The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho. ISBN 978-0-00-725184-1
If you enjoy the work of Paulo Coelho, and I am someone who does, then you will enjoy his latest book. He has created a very distinct style for himself. As a reader you know what to expect and you’re not disappointed. Mind you, having worked as a General Practitioner in Portobello, Edinburgh until I took up my current post, I was disappointed that the book wasn’t set there! There’s plenty to enjoy and lots to think about in this novel. Let me focus on the idea of the witch because that is fundamental to the whole work. On page 13 he describes four archetypes of women –
- Virgin
- Martyr
- Saint
- Witch
What really got me thinking here was his description of the path to enlightenment characteristic of each of these archetypes –
- Virgin – Independence
- Martyr – Suffering
- Saint – Unconditional Love
- Witch – Pleasure
Do you recognise these archetypes? I don’t think they are exclusive to women. As with all archetypes of the psyche I think each of us resonate with them to greater and lesser extents. It’s unusual to find someone who can be fully described by a single archetype. So which of these do you resonate with? And how can you play to your strengths then?
Like all Paulo Coelho’s books, this is a story of self-discovery and how to find your own way in life.
Heroes Not Zombies 
Hello,
Paulo has found your blog and really liked your post.
We posted it today in his blog
http://www.paulocoelhoblog.com
Thanks for sharing!
aart hilal
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Have you read Brida..great book by Paulo as well that mentions “the four ways in which a woman can commune with the universe” but of course i believe it can apply to everyone 🙂
Apparently, I’m the virgin. At least this point in my life. I wanted to check and make sure my perception of myself wasn’t wrong, and after asking all of my friends, their first answer was always that.