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Summary: Why do pilgrims criticize this book?
Review: I also walked El Camino, and was surprised to know that some (few) Brazilian pilgrims criticize Paulo Coelho's "The Pilgrimage". Every time that I asked if they read the book, they said that they did not. It seems that El Camino was becoming the property of a few choosen ones, and "The Pilgrimage" made it popular all over the world. For me, this is an absolutelly fascinating book, but I understand why some reviews say about whether this is an accurate description of the journey. It is not. It is Paulo Coelho's experience, whether you like it or not. If you don't like, better buy a travel guide or write a book by yourself. And by the way, I believe that Coelho deserved the Golden Medal of Galicia that he received this year.
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Summary: Why do pilgrims criticize this book?
Review: I also walked El Camino, and was surprised to know that some (few) Brazilian pilgrims criticize Paulo Coelho's "The Pilgrimage". Every time that I asked if they read the book, they said that they did not. It seems that El Camino was becoming the property of a few choosen ones, and "The Pilgrimage" made it popular all over the world. For me, this is an absolutelly fascinating book, but I understand why some reviews say about whether this is an accurate description of the journey. It is not. It is Paulo Coelho's experience, whether you like it or not. If you don't like, better buy a travel guide or write a book by yourself. And by the way, I believe that Coelho deserved the Golden Medal of Galicia that he received this year.
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Summary: I haven't tried the exercises, has anybody?
Review: I am disappointed in the lack of reviews for this book compared to THE ALCHEMIST. Okay, I'll admit, this one struck me a little weird, but, nevertheless, a good read. The reader learns to grow with Paulo on his journey to find his sword. This book I found very calming, (until certain attack scenes) yet gripping. Reading THE PILGRIMAGE is a very introspective and maturing experience. Another one of Paulo's greats!
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Summary: A spiritual story which left me thoroughly confused.
Review: I did not particularly care for the overly dramatic and spiritual presentation of the subject. I was looking for a more practical report on El Camino which would give me mileage between refuges and information about the towns and villages along the way.
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Summary: a new age version of the legendary journey to Compostela
Review: I discovered this book during my first journey on the road to Compostela in 1991. All the young Spaniards had a copy in their back pack. The author created a New Age delirium giving the path to Compostela an image of witchcraft and the occult. During my three journeys on the road to Compostela ( 91 95 96) I happened to have met some of the key characters the author mentions in this book, and they were very unhappy with the author's version of the Compostela experience as well as with the use of their life. I disliked how the pilgrim gives up the road for a bus ride at the end of the book, which is a "sacrilage" once you enter such an experience.
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Summary: Concern for eternal balance
Review: I enjoyed how Coelho was very sensitive to the fact that making such a journey is an individual one, and that for each of us, the road is unique. Of course, we are all inspired to make an attempt at such a quest with similar results, but must continue at our own pace, in our own time; and what me must do with our own sword if we ever were to find our way to it. Publishing a book reaches many souls for centuries to come. Conjouring and facing our devil can be a dangerous thing, and for the reader who might drop this book half way through, will leave with a power that gives strength to darkness. Coelho must be responsible for releasing this knowledge to those not ready to hear it. I hope his soul can carry such a battle, and his sword able to fight a force very dark for ages to come.
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Summary: Will to continue
Review: I first read this book in the summer of 97 on my way back from a trip from Ottawa, I'd found it in the ottawa airport. Two years prior to that, I'd read The Alchemist and never really gave much thought to other books by Paulo Coelho, dispite the lasting and impowering effects The Alchemist had had on me. It had me hooked and only at 16, I was convinced and determined that I was going to walk the Camino. Five years later, last may, I finally achieved it. It was my moby dick, really the only thing I'd ever set my mind to doing. The book inspired me to take a journey of a life time. In doing so, I found so many more journey's I'd never imagined. I highly recommend that you read the book, and once you have, live the Camino for yourself.
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Summary: Not for everyone
Review: I have mixed emotions about Paulo publishing this book. As a mystic I regonize it as authentic. But as a mystic I rocognize the constant struggle between that which creates (commonly referred to as white magic) and that which destroys (commonly referred to as black magic). In the book many times Paulo was tempted to use black magic by taking a shortcut instead of traveling the route to enlightment. I fear the novice may use some of the exercises to their detriment. But to the spirit on the journey it is a very important work. This book is not for everybody.
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Summary: A very interesting book for the message and story alike.
Review: I have read Brida, the Alchemist, The Valkyries and The Pilgramage which is the most outstanding (all of them are great).I thank Paulo Coelho very much for his messages. Just say, it is worth it to read it, but if you dare to believe, as I do, you can go further, if not, don't worry, it's in no way a boring book. I suggest you to take the Road to Santiago after reading it. This book has made me to change a lot, and I promise, it's being a great change. I strongly recommend this book for those who don't know what to do with their lives or are full of doubts about their future. This book is helping me to find my way and to look at the Road and pay more attention to myself and my inner soul. But it's not just to read it, it needs practice, faith, will and time. I think it pays off, because what really matters in life? what we have in the material world or what we can achieve in the spiritual and psycological world? This book deals with the latter.It's your choice. Good luck!.
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Summary: his name is legion for he is many
Review: i have read many of coelhos works and until 4 weeks ago this was the only one i had not read.the story although lacking in the spirituality that books such as the alchemist i believe that it supplied the reader with a knowledege of coelho and makes us able to understand fully the purpose of his books. the story is simple. a man on a journey to find somthing that means a lot to him.this simplicity is backed up by beautifuly descriptive language and wonderfull imagery which took me into his journey in full. the emotions coelho creates in this book are wonderful too from fear and excitement at paulos fight with the dog to the sadness of paulos dissapointment that when he parts from petrus he has not yet succeded the book is helpful in showing the importance of the smaller things in life and how we should not forget our childhoods and the passions and spirituality they posess. i found the details of his RAM practices wonderful .overall an essential book for any coelho fan.
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