book review of the alchemist by paulo coelho

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo – review

‘Amidst swindlers, tribe wars and endless sand, Santiago finds his one true love, learns alchemy and the language of his heart, and of course, fights to reach his treasure’

When you really want something, the universe always conspires in your favour.

This is one of the key repeated phrases found in The Alchemist, and as overly inspirational poster–y as it may sound, there might be some truth to it. After all, I really wanted to read something beyond exceptional after trudging through too much un-original dystopian fiction – and the universe gave me The Alchemist!

Quips aside though, Coehlo’s short 163–page book is a singularly inspirational masterpiece. The plot line is that of a simple quest – a Spanish shepherd boy, Santiago, keeps getting the same dream that there is treasure lying underneath the Egyptian pyramids. After meeting an old king who offers him some advice and some magic stones, Santiago embarks on his journey to cross the Mediterranean and the Sahara to find his treasure and accomplish his Personal Legend (a concept equivalent to our purpose in life). Amidst swindlers, tribe wars and endless sand, Santiago finds his one true love, learns alchemy and the language of his heart, and of course, fights to reach his treasure.

But reading this book simply for the plot would be akin to viewing Starry Night as globs of paint – losing at least 70% of the beauty Coehlo truly presents. With a dreamy and pensive writing style, the author weaves into the storyline multiple sage concepts which a philosopher could ponder for years on. Insightful ideas about one’s own destiny, about rising above failure, about the unity of the universe, are all things Coehlo pens into the comparatively simplistic diction of the text. The descriptions are awe–inspiring and the word choice is immaculate, but really it’s the depth of soul behind Coehlo’s words that spin the magic of this novel.

For anyone who reads not only to escape reality but also to understand reality, The Alchemist can offer the best of both worlds. The events of the novel sit just on the borderline of miraculous and the ambience is simply just not that of our humdrum teenage world. However, The Alchemist also supplies insight and inspiration that extends beyond Santiago’s Sahara and into all lives, whether young, old, or teenage. The Alchemist may not be your regular YA fiction book, but it most definitely still deserves a place on your bookshelf!

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THE ALCHEMIST

by Paulo Coelho & translated by Margaret Jull Costa ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1993

Coelho's placebo has racked up impressive sales in Brazil and Europe. Americans should flock to it like gulls.

Coelho is a Brazilian writer with four books to his credit. Following Diary of a Magus (1992—not reviewed) came this book, published in Brazil in 1988: it's an interdenominational, transcendental, inspirational fable—in other words, a bag of wind.

The story is about a youth empowered to follow his dream. Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who learns through a dream of a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. An old man, the king of Salem, the first of various spiritual guides, tells the boy that he has discovered his destiny: "to realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation." So Santiago sells his sheep, sails to Tangier, is tricked out of his money, regains it through hard work, crosses the desert with a caravan, stops at an oasis long enough to fall in love, escapes from warring tribesmen by performing a miracle, reaches the pyramids, and eventually gets both the gold and the girl. Along the way he meets an Englishman who describes the Soul of the World; the desert woman Fatima, who teaches him the Language of the World; and an alchemist who says, "Listen to your heart" A message clings like ivy to every encounter; everyone, but everyone, has to put in their two cents' worth, from the crystal merchant to the camel driver ("concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man"). The absence of characterization and overall blandness suggest authorship by a committee of self-improvement pundits—a far cry from Saint- Exupery's The Little Prince : that flagship of the genre was a genuine charmer because it clearly derived from a quirky, individual sensibility.

Pub Date: July 1, 1993

ISBN: 0-06-250217-4

Page Count: 192

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1993

GENERAL FICTION

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by Paulo Coelho ; illustrated by Christoph Niemann ; translated by Margaret Jull Costa

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by Paulo Coelho ; translated by Zoë Perry

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A LITTLE LIFE

by Hanya Yanagihara ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2015

The phrase “tour de force” could have been invented for this audacious novel.

Four men who meet as college roommates move to New York and spend the next three decades gaining renown in their professions—as an architect, painter, actor and lawyer—and struggling with demons in their intertwined personal lives.

