The Valkyries: An Encounter with Angels

By Paulo Coelho

A classic masterwork of spiritual tension and realization from Paulo Coelho, this powerful story of one man’s battle with self-doubt and fear is now available in a beautiful new package from HarperOne. An essential volume alongside Coelho’s other bestselling and influential books, such as The Alchemist, The Pilgrimage, Brida, and The Winner Stands Alone, the searing and unforgettable narrative in The Valkyries asks the questions most central to all literature—and all of humanity’s quest for understanding. Why is it that we destroy the things we love most? And how can we learn to let go of the past and believe in the future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 13, 2009
• ISBN: 9780061842863

Paulo Coelho

One of the most influential writers of our time, Paulo Coelho is the author of thirty international bestsellers, including The Alchemist, Warrior of the Light, Brida, Veronika Decides to Die, and Eleven Minutes. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Paulo is the recipient of 115 international prizes and awards, among them, the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor). Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947, he soon discovered his vocation for writing. He worked as a director, theater actor, songwriter, and journalist. In 1986, a special meeting led him to make the pilgrimage to Saint James Compostela (in Spain). The Road to Santiago was not only a common pilgrimage but a turning point in his existence. A year later, he wrote The Pilgrimage, an autobiographical novel that is considered the beginning of his literary career. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

Reviews for The Valkyries

[tonem_4 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The only thing that saves this book from a 1 star rating is the accessability of the ideas to the reader, It is a bit immature and at times a bit flat. I think this for the less philosophically inclined this may seem a bit more mystical then it really is, I think it'd be a great segway book to get one interested in the genre to read much more. There is not the great insight into the writers life and torment as you may see in the writing of Thomas Aquinas for example. It may not be fair to compare a great with an inspiring contempory. I do see it as a great introductory book to mysticism the connections one may feel with god. If you examine it a bit more closely you can see how thin the veil really is. Enjoyable yes, enlightening no. I expected much more.

[lesleymc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was the first of Paulo Coelho's books I have read and perhaps that was a mistake. I found the first half of his journey intriging and compelling but when the Valyries appeared it all seemed to be a bit too much. It went from simple explanations eg the 'second mind' to 'hard to digest' rituals and characters. I found myself asking 'is this book factual?'. Perhaps if I had read his other works first I would have had more of an understanding of his beliefs and practices.

[micalhut · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm a sucker for spiritual adventure lit. I use the term lit loosely, though I do like his masculine style of serving up a scene with no garnishments. Sucked it down in one evening over Dell Customer Support. Enjoy the term "second voice" for the ongoing conversations we have in our head when we're not even aware of it.

[justanotheryablog · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating

[lilywren · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I do usually enjoy Coelho's books and often take something inspiring away from them however, with The Valkyries I am not too sure. Coelho tells the story of his spiritual journey and experiences gained travelling through the desert. Throughout the journey we witness Coelho fighting his inner demons and working towards spiritual enlightenment and self development. We are also introduced to his wife Chris who accompanies Coelho and, in her own way, faces her own inner struggles and spiritual enlightenment. Throughout the book I found myself sympathising with Chris, becoming annoyed at her husband and following her journey more closely. On some occasions I become frustrated with Coehlo, his sense of importance and, more often, self indulgence. But, having said this, I believe this is what Coehlo wanted to portray and what was involved in his journey of battling against the ego and inner demons.Coehlo's books often bring spiritual messages that can be inspiring and insightful. However, I feel The Valkyries has nothing further to add except maybe the possiblity of seeing Coehlo stripped bare and laying out his vulnerabilities for all to see which is quite a difficult and admirable thing to do.

[veranaz22 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This follows a journey in search of the Valkyries. I would compare it to some sort of "vision quest" of the main character. The story feels weak compared to the author's other works, but the concept makes the read worth while. I found myself confused at times in the first half, as I didn't know who he's referring to. The plot gets better in the climax, but gets much weaker toward the end.This is definitely not a title to read when first reading this author's works.Two and a half out of five.

[rayski_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Coelho goes in search of his guardian angel, needs constant validation and is never satisfied.

[thereadingmermaid · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Was there a story here? If there was then I missed it. The plot is extremely lacking or (at best) very difficult to decern. The conversations are boring as the characters jabber on about nothing consequential. I'm being generous in giving it even 1 star. Ugh, just not a good book.

[sumisbooks · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Was there a story here? If there was then I missed it. The plot is extremely lacking or (at best) very difficult to decern. The conversations are boring as the characters jabber on about nothing consequential. I'm being generous in giving it even 1 star. Ugh, just not a good book.