Paulo Coelho’s Eleven Minutes is a tightly woven story that captivates readers with themes of love and self-discovery. Maria, a Brazilian prostitute, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns to accept love in all its forms. As Maria transforms her life and identity, Coelho interweaves Portuguese and Islamic culture, highlighting their overlap and synergy. Through Maria’s faith, optimism, and open-mindedness, Coelho highlights the importance of finding one’s inner strength and the power of love.
The novel begins with Maria’s first encounter with prostitution: she is wasted from a night of drinking, selling her body for $30 because she is desperate for money. As Maria enters a mutually exploitative relationship with her first regular client, she also has her first encounter with love in the most unexpected place. Through Maria’s eyes, Coelho captures the beauty, origin and complexity of love — a love free from judgment or societal norms. Maria learns that regardless of her profession, she is worthy of love and can accept it with open arms.
Maria’s journey of self-discovery is driven by her motivation to learn why she does the things she does and to find out why she attracts such chaotic relationships. Maria is not bound by traditional morals and though her choices are seen as risky, she remains open and embracing of each experience life presents her with. Through her inner monologues and conversations with her clients, Coelho explores the idea of the “perfect moment” — the ever fleeting frame of time when two people transcend language and come together in mutual understanding and connection. Maria yearns for these moments because they take her to a place free of judgement and pain, showing that even in the darkest hour, humans are capable of creating an oasis of love and youth.
As Maria navigates her newfound vocation, Coelho weaves Portuguese and Islamic culture and themes throughout the story. Maria is often reminded of her Brazilian roots as she is told to trust in God and the “sacredness of the feminine” — values Maria holds close to her heart and attempts to embody. Maria also receives timely advice from her Swiss friend Ralf, a diplomat who speaks Arabic, who helps Maria to embrace faith, love culture, and experience. That same love culture is also reflected in Ralf’s and Maria’s mutual interest in Sufi poetry as well as Ralf’s high-flying, whirlwind love story with an Indian princess.
Ultimately, Coelho’s Eleven Minutes is a story about love, identity, and self-discovery. Maria’s ability to remain true to herself and to accept love in all its forms is the ultimate lesson of the novel. Coelho’s themes of faith, religion, culture, and poetry are woven throughout the story, showcasing the beauty of their interconnectedness and the power of their overlap. The story is hopeful and uplifting as Coelho captures the transformative power of love and the strength of remaining true to oneself.