Yanagihara ( The People in the Trees , 2013) takes the still-bold leap of writing about characters who don’t share her background; in addition to being male, JB is African-American, Malcolm has a black father and white mother, Willem is white, and “Jude’s race was undetermined”—deserted at birth, he was raised in a monastery and had an unspeakably traumatic childhood that’s revealed slowly over the course of the book. Two of them are gay, one straight and one bisexual. There isn’t a single significant female character, and for a long novel, there isn’t much plot. There aren’t even many markers of what’s happening in the outside world; Jude moves to a loft in SoHo as a young man, but we don’t see the neighborhood change from gritty artists’ enclave to glitzy tourist destination. What we get instead is an intensely interior look at the friends’ psyches and relationships, and it’s utterly enthralling. The four men think about work and creativity and success and failure; they cook for each other, compete with each other and jostle for each other’s affection. JB bases his entire artistic career on painting portraits of his friends, while Malcolm takes care of them by designing their apartments and houses. When Jude, as an adult, is adopted by his favorite Harvard law professor, his friends join him for Thanksgiving in Cambridge every year. And when Willem becomes a movie star, they all bask in his glow. Eventually, the tone darkens and the story narrows to focus on Jude as the pain of his past cuts deep into his carefully constructed life.

Pub Date: March 10, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-385-53925-8

Page Count: 720

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: Dec. 21, 2014

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2015

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by Hanya Yanagihara

PERSPECTIVES

by Elin Hilderbrand ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2015

Once again, Hilderbrand displays her gift for making us care most about her least likable characters.

Hilderbrand’s latest cautionary tale exposes the toxic—and hilarious—impact of gossip on even the most sophisticated of islands.

Eddie and Grace Pancik are known for their beautiful Nantucket home and grounds, financed with the profits from Eddie’s thriving real estate company (thriving before the crash of 2008, that is). Grace raises pedigreed hens and, with the help of hunky landscape architect Benton Coe, has achieved a lush paradise of fowl-friendly foliage. The Panciks’ teenage girls, Allegra and Hope, suffer invidious comparisons of their looks and sex appeal, although they're identical twins. The Panciks’ friends the Llewellyns (Madeline, a blocked novelist, and her airline-pilot husband, Trevor) invested $50,000, the lion’s share of Madeline’s last advance, in Eddie’s latest development. But Madeline, hard-pressed to come up with catalog copy, much less a new novel, is living in increasingly straightened circumstances, at least by Nantucket standards: she can only afford $2,000 per month on the apartment she rents in desperate hope that “a room of her own” will prime the creative pump. Construction on Eddie’s spec houses has stalled, thanks to the aforementioned crash. Grace, who has been nursing a crush on Benton for some time, gives in and a torrid affair ensues, which she ill-advisedly confides to Madeline after too many glasses of Screaming Eagle. With her agent and publisher dropping dire hints about clawing back her advance and Eddie “temporarily” unable to return the 50K, what’s a writer to do but to appropriate Grace’s adultery as fictional fodder? When Eddie is seen entering her apartment (to ask why she rented from a rival realtor), rumors spread about him and Madeline, and after the rival realtor sneaks a look at Madeline’s rough draft (which New York is hotly anticipating as “the Playboy Channel meets HGTV”), the island threatens to implode with prurient snark. No one is spared, not even Hilderbrand herself, “that other Nantucket novelist,” nor this magazine, “the notoriously cranky Kirkus.”

Pub Date: June 16, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-316-33452-5

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: May 20, 2015

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2015

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Book Review: The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Louisa

In a world filled with countless adventure stories and tales of heroism, romance, and adventure, Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” shines as a beacon of light, shining brightly above the rest, in this timeless adventure novel filled with profound and timeless wisdom.

The Alchemist isn’t just a novel, it’s a spiritual awakening. Paulo Coelho is well known for writing not only incredible stories but also for expressing philosophical wondering and deeply thought-provoking messages.

He is one of the most famous, and greatest, Brazilian authors, and it was The Alchemist that put earned him the acclaimed recognition he receives today.

Selling 300 million copies worldwide since its release in 1993, The Alchemist should be the first book anyone read if you’re not familiar with Paulo Coelho.

And in this honest book review of The Alchemist, you’re about to find out why…

Affiliate Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links.

Book Review of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The alchemist book review.

