Critics' Opinion:
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Published May 2007
288 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
How do we find the courage to always be true to ourselves—even if we are unsure of whom we are?
That is the central question of international bestselling author Paulo Coelho's profound new work, The Witch of Portobello. It is the story of a mysterious woman named Athena, told by the many who knew her well—or hardly at all.
"Athena's earliest years don't end up having much plot, but the second half's intrigue sustains the book." - PW.
"Narrated from multiple points of view, the portrait of Athena that emerges is as provocative and spiritually complex as one would expect from the author of The Alchemist (1993) and The Devil and Miss Prym (2006)." - Booklist.
"A disappointing rehash of pretty conventional spirituality. " - Kirkus.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Xavier Gonzales
Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1970, after deciding that law school was not for him, he traveled through much of South America, North Africa, Mexico, and Europe. Returning to Brazil after two years, he began a successful career as a popular songwriter. In 1974, he was imprisoned for a short time by the military dictatorship then ruling in Brazil.
In 1988, Coelho published The Alchemist, which has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 41 languages. He has written more than a dozen novels, including The Pilgrimage and Veronika Decides to Die, both of which are being adapted to film.
Coelho is an outspoken activist for peace and social justice, and also supports the free distribution of his work. He and his wife Christina split their ...
... Full Biography
Author Interview
Link to Paulo Coelho's Website
Name Pronunciation
Paulo Coelho: POW-loo KWAY-lew
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