and inspiration. It reminded me of the fact that I should seek my own path and pursue my true passion and dream which is to inspire others through my teaching (I am a teacher at college) and pursue my long-abandoned writing.

I love the opening of the book in which you state that “purpose of light is to create more light”. You have touched the essence of what we often dismiss and forget: our own blind spot which needs to be unveiled for us to achieve our true potential. Along with the Theory U of Otto Scharmer (www.ottoscharmer.com), your book has given me more strength and determination to dedicate my life to bring light to the blind spot of many young people who are hungry to discover their own passion and unleash their dreams. Very soon I will be opening my website http://www.lightspot.org, which will be dedicated to that.

Thank you a million for your light.

Manuela

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by ali

ali — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:50:52 +0000

i am waiting your new book and I know that it is fantastic….witch of portobello is a revolution in litterature and life .It gives a meaning for everyone who feels a vacuum in his life…
I proud of you and i’ll take you my ideal forever…
with love

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Joanne

Joanne — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:10:51 +0000

Dear Mr Coelho,
Im sure you have heard countless applauds for your books. But, the
inspiration delievered is far exceeding of any experience of my reality.
Im captivated and intrigued, and why, simply cause I have never read
anything that mentioned my background so beautifully or with such
captivating detail. What I mean is, your description of Lebanon. From the
mentioning of the green eyed, dark hair beauty from Lebanon ( in which I
praise myself!) to the upbringing of Athena or shall I say Sherine
Khalil, I have never been so proud of my culture Mr Coelho until I read
your books!
Sir, I was raised in this culture and I did live there for 3 years of my
life. Coming back to Canada, I didn’t embrace it as much as I should
have.
Its easy to get discouraged when its wrongfully displayed or practiced.
But the simplicity of reading your books and reading the detail, has me
so
proud and surprised and enlightened with things I never knew. So thankyou
for opening my eyes, and my mind to my culture that I didn’t know.
Thankyou for incorporating a culture that isn’t always seen in the way
you
see it in your books. Its positive and so far from the shame that is
reality.
Thankyou again for reading this, I can’t wait one day to meet you in
person during a book signing……

Comment on Eleventh Chapter by Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello « Sociological Imagination

Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello « Sociological Imagination — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:50:36 +0000

[...] “My way of approaching Allah – may his name be praised – has been through calligraphy, and the search for the perfect meaning of each word. A single letter requires us to distil in it all the energy it contains, as if we were carving out its meaning. When sacred texts are written, they contain the soul of the man who served as an instrument to spread them throughout the world. And that doesn’t apply only to sacred texts, but to every mark we place on paper. Because the hand that draws each line reflects the soul of the person making that line (Coelho/Nabil Alaihi, age unknown, Bedouin 2007:76).” [...]

Comment 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.)” [...]

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by stacey smith

stacey smith — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:05:09 +0000

Dear Paulo,

Literally just finnished reading the witch of Portabello. Just want to say a huge “thank you”. I Thank you as it was not only a brillant read but more importantly has re-awoken something in me, that for many reasons I had tucked away.

i look forward to reading one of your other books.
x

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Stanley Wroblewski

Stanley Wroblewski — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:00:16 +0000

I have just finished the book and I enjoyed it immensely. The correlation with Carlos Casteneda’s novels is very striking. By using the non-rhythmical dance, Athena is transformed into Hagel Sophia, similar to Carlos being struck on the back of the neck and transforming is awareness from the tonal to the nagual. The reference of South American historians viewing humans as egg shaped luminous beings with tentacles of light emitting from their navels took me back years to the times when I read the teachings of Don Juan.

I especially liked the part where Athena breaks from the church due to her being denied communion for being divorced. Unlike Athena, I am divorced, but go to a church where I am not known to accept communion. It was refreshing to read your claim in the interview at the end of the novel to hear you say,”My reglion is more important than the men that are trying to guide it.” I was questioning my faith the last couple of weeks, but after reading your words, my faith is renewed, and I will continue to take the Eucharist as my faith is important to my life. Daily, I go to the Lourdes website and view the statue of the Virgin in the grotto so that I can pray to it and achieve some sort of peace in my daily life. We shall always pursue the beauty of love, and Mary epitomizes that beauty. Thanks so much for your inspirational literature!