The Alchemist is an enchanting novel that takes you on a transformative journey that will have you questioning life, our purpose, and our place in the world. Not only that, but the philosophical messages remind us of the power of dreams, the importance of self-discovery, and the remarkable possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zones. In The Alchemist, the reader follows a young boy (who remains nameless throughout) as he chases his dream of finding the lost treasure, after being told where to look by a King he meets in the market. Along the way, the boy learns about free will, the power of Maktub, a term used to describe “what is meant to be”, as well as finds love, resilience, and passion. Accompanied by an Alchemist, the boy learns to bend the powers of the Earth to his will, enabling him to fulfill his purpose and reach his goals. The Alchemist has one important message: never give up, no matter what obstacles you face.

By Louisa Smith

A novel that has you contemplating life, the world, and our purpose within it. Deeply profound, enlightening, and poetic. Truly, The Alchemist is one of the best adventure novels of all time.

What I Liked

Of course, the best thing about The Alchemist is Coelho’s writing style, which effortlessly weaves together simplicity and elegance, creating a mesmerizing narrative that transports you to the mystical realms of your imagination.

The lyrical prose flows like a gentle breeze, enchanting us with its beauty and evoking a sense of wonder with every word.

Of course, The Alchemist is most famous for its philosophy. Despite being less than 200 pages, it’s a book you want to read slowly, taking in each profound thought and idea slowly and taking time to contemplate.

As you navigate your way through the story, you’ll be questioning the meaning of life and the transformative power of love, determination, and passion.

I loved how the boy renamed nameless throughout, allowing you to put yourself in his shoes.

Even though the story is simple, its messages and Coelho’s deep philosophical depth are what make this book a masterpiece.

Coelho skillfully explores the concepts that invite you to question your own beliefs and preconceived notions about the world.

The character development was also excellent, as you follow the young boy in first person, gaining insight from his own perspective. As each philosophical quip is dropped, the reader learns along with the boy, who is receiving a spiritual awakening.

What Could Have Been Better

The Alchemist isn’t a novel that’s enjoyed for the storyline. It delivers a powerful message, but when it comes to the plot, this is somewhat predictable.

Coelho follows a well-trodden path, utilizing common storytelling tropes and archetypes, and there’s no real element of surprise about what comes next in terms of the narrative.

While I liked the character development of the boy, the supporting characters lack depth. Perhaps this is done to keep the attention on the boy and his journey, but there could have been more development from the secondary characters.

Each person the boy meets has an impact on him in some way, but as he moves on through the narrative, they get forgotten about.

The focus of The Alchemist is on the overarching themes and symbolism, which means that the plot and individual growth of the supporting characters get put to the side.

Despite these minor shortcomings, I still feel that The Alchemist remains an extraordinary literary masterpiece and I’m not surprised it has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the globe.

Coelho’s ability to infuse spirituality and philosophy into a captivating story is a testament to his brilliance as a writer.

Related Reading: Quotes from The Alchemist

Similar Works

Of course, Paulo Coelho’s other works are equally as profound and enlightening, especially The Pilgrimage, which is all about his own personal pilgrimage journey.

Another profound book by Paulo Coelho that I thought was similar was Manuscript Found in Accra, which is about a preacher who shares the answers to life’s questions and the rules for sacred human values.

If you’re looking for something that leaves you contemplating life, then I highly recommend you pick up these other two novels by Paulo Coelho.

Related Post: Books Similar to The Alchemist

The Alchemist Trigger Warnings

The Alchemist doesn’t really contain trigger warnings, but there are some scenes that contain the following…

Gender Bias
Aggression and physical assault

The Alchemist has the following themes:

Travel and Self-Discovery
Free Will vs Fate
Pursuit of a dream
Maktub (What is Meant to Be)
Value of the small things
Coming of age

Where to Find It?

You can find The Alchemist at most retail bookstores, or you can find it from one of these links…

View it on:

The Verdict: Would I Recommend The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho?

The Alchemist has a permanent place on my bookshelf and is a book I will reread for years to come. While the plot isn’t anything special, it’s philosophy, symbolism, and profound messaging have changed my way of thinking about the world.

It’s a book that will enlighten you, awaken you, and maybe even light a fire in you, encouraging you to dream big and chase the stars.

I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for something insightful and thought-provoking.

Have Your Say…

Now you know what I think, let us know what you think! Share your thoughts about The Alchemist in the comments.

