Hippie by Paulo Coelho: Book Review
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Paulo Coelho’s “Hippie” takes readers on a mesmerizing journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Set in the 1970s, the book is a memoir of Coelho’s travels as a young hippie across Europe and Asia. Through his experiences, readers are transported to a world of free love, drugs, and counterculture.
The book begins with Coelho’s decision to leave his comfortable life in Brazil and embark on a journey of self-discovery. He meets Karla, a Dutch woman, on his travels and the two become travelling companions. Together, they journey across Europe in a van, immersing themselves in the hippie culture of the time.
As they travel, they encounter a cast of characters, including a group of hippies in Amsterdam, a rock band in Paris, and a Turkish woman in Istanbul. Each encounter brings with it new experiences and challenges that help Coelho discover more about himself and his spirituality. Continue to read my review of Paulo Coelho’s Hippie.
A man in search of spirituality knows little, because he reads of it and tries to fill his intellect with what he judges wise. Trade your books for madness and wonder—then you will be a bit closer to what you seek. Books bring us opinions and studies, analyses and comparisons, while the sacred flame of madness brings us to the truth.
Paulo Coehlo ‘Hippie’
Throughout the book, Coelho’s prose is poetic and reflective, capturing the essence of the hippie culture of the time. His writing is both introspective and philosophical, as he delves deep into the meaning of life and spirituality. Through his writing, readers gain a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of a young man on a quest for self-discovery.
One of the strengths of “Hippie” is its vivid descriptions of the places Coelho visits. From the winding streets of Amsterdam to the bustling markets of Istanbul, Coelho’s writing brings each location to life. The book is a travelogue as well as a memoir, offering readers a glimpse into a bygone era of the counterculture.
Another strength of Paulo Coelho’s Hippie is its portrayal of the people Coelho meets on his travels. Each character is unique and memorable, offering a glimpse into different aspects of the hippie culture. From the free-spirited hippies in Amsterdam to the conservative Muslims in Istanbul, Coelho’s encounters challenge his worldview and broaden his perspective.
He hadn’t planned anything like that, and when things happen without planning or expectations they are that much more enjoyable and worthwhile—talking to a stranger without an eye to any romantic connection had allowed things to flow more naturally.
Paulo Coehlo ‘Hippie’
However, some readers may find Paulo Coelho’s Hippie overly idealistic in its portrayal of the hippie lifestyle. While Coelho does acknowledge the dark side of drugs and free love, he often romanticizes the counterculture of the time. Additionally, some readers may find the writing overly sentimental at times, particularly in the passages describing his relationship with Karla.
Despite these criticisms, “Hippie” is a powerful and inspiring read that will leave readers pondering the nature of love, freedom, and spirituality. Coelho’s writing is thought-provoking and introspective, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a young man on a journey of self-discovery. The book is a must-read for fans of Coelho’s writing and anyone interested in the counterculture of the 1970s.
“Hippie” is a beautifully written memoir that captures the essence of the hippie culture of the 1970s. Through his experiences, Coelho offers readers a glimpse into a bygone era of counterculture and spiritual awakening. While the book may not appeal to all readers, its thought-provoking insights and vivid descriptions make it a must-read for fans of Coelho’s writing and anyone interested in the counterculture of the 1970s.
Do you also love reading travel memoirs? Comment below and tell me what are you reading now! If you are still looking for the right book, here is my recommendation of 6 books to fuel your wanderlust.
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