Always Love,

Stanley Paul Wroblewski, Jr.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Liezl

Liezl — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:13:35 +0000

Dear Paulo,

I am an avid reader of your novels and they inspire me a lot through love, life and the path to my personal legend, itself.

In the 24th of December of Year 2005, I gave birth to my daughter, Athena Andrea. Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom and Andrea, courageous. I was really stunned when I bought and read your book released in 2007, The Witch of Portobello and found out that the main characters are Athena and Andrea.

I don’t know how I can express this but I really am grateful that my favorite author’s writing has an “accidental” connection with my life… my personal legend.

I will be looking forward to reading more of your upcoming books.

Thank you.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by shasanth

shasanth — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:45:45 +0000

Good Evening!

I finished Reading “The Witch Of Portobello” Last Month, I felt I needed to inform you about something after reading the book. You see in our place in Kerala, we have temples for different dieties and every year we conduct a festival with a Ritual called “kalam” (In Malayalam) and on this day, a few amongst our men in the family, wear special attire’s to represent the different dieties who shall enter their bodies during the trance. and also carry the weapons or ornaments meant specifically for that diety and then there are Drummers and People who play different traditional stringed Instruments and then they reach a stage of trance where each diety comes through them. Once they start the stage of trance which is called “thullal” they tell commands and answer questions to many peoples questions.

Most part of My life I was in Dubai, But from the December of Year 2006 I was in Kerala itself, By the way I don’t know if you know kerala, but it is the southernmost tip of India, and nearly all your books are available in our language too, that is “Malayalam”. I was thinking if you were interested you could come over here next year and attend this event with us.

This year when I was there Lot’s of strange things happened, Normally towards the end of the Ritual, which starts around 11.pm and ends at 4 or 3 in the Early Morning, the Dieties Leave the Body of the “Komaram”(the name given to the person who goes into trance). But this year, it did not happen, and the diety of “NagaYakshi”(the Queen of Serpents”) Stayed in the body of the lady into whom it entered, Normally the diety enters the body of the people who sit within the powder image that is laid out on the ground. But, this year it entered into my cousin’s wife’s body, who was sitting amongst the audience. This is the first time since 35 years that in our temple this ritual started and the Naga Yakshi entered into someone.

That’s It For Now!

Right now I am reading Brida.

Something that has made me really curious about most of your books is that, there are a lot of things about which I speak and Give advice to others. and Most of those come word by word in your books, which gives me a little bit of shock, fear but mostly Love, towards some force, I don’t know about.

Do Reply Back, (Oh One More Thing! “You are Great!”)

Regards.

Shasanth
–
Its Just Life!

It Goes On! - Truth, Strength, Courage - Leads the Way!

Best Wishes!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Kim

Kim — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:30 +0000

I was so moved by the power and nuances of Athena’s character, and by the beauty and truth of the story. Thank you, Paulo.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Helen

Helen — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:46:26 +0000

Dear Paulo,
I have just finished reading The Witch of Portobello…. another amazingly insightful book. I was introduced to your books by a man I love, they have since been passed around friends who continue to read them with vigour. I finished the book this morning, it moved me so much, not necessarily the story itself but your understanding of humanity which is always shining through your words. You seem to be able to capture the threads that bind us together but that can also tear us wide apart. From where does that come I wonder, suffering, pain, joy, passion, love. There is something divine about you, you have the gift of insight, understanding and you are able to love freely despite and because of the consequences. It is so hard sometimes to hang on and to be able to keep the spaces free and then to know what to do with them, your words and creativity has reminded me and re-affirmed that it can and indeed should be strived for.
Thank you, wonderful man
Much love

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Tonya McKinney

Tonya McKinney — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:53:59 +0000

I loved the book and it enjoyed the story in its own right…not just for the wisdom it has to offer. I am confused if the author is promoting witch craft (not devil worship) and the idea that there is no sin. I am Christian and I believe God is both male and female combined and God “is” just as love “simply is”. We are all in him and he in us. Jesus is our gateway; John 4:16.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Cicek