The Details

Pub Date: April 25th, 1993
ISBN: 978-0061122415
Page Count: 197
Publisher: HarperOne

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About Louisa Smith

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the Founder, Editor, and Head Honcho of Epic Book Society. She was born and raised in the United Kingdom and graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a degree in Journalism. Louisa began her writing career at the age of 7 when her poetry was published in an anthology of poems to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Upon graduating university, she spent several years working as a journalist writing about books before transitioning to become a Primary School Teacher. Louisa loves all genres of books, but her favorites are Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and Young Adult Fiction. Read more Louisa's story here .

The Alchemist, Book Review: Paulo Coelho’s beguiling novel

Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist has beguiling depth and universal themes that will entrance readers of all ages and faiths. This book is a modern classic. Read our full review.

Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

The Alchemist Book Review

The Alchemist ( O Alquimista ) is a novel by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho which was first published in 1988. Originally written in Portuguese, it has become an international bestseller (30 million + copies sold) and translated into some 70 languages.

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”

This novel is a perfect example of the saying ‘good things come in small packages’. The simple little tale conveys a very powerful and inspirational message, and so it is unsurprising it is considered a modern classic.

Alchemy , derived from the Arabic word al-kimia, is both a philosophy and an ancient practice focused on the attempt to change base metals into gold, investigating the preparation of the “elixir of longevity”, and achieving ultimate wisdom, involving the improvement of the alchemist as well as the making of several substances described as possessing unusual properties. ( Wikipedia )

Characters and story outline

The protagonist in this magical fable is a young shepherd of simple means named Santiago. He crosses paths with a King who teaches the young boy the value of reading the signs the world presents us, even in our dreams.

The boy’s subsequent search for hidden treasure takes him across country borders and brings him into contact with both the deceitful and most noble of humanity. He learns the value of persistence and hard work, the value of humility and the value of honour and bravery. Particularly touching is Santiago’s interaction with a crystal merchant who was hesitant to follow his dreams for fear of succeeding. The young boy’s courage in seizing opportunities and overcoming adversity inspired all those he came into contact with.

The Alchemist Book Review, Quote - "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."

Literary themes

Santiago’s search for hidden treasure in The Alchemist is a metaphor for life .

Coelho introduces the concept of one’s Personal Legend, or destiny. Appealingly though, this destiny is not presented as something that will simply fall into one’s lap, but something one needs to strive for.

Too often in this inspirational genre readers are given the impression that if we simply wish for something long enough with the purest of intentions, then that wish will come into being. This novel reminds us that

Anything worth having must be worked for and that one does not gain in life without first risking loss, and
Treasures can come in the form of experiences, rather than material objects.

Through this allegorical fable, Coelho asserts that life is a journey with an infinite series of decision points . And that the world, if one observes it carefully enough, provides all the information needed to choose the right paths in order to fulfil our dreams.

Although a simple and almost childlike story on one level, The Alchemist has a disarming and beguiling depth to it that will entrance readers of all ages. Its themes are universal and can and should be embraced by people of all races, creeds and religions.

At its core, this is a story about doing what is right and noble, and being rewarded for it. The Alchemist is a must-read.

BOOK RATING: The Story 5 / 5 ; The Writing 5 / 5

Get your copy of The Alchemist from:

Bookshop US Amazon Booktopia AU OR listen to the audiobook FREE with Audible’s Trial (check eligibility)

Genre: Literature, Classic, Mystery, Fantasy, Translation

Related Reading: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery / A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle / Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto by Gianni Rodari / The Amber Amulet by Craig Silvey / Tales by Trees Series – The Carpenter

The Alchemist Plot Summary

Source: CourseHero .

About the Author, Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho de Souza (1947 – ) is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist and the recipient of numerous international awards. He is best known for his widely translated novel The Alchemist . He has been a prolific author with more than 24 books published . Check out Paul Coelho ‘s website and connect with him on Twitter and Facebook .

In this interview, Paulo Coelho discusses his thoughts on Luck, Coincidence, and Faith:

Source: HarperOne

More Memorable Quotes from The Alchemist

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

On persistence and commitment:

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

On the value of every of every life:

“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.”

On appreciating the simple things:

“When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.”

Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

published by Bren

Last updated: May 9, 2020

“My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.”

book review of the alchemist by paulo coelho

Opening thoughts

I don’t read a lot of novels. In fact, I NEVER read novels. I think the last novel I read was “Z for Zachariah” when I was 13 years old. It was pretty good too, from what I remember.

