Books : By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept: A Novel of Forgiveness (P.S.)

Rating: - Another great story from Coelho
All of Coelho's stories use the symbolism of a journey. Each ends up being a journey from brokenness to greater wholeness. Each tale ends up describing a deep fundamental change in the life of his characters that inspires readers to look at their own lives and set out on their own journeys.

This tale combines both a spiritual journey and the quest for love. There are many sub-themes that are beautifuly worked into this tapestry; the relationship between erotic love and divine love...the need to dream and to follow one's dreams, the fear of seeing your loved one hurt by your dreams, the feminine face of God as a necessary element of our relationship with God...

This story draws heavily on Coelho's Catholic heritage--Brazil being a most Catholic of countries. For those who share in this heritage it adds to the story, drawing on images and experiences that are easy to relate to and understand. For those who do not share this heritage, Coelho does not make that lack an obstacle to entering into the story. The story is complete in itself and will entertain you, nourish you and get you reflecting.

The book is very much in the style of The Alchemist, in that it is clearly a fable for our instruction. For me it had something of an otherworldly quality, rather than the more gritty feeling of Valkyries or even Pilgrimage. Yet, all the events described were concrete--even more so than Pilgrimage. I think the otherworldly quality comes from the sense of love that pervades the tale like a soft mist. Afterall, love is something of a divine madness, the intersection of the otherworldly with our very worldly lives. Perhaps, Coelho meant to capture that quality in his telling of this tale. If so, he has done an admirable job of it.

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Rating: - Coehlo is a master storyteller
As he did with the Alchemist, Coelho once again demonstrates his ability to create ultimately human protagonists struggling with issues of the divine and ethereal.
Pilar's sojourn is not foriegn to anyone who has done any kind of soul-searching. Coelho's language is poetic, but always sincere and truthful. This book is for those who recognize struggles as a part of life, but have optimism for the end of the journey.

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Rating: - Pondering Paulo
I was onboard a flight to Verona when I read this journey. Why do I use the word 'Journey'? Paulo Coelho's works each has a journey and a message to share. I do not agree or want to agree with every message, yet the subtleties and the intricate story telling kept my interest and forced me to read on. 'By the River Piedra', is a tale of the power of love and Paulo's explanation of true love. Is love solely discovered with the person you are with, or the person you are?

The novel is both spiritual and thought provoking.

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Rating: - All about Love
I am an avid reader and have seldom encountered such a beautiful love story. Not starry or rosy, but deep and beautiful as only a Latino writer can offer. It is magical, and shows the pain as well as the glory of love. I highly recommend it.

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Rating: - Read for the writing, if not for the author's viewpoint
I've noticed very extreme ratings from 1 star to 5 stars given to this book.

This book forces the reader to think about some pertinent issues in life: do we quietly accept or burdens? Or do we fight to change our dull boring lives? Should we let ourselves be mired in habit or should be seek a wonder-filled life?

It does seem a touch too chauvinistic - Pilar's friend is too much the perfect guy, the romantic spiritual teacher who teaches her about the meaning of life - but right at the end of the book, the author has redeemed Pilar by letting show her friend some very important things about love.

People will rate this book according to whethere or not they agree with the author on these issues, but I rate this work 4 stars anyway for its unusual romantic storyline, and the writing, which is laudable.

Read the book. Even if you don't like the author's ideas, you should still ponder the themes relating to life, acceptance and love of the novel. Without this book to open our eyes, many people might just pass through life without ever noticing these issues.