Review: The Witch of Portobello
A New Age Novel Full of Enlightenment
Paulo Coelho's The Witch of Portobello is an entertaining story about Athena/Sherine/"The Witch" told from the vantage points of several characters. This technique allows the simple story to take on different angles, which keeps the novel flowing at an enjoyable pace. A mix of traditional religion, gypsy mysticism and modern New Age spirituality, this novel tells the story of Sherine Khalil and how she grew up to be Athena and eventually Hagia Sofia/"The Witch".
The Plot
The story of Athena's life is told in the form of a series of interviews conducted by her journalist friend with the initial intention of being a biography on "The Witch". From the individual perspectives of Athena's adoptive parents, her Pagan teacher, her student, her journalist friend, her ex-husband and several others, the tale of Sherine Khalil is recounted.
She was born to a gypsy mother who put her up for adoption in an orphanage in Romania, where the Khalil’s adopts her. From an early age, she takes on the self-imposed name "Athena" and has an innate spiritual calling. She marries young, has a son and divorces her husband; all because she believes it is her spiritual purpose to do so.
From her initial beginnings as a devout member of the Catholic Church, to her humiliating dismissal, Athena searches for a way to fit into the world on a spiritual level. She finds herself connecting to her spiritual self through music and dance, and like any good prophet, she shares her discovery with those around her. Through her newly embraced spirituality, she prospers in her life and is able to travel extensively and learn new ways to channel her mystic side.
She eventually takes on a student, on the advice of her own spiritual teacher, whom she teaches her "secrets" to. By forming a connection with her student, she is able to pass down her learning’s and ensure that they continue to be spread the world over.
Word of Athena's weekly meetings, in which she channels her inner goddess, Hagia Sophia, spreads and she becomes both something to be seen and something to be feared. She is faced with the ultimatum of loosing her son or continuing her spiritual sessions.
The Spiritual/New Age Tie-In
This book is heavily laced with references to religion, spirituality and mysticism. Coelho's novel imparts an esoteric feeling. If you enjoy reading books that embrace a more New Age vibe, than you will probably find this book to be wonderful. However, if you are looking for a plot-driven story that still offers a light sampling of Coelho's spirituality, you might want to check out some of his other works such as The Alchemist or The Devil and Miss Prym.
Book Stats
The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho.
Paperback, 304 pages.
Harper Collins Publishers, 2008.
ISBN # 0061338818
The Witch of Portobello
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