The Witch of Portobello

I've enjoyed The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho which is about the spiritual journey of a young woman, Athena. She is adopted by a Lebanese couple at an early age from an orphanage in Romania. As the situation in Lebanon deteriorates, the family moves to London where Athena grows up and is educated. Through contacts with other people, she gradually learns of the spiritual power within herself and uses that gift to help others. However, she faces opposition from conservative forces branding her a "witch". The story is told in the form of "interviews" with people who knew Athena, so the reader learns her story and there is a hint of mystery as to what may have happened to her. This is a book that makes you think about the value of your everyday life and the beauty that surrounds us in "ordinary" pursuits. We should take joy in doing those things, however mundane they may seem to be. 4/5