Cicek — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:30:46 +0000

Hi Paulo,
I’m from Turkey. I’ve read your latest book and I liked it so much.I wonder whether your book is fiction or not. I will forward to hear you to rewritte.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Tony

Tony — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:27:04 +0000

I have been gifted for years with the ability to do channelling and have been using it to help people.After reading your book, I come to understand my pridicament better. Thank you.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Phumla M

Phumla M — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:51:16 +0000

I’m currently reading the Witch of Portobello. I love Paulo Coelho’s works and he challenges me each time I read him.
I found the style refreshing - Paulo Coelho is not shy to experiment with different styles of narrative (Eleven Minutes comes to mind).
This one is different and special in particular because it reads more like many stories written by many different people from many angles.
I didn’t appreciate the style in the beginning but I’m more than half way through the book and I’m beginning to realise that he could not have told it any other way if he wanted to stimulate the sort of dialogue that goes on between the reader and the text long before the pages has been closed.
Interestingly, the story is beginning to come together as one coherent piece - but coming to this point doesn’t come easy - it is only when one organises the chaos in the tale of Athena and the many conflicting tales told by the people telling them that one truly comes to understaning and appreciating the book and its Shero.
Thanks to Paulo for another riveting read.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Mona

Mona — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:26:21 +0000

hello Mr. coelho, i am reading the witch of portobello and i wanted to congratulate you for this marvelous piece of work. congrats

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Simona

Simona — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:09:43 +0000

Dear Paulo!

How did you write this book? Did you meet a person like Athena and told her story? Did you write from your own experiences? It is amazing, it feels like you could read my mind and put all the questions, dilemas from my head into the book. And according to the comments on this web site, there are many other people who feel the same as I do. Your books touch so many hearts that I can’t help but to think that they come from a divine source or better yet that you somehow are in touch with the divine.

Your books are all so inspiring and I am trully sorry that I have missed the oportunity to meet you in person.

Thank you.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Clinton

Clinton — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:32:23 +0000

Funny how the people we meet can change our lives, shape our being, or set us on another path in life. A friend of mine did just that, she gave me your book, The Witch of Portobello, and my spirit was moved - like the waves of the water move across the surface.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Samyukta

Samyukta — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:56:52 +0000

Your books have inspired me to take a leap of faith, to be different as your Witch of Portobello did. I was faced with an impossible choice of family, work, passion all having something to offer and all showing me a pretty future. When realism and idealism came face to face with eachother, I found myself saying “I am a pencil…”. While it seemed strange to my family, I truly believed that ultimately the hand that controlled the pencil would guide me. I am happy to say that, 2 after two days of believing that completely and absolutely, the pencil has started writing guided by the hand–and everything is reconciling in a way that no human could ever make it so. Thank you for your inspiration. Your books to me have become a way of life and way to find my true meaning and connection with the world, perhaps even one day the Soul.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by anju

anju — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:06:23 +0000

Sir,
I am Anju from India.I finished reading ‘Witch of Portobello’,and I feel that the character Athena is the most interesting person I’ve ever read about.Sir, I am writing this letter to tell you how much inspiring it is,to receive a mail from you.Now, my exams are over,and I am very happy ,because your mails kept me positively oriented all through these days.I always find your books very inspiring.I feel that I am hearing a wonderful story from a person who is just like my grandpa, who has great affection for me.Sir ,whenever I receive your mail, i feel very much happy and I am at my best.I will continue reading all your books, and spread its fragrance in the world around me
wishing you a good day
love

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Alice

Alice — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:22:16 +0000

Hello.
I just finished the book about the witch of Portobello, and just wanted to let you know how much i enjoyed it. I have read every book you have written that has been published in norwegian and you have been my favourite author for many years now. And you books have made a greate impact on my life. when I read I learn a lot about myself at the same time and every book is an eye opener. the funny thing is that I already know the things I read but I have not thought about it in the wright way before:)lots of love from Alice!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Stella

Stella — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:40:08 +0000

I’ve just finished it and I experience an inexplicable feeling of loss. I didn’t want to finish it actually. It was amazing. Thank you. Question: How can you write about a woman’s psyche being a man?

