For the first time translated into English, since its publication in 1990, Paulo Coelho’s Brida captivates the story of a young Irish girl, whom sets out to discover her purpose. Finding herself leaning towards magic and mysticism, she hopes to have the secrets of life and existence taught to her by a willing and knowledgeable teacher, while searching for her planetary soul mate. The story deals with a mixture of magic, enlightenment, reincarnation, self-purpose, and the quest for Love.
The Scheme and Plot of Brida
A new age story based on a real woman, the book carries in it a story that with a steady cadence, unlocks a perspective on some of the most important questions we often ask ourselves. Set in Dublin Ireland, the story begins with Brida, a young girl on a mission to carry out her mystical calling. Brida’s search for spirituality and her soul mate leads her to a forest dwelling wizard named Magus whom becomes her teacher. In her private life, she has a great boyfriend and is sure he is the one that is made for her. But life takes her on a journey where reality and love put on different costumes. Magus introduces her to a woman named Wicca, whom takes Brida as her pupil, and manages to see that with careful instruction, she too can be a witch.
From the first time experimenting with the Tarot cards, to the complex and important act of visualization, she begins to unravel the mystery of the nature based religion. In between her ritualistic teachings and trying to keep her relationship secure, she finds herself asking the ultimate question. Is there such a thing as a soul mate?
From their initial first meeting, Magus is fully aware that Brida is his soul mate. As he begins to spend more and more time with her he slowly loses his self control and let’s her know that he had been waiting for her even before they met. Their relationship blossoms into a tale of reincarnation, love and the quest of life changing answers to humankind’s most relevant questions. Can you have two soul mates at the same time?
With Wicca by her side, the girl begins to unravel the mysteries behind her teachings. She learns to listen to the music the earth makes, keeps a Book of Shadows where she describes her initiation and her knowledge on herbal remedies. She also unlocks the secret of the five senses, enabling her to connect spiritually and physically with her partner.
Upon her initiation into a coven that Wicca feels Brida is ready to be part of, Brida makes her love for Magus known and shares a spiritual passage in the midst of the forest. She is now torn between the love she feels for her boyfriend, and the spiritual bond she shares with Magus. She hopes that upon entry into the coven her mind will be clear and ready to make her choice.
Themes/Religion in Paulo Coelho's Brida
Like most of his books, Paulo Coelho sprinkles the story with tinges of mysticism and spirituality, a combination with continuous revelations. Discussing the various rituals that lay within the Wiccan religion, Coelho offers an intimate insight into a taboo subject and Religion. The story manages to lead the reader to consider the idea of reincarnation, which plays a key role in the Wiccan religion. He also introduces the idea and/or possibility of finding and loving two soul mates in the same lifetime, leaving the reader questioning the possibility that perhaps Love or the idea of it, is far beyond grasp and simple comprehension.
Book stats
Brida by Paulo Coelho
Paperback, 212 pages
Harper Collins Publishers, 2008
ISBN# 0061578932
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