“Once upon a time there was a prostitute…”— a masterstroke of how 11 minutes by Paulo Coelho begins. I find this opening to be quite the Intro, it borrows the classic fairy-tale beginning to introduce a story that is anything but a traditional tale. “Once upon a time” is how all children stories begin and “prostitute” is more of an adult rated word. Yet somehow this very beginning is what immediately sets a tone for this book, in what Coelho potrays as having one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss.

11 Minutes by Paulo Coelho is one of those rare books that challenges societal norms while delivering a deeply personal and empowering story. The story of Maria, a young Brazilian woman who leaves her small town with dreams of fame and fortune but finds herself navigating the harsh realities of becoming a sex worker in Geneva. What might sound like a mere tale of hardship quickly reveals itself to be an insightful narrative about the complexities of desire, the power of choice, and the path to understanding one’s true self beyond shame or judgment.

Maria, the protagonist, keeps a diary throughout her journey, inviting us to dive deep into her thoughts, fears, and desires. This diary format adds a raw, intimate layer to the narrative, making her experiences feel personal and immediate. Through her written reflections, we witness a woman trying to navigate life on her own terms.

The tittle of the book apparently refers to the average time the ‘deed’ takes. However, the novel isn’t just about the physical act as symbolized by the tittle “11 minutes”—but about the emotional and spiritual awakening that occurs when understanding and embracing one’s own sexuality as a vital part of identity.

My Favourite Quotes

“No one loses anyone, because no one owns anyone. That is the true experience of freedom: having the most important thing in the world without owning it”

“Profound desire, true desire is the desire to be close to someone.”

Final Thoughts

I LOVED this book. This is the sort of book I’d shove down one’s throat. You should read it