A slightly dissapointing read (The Valkyries - Paulo Coelho)

Member Name: orchid1988

Product:	The Valkyries - Paulo Coelho
Date:	25/07/08 (303 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Usual intriguing elements of Paulo Coehlo

Disadvantages: An enigma, confusing, self absorbed

The Valkyries is a true account of Paulo Coelho's quest to see and speak with his guardian angel. It is written through both the eyes of himself and his wife, Chris. I feel that Chris's perception is partly included so that the reader is able to gain more of an insight into the mystic of which Coelho reveals carefully in each of his books.

The book is a chronicle of his journey through the Mojave desert inwhich he seeks the Valkyries, an obscure group of spiritual women who travel the desert on motorbikes occassionally aiding people who are worthy to speak with their angels.

The book had all the elements of Paulo Coelho: magic , spirituality, self realisation, religious exploration shrouded with an element of mystery. However somehow it failed for me. It did not quite read right, perhaps the translation did not do the author's thoughts justice. Whatever the case I felt that much of this book came across as mere ramblings and portrayed Coelho in a rather self absorbed light. Even his dialogue with his wife seemed somewhat ugly, perhaps I just did not like reading his wifes thoughts come through his pen without any explanation how he could know exactly what she had been thinking. All in all I was unfortunately quite dissapointed with this novel, particularly as I have enjoyed many of his other books. However it will not stop me from reading more Coelho and I hope that it doesn't stop anyone else either!

Summary: Not an entirely bad book but I wouldn't spend your afternoon on it.