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273
Novel • Fiction
Geneva, Switzerland • 1990s
2003
Adult
18+ years
In Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho, Maria, a young and intelligent Brazilian woman, travels to Switzerland hoping to better her life but ends up working as a well-paid sex worker. She hardens herself against emotional connections with her clients while saving money to return to Brazil. Her plans become complicated when she meets Ralf Hart, a famous artist, whose love forces her to reassess her choices and future. The novel discusses sex work and includes elements of BDSM.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Romantic
Contemplative
Mysterious
186,436 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Readers of Paulo Coelho's Eleven Minutes appreciate its exploration of complex themes like love, sexuality, and the human spirit through the protagonist, Maria's, journey. Positive reviews highlight its poetic and introspective writing. However, some critics feel the novel leans too heavily on philosophical discourse at the expense of plot development.
Readers who enjoy introspective and transformative journeys, as seen in Paolo Coelho’s The Alchemist, will find Eleven Minutes captivating. Those intrigued by themes of love, self-discovery, and the human experience, similar to those in Anaïs Nin’s Delta of Venus, will appreciate Coelho’s narrative and philosophical depth.
186,436 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ralf Hart
An internationally acclaimed artist in his late 20s, known for his artistic success and candid views on relationships. He is distinctively addressed by both his first and last name, highlighting his uniqueness in the narrative.
Milan
The owner of the Copacabana Club, a methodical operator who manages the club where sex workers meet clients, ensuring compliance with Swiss regulations, and maintaining a smoothly-run establishment.
Terence
A British music company executive who frequents Geneva for BDSM role play sessions. He engages with Maria after receiving an introduction from Milan.
Heidi
A widowed librarian who befriends Maria and assists her in obtaining books for her studies. She mistakenly views Maria as an inexperienced immigrant, unaware of her true profession.
273
Novel • Fiction
Geneva, Switzerland • 1990s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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