The Archer by Paulo Coelho Book Review
Hey guys I am back with another book review. Recently I have read The Archer by Paulo Coelho. So today as the title says I am going to review that. In this video I am going to tell you step by step what the book is all about, what can you expect from this book and is it worth Reading. And it's a no spoilers review. The first two sections of my Review gives few facts about the author and a general description of the book and the final two sections of my review give my thoughts upon the books. If you don't want to read the entire article watch the short video below that sums up everything, otherwise read the article.
Now let's start today's book review. First few words about the author.
About The Author:
Paulo Coelho is an brazilian author. When he was 38 years old he had a spiritual awakening that he recorded in his first book the pilgrimage. Next he wrote the Alchemist that made him super famous. Sold 70 million copies. I think most of you know but still am repeating Coelho writes spiritual philosophical books. The protagonists of his books actually discover themselves and following their Journey of discoveration readers enrich their own minds. The Archer is his latest book. Released recently on November, 2020. Actually, in 2003 the ebook version was published in Portuguese titled " O caminho do arco" meaning " the way of the bow". So the book existed a long before but came down to our hand pretty late.
Book Description:
Now let me tell you what the book is all about. The blurbs says here we meet a archer called Tetsuya. Who is Tetsuya, Tetsuya was once a famous skilled Archer. Now he is retired from public life. Next, there is a boy who come searching for Tetsuya. Now the boy had many questions and Tetsuya answering to those questions teaches ways of the bow and several life lessons. The blurb says more that the book says a life can never be fulfilled without any connection between soul and action. It adds that fear of rejection and failure makes a life worthless. One should take risk, build courage and embrace the unexpected journey of life. Furthermore it claims the book provides a framework of a rewarding life. So, here the blurb ends. Now my thoughts upon the book.
Book Insight:
Honestly the blurb is misleading. It says it is a story. But only five percent of the book containsany story that is first few pages where the boy get to meet the Archar and the last few pages that answers why the Archar become a carpenter and started living a private life. If you have read Alchemist and thinking that Another Alchemist level thingy… don't its not. It's not a motivational story. Rather except the first few pages and the last few pages, the prologue and epilogue, the book is actually a self-help that conveys it's meaning in metaphorical ornamental language related to archery. It provides knowledge on proactivity. The teachings are great obviously. Can help someone who needs inspiration. But sometimes drags too much on simple matters. It is as if attending a booster session before a motivational speaker. Anyway, It was a short 'not bad' read but could have been a lot better. Sometimes it becomes boring and monotonous because Coelho over-exemplifies. But lessons are quite good that's why another video on those lessons. There are some catchy quotes too! For instance:
"If you never take a risk, you will never know what changes you need to make."
"Serenity comes from the heart. Although the heart is often tormented by thoughts of insecurity"
"What is a master? I would say that he is not someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to do his best to discover a knowledge he already has in his soul…"
As I have said there are pretty good line's of inspirations. But that doesn't fill up the expectation I had on this book. Thought it a chicken soup, a story with life lessons. Came out a vegetables broth. Not at all best by the Alchemist author. But obviously not trash. The language is easy. Coelho books are suited for beginner readers. Pretty simple. But it is metaphorical. There are hidden meanings that provide wonderful life lessons.
Text Features:
As for the point of view. There are two perspectives used: First person and third person perspective. The prologue and epilogue have been written in third person. Rest of the book has been written in the third person perspective. The book has pretty good illustrations. The pictures are really good. The cover is really pretty too. Plus point. But see how we have showered love on the Alchemist that has a simple orange cover. The edition I read had no illustration but plain words. Does you one have any. Anyway. So finally what matters is Content. How it portrays. Everything rest are though pretty but ornamentals after all. Who doesn't love pretty paintings and designs. But, as a reader the content matters to me most. The book has around 160 pages. The edition I am talking about is by penguin viking. Printed price is 250/- in Indian rupees.
Rating:
I will rate it 3 stars out of 5 stars and that solely for the life lessons that the book provides An okay okay read.Goodreads rating is 3.7 stars. Oh, So, these are my thoughts upon the book.
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