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A review by orionmerlin
The Prophet by Suheil Bushrui, Kahlil Gibran
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Characters: 4/10
Ah yes, the wise and profound Almustafa, dropping poetic wisdom like an overenthusiastic philosophy major. Too bad the townspeople exist purely as props to nod along and ask conveniently timed questions. They have all the depth of cardboard cutouts, making it impossible to care about them beyond their function as vague mouthpieces for The Big Ideas™.
Ah yes, the wise and profound Almustafa, dropping poetic wisdom like an overenthusiastic philosophy major. Too bad the townspeople exist purely as props to nod along and ask conveniently timed questions. They have all the depth of cardboard cutouts, making it impossible to care about them beyond their function as vague mouthpieces for The Big Ideas™.
Atmosphere/Setting: 5/10
Orphalese is supposed to be this deeply contemplative, almost mythical place, but good luck trying to picture it. The descriptions are just airy enough to be poetic but sparse enough to leave you grasping at wisps of nothing. Sure, the tone is serene, but without a vivid sense of place, it’s like meditating in a blank void.
Orphalese is supposed to be this deeply contemplative, almost mythical place, but good luck trying to picture it. The descriptions are just airy enough to be poetic but sparse enough to leave you grasping at wisps of nothing. Sure, the tone is serene, but without a vivid sense of place, it’s like meditating in a blank void.
Writing Style: 6/10
Gibran’s prose is undoubtedly beautiful—sometimes too beautiful. The poetic language is like rich chocolate cake: delightful in small doses, but after a while, you start begging for something a little less dense. Clarity takes a backseat to lyricism, and while that works for some, it often feels like the book is trying to sound profound rather than simply being profound.
Gibran’s prose is undoubtedly beautiful—sometimes too beautiful. The poetic language is like rich chocolate cake: delightful in small doses, but after a while, you start begging for something a little less dense. Clarity takes a backseat to lyricism, and while that works for some, it often feels like the book is trying to sound profound rather than simply being profound.
Plot: 3/10
Plot? What plot? This is less of a book and more of a philosophical monologue dressed up as literature. If you’re expecting narrative twists, compelling character arcs, or, you know, something happening, prepare to be disappointed. The structure is as engaging as listening to a professor drone on about abstract concepts without ever tying them to anything concrete.
Plot? What plot? This is less of a book and more of a philosophical monologue dressed up as literature. If you’re expecting narrative twists, compelling character arcs, or, you know, something happening, prepare to be disappointed. The structure is as engaging as listening to a professor drone on about abstract concepts without ever tying them to anything concrete.
Intrigue: 3/10
I wanted to be hooked. I really did. But instead of being pulled in, I found myself checking how many pages were left—never a good sign. The philosophical musings have their moments, but without narrative momentum, it’s like wading through molasses. Deep thoughts are great, but they shouldn’t feel like a chore.
I wanted to be hooked. I really did. But instead of being pulled in, I found myself checking how many pages were left—never a good sign. The philosophical musings have their moments, but without narrative momentum, it’s like wading through molasses. Deep thoughts are great, but they shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Logic/Relationships: 4/10
Almustafa and the townspeople have the kind of relationships that exist purely in the realm of allegory, which is a fancy way of saying “not remotely believable.” Their interactions feel like a scripted Q&A rather than genuine human connections. The ideas presented make sense within their abstract framework, but emotionally? Good luck forming any attachment.
Almustafa and the townspeople have the kind of relationships that exist purely in the realm of allegory, which is a fancy way of saying “not remotely believable.” Their interactions feel like a scripted Q&A rather than genuine human connections. The ideas presented make sense within their abstract framework, but emotionally? Good luck forming any attachment.
Enjoyment: 3/10
Did I walk away appreciating the artistry? Sure. Did I enjoy reading it? Not really. It’s like a museum piece—something you acknowledge as impressive but don’t necessarily like. Some passages hit hard, but overall, it felt more like homework than an engaging read.
Did I walk away appreciating the artistry? Sure. Did I enjoy reading it? Not really. It’s like a museum piece—something you acknowledge as impressive but don’t necessarily like. Some passages hit hard, but overall, it felt more like homework than an engaging read.