The Valkyries !

Monday, August 06, 2007 Vishaal 4 Comments

"Infatuation was a good thing. It gave spice to life, and added to its enjoyment.
But it was different from love. Love was worth everything, and couldn't be exchanged for anything"
-Paulo in The Valkyries
Paulo Coelho.


This is the second novel of Paulo Coelho that I have read, the first being The Alchemist. I had purchased The Alchemist off the road side in Belgaum where I was completing my undergraduate studies and its simplicity of thought and expression had simply amazed me. So when I got an opportunity to read this one, iI took the opportunity with both hands.

The Valkyries is not in the same class though. It is not so easy to understand as The Alchemist, and the expectations created by the former makes one feel that it is rambling, self-absorbed and way too full of itself. But once you get to understand it you realise that the story is beautiful, the message is beautiful, affecting, moving
The book is a mystical and spiritual journey of a man who heads into the Mojave desert with his wife in search of an answer - how does one talk to and see their gaurdian angel. I can't say that it has had any sort of lasting effect on me.

I will add this, the "The Valkyries" is a true story according to Paulo Coelho. He admits to adding two fictional details in his accounts, but overall it is a true story.

Read this book when you have nothing else to do!

4 comments :

  1. Vishaal Bhat, hello!
    I'm a big Paulo Coelho fan and I don't know if you heard about his blog
    www.paulocoelhoblog.com
    I've started as a fan and now I'm collaborating with him and thought that you would like to enter his universe.
    Check the blog, if you want, or subscribe to his newsletter
    http://www.warriorofthelight.com/engl/index.html
    You'll see a community of warriors of light sharing ideas, dreams and most importantly following their personal legend.

    QUOTE OF THE DAY:
    "When someone wants something they should be aware that they are taking a risk. This is precisely what makes life interesting. "

    See u there and have a great day!
    Aart

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi. I'm a fan of Paulo Coelho's works. The Alchemist is my favorite, I have yet to buy this book The Valkyries.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @aart hilal

    Thanks for commenting on my blog. I will surely visit the blog. That is a nice quote really.

    @blue girl of the sky

    Do try and understand the meaning of this book. It is something which will help you reach mental peace.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vishaal, welcome!

    QUOTE OF THE DAY:
    "It is even more difficult
    to define a path for yourself.
    The person who does not make a choice
    dies in the eyes of the Lord,
    even though he continues
    to breathe and to walk about the streets.
    For a man has to choose, therein lies his strength:
    in the power of his decisions."

    best regards,
    aart

    ReplyDelete