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by glowsoftly

glowsoftly — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:07:24 +0000

i have read a number of your books and it changed my perspective on my life and the world.
i was just wondering if ‘the witch of portobello’ is based on a true facts or is it just fictitious…..

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:05:31 +0000

Paulo,
I just want to take a moment to thank you and honor you for making the continual choice to share yourself so powerfully.

Now, I’ve just finished reading “The Witch of Portobello” at a time when I am just beginning to dive-in and understand the power of my feminine energy. I am already planning some workshops to empower women to honor themselves as an expression of the the Divine Feminine, and all I had to do was read a line in your book, and more ideas started flowing. I literally, had to put your book down in order to list out: speak to young women in business, create a workshop about loving our feminine body, speak to girls in schools, write a song about the goddess etc. At the end of my list, I wrote: Meet Paulo Coelho. Ha! Ha! I was truly inspired.

I am also in the process of leaving my day-job and pursuing my business full-time–a scary, yet exhilarating process. The energy of Athena is EXACTLY who I needed to connect with right now. I am transforming my life, and inspiring others to do the same, and it felt so comforting to see myself reflected in this character–she is beautiful, strong, whole in herself, and it was so powerful to be reminded that I am the same.

The simplicity and humanness of your message and your characters opens me to my own creative potential and feeds my passion to serve all those who cross my path. Above all, your books remind me of my infinite connection to God and that power and magic that exists when I continue to give and open myself to receive Love.

Thank you for sharing your growth with so many. Your words continue to inspire me.

Many blessings to you as you continue this rich path.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Emily

Emily — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:28:05 +0000

I would just like to say that your book the witch of portobello has made me realise some very important things about myself! I am a student at uni and am contemplating what to do with my life, your book has given me courage to just go out and do what I really want! Thankyou and I look forward to reading the rest of your novels!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Hedi

Hedi — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:26:39 +0000

yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the “witch of portobello” which I read during my stay in South Africa, meeting a ‘Sangoma” = medicine-woman,her powers, reminded me of Athena, because she accessed it (power) through dance as well…so, it was perfect timing, to read this book then….thank you, for inspiring me.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Catherine

Catherine — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:45:20 +0000

Hello,
I felt compelled to leave you a message after finishing your book this morning. All your books never fail to make me think and re-think the pure joy and wonder at being alive! One day I will set down my own feelings on paper and hopefully make some sense of them as you try to do. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts. I hope you find time to read this as im sure many people must feel as moved as me to contact you.
best wishes to you,

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Agnieszka

Agnieszka — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:41:02 +0000

Dear Paulo,
I’ve just finish reading your book - Congratulation on producing such a masterpiece. I’m sure you hear that a lot and I’m not orginal in saying that. I just felt a need to write to you after reading it as your book has answered a lot of my questions that I had recently. I read many of your books but only a few days ago I’ve bought this one, although my friend (who also is your fan) told me to read it a long time ago. Maybe my grandmother spirit was guiding me to buy it. By the way, you said in one of your interviews “[...] my religion is more important than the men that are trying to guid it”. This is exactly what my grandma use to say to me when I was aking her why is she such a devoted Catholic when I had doubts about the prists and the church.
I admire your talent!
Many thanks for your books!

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:50:06 +0000

even as I write this I know I will sound mad. I have to ask if Witch of Portobello is based on any true facts. I have read many of your books and never felt the characters to be so real. I lived in London for many years when I as a young woman and met many strange and wonderful people. I would have been one of Athena’s group if I had found it! Your writing is truly thought provoking and calming. Thank you.

Comment on Readers’ Corner for The Witch of Portobello by Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:49:19 +0000

Dear Paulo Coelho,
I hope and wish that you are well.
I’m just reading “A Bruxa de Portobello”. Even l did not yet finished it l would like to thank you for such a great book.
I wish you all the best,