So why did I read The Alchemist? To be honest, I was just looking for something different. I’ve been making an effort to read more this year, and I just didn’t have the energy to read another business or lifestyle design book. I’ve always been a huge fan of Will Smith, and when I found out that The Alchemist was his favourite book, I just knew I had to read it.

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It was incredible. The storytelling was beautiful, but more importantly, there were so many lessons that the author shared that would be relevant to anyone’s life. I’m now actively hunting for more books like this – if you know of any, please tell me!

As for this particular book review of The Alchemist, I’m not going to delve deeply into all the lessons he portrays for us. Rather I will tell you what I liked about the book, what I didn’t, and whether it’s a worthy piece to pick up and read yourself.

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author, and after reading up on him, it seems his life shares some parallels with the story in his book. He had always wanted to be a writer, but his parents didn’t allow it. He was put in a mental institution, escaped, became a hippie and travelled the world, and eventually returned and fulfilled his dream of being being an author. He is an advocate of not giving up on your dream, and this message seems to come through in this novel in particular. The Alchemist has now sold over 65 million copies – one of the best selling books in history. How have I not heard of it before?!

The Alchemist Review: What’s it about?

The story is about a young shepherd from the south of Spain who has a recurring dream about a finding a treasure. Believing that finding this treasure is his ‘destiny’ he leaves the comfort of home and travels into the African desert to find it.

There’s not too much I can tell you without spoiling the story, so let me leave you with a few extracts that will hopefully show you the kind of message the author hopes to share:

“I’m the King of Salem,” the old man said.

“Why would a king be talking with a shepherd?” the boy asked, awed and embarrassed.

“For several reasons. But let’s say that the most important is that you have succeeded in discovering your Personal Legend.”

The boy didn’t know what a person’s “Personal Legend” was.

“It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.”

The old man related that, the week before, he had been forced to appear before a miner, and had taken the form of a stone. The miner had abandoned everything to go mining for emeralds. For five years he had been working a certain river, and had examined hundreds of thousands of stones looking for an emerald. The miner was about to give it all up, right at the point when, if he were to examine just one more stone – just one more – he would find his emerald. Since the miner had sacrificed everything to his Personal Legend, the old man decided to become involved. He transformed himself into a stone that rolled up to the miner’s foot. The miner, with all the anger and frustration of his five fruitless years, picked up the stone and threw it aside. But he had thrown it with such force that it broke the stone it fell upon, and there, embedded in the broken stone, was the most beautiful emerald in the world.

“People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being,” said the old man, with a certain bitterness. “Maybe that’s why they give up on it so early, too. But that’s the way it is.”

The boy reminded the old man that he had said something about hidden treasure.

“Treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents,” said the old man. “If you want to learn about your own treasure, you will have to give me one-tenth of your flock.”

“What about one-tenth of my treasure?”

The old man looked disappointed. “If you start out by promising what you don’t even have yet, you’ll lose your desire to work toward getting it.”

The boy told him that he had already promised to give one-tenth of his treasure to the Gypsy.

“Gypsies are experts at getting people to do that,” sighed the old man. “In any case, it’s good that you’ve learned that everything in life has its price.”

The old man returned the book to the boy.

“Tomorrow, at this same time, bring me a tenth of your flock. And I will tell you how to find the hidden treasure. Good afternoon.”

And he vanished around the corner of the plaza.

What I liked

This book left a big impression on me. While reading through the book you can tell that the author is wise, that he has lived a long time, because of the messages he shares through the characters in his story. It’s almost as if, while you’re reading it, you can imagine your grandfather telling it to you as if it’s a tale from his childhood. I always thought that novels were a waste of time because you never learn any “real life” lessons from them, but this book finally proved me wrong.

The story itself is special. Even when I was 8 I never had an imagination quite like the author’s. There were a few times where I seriously couldn’t sleep, reading impatiently in the middle of the night to find out what happened next.

Now you might ask, what is an alchemist? From what I understood, an alchemist is like a magician chemist who can turn any metal into gold. But throughout the story and the search for the alchemist, I felt like this was more a metaphor for life in general. If we follow our own “Personal Legends” we can perform the same magic – turn our ordinary lives into gold, as long as we believe in the journey and don’t give up on what we believe is our destiny. If you’re looking for inspiration, this story brings it in droves.

What I didn’t like

To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing about the book. It can move into religious territory at times, talking quite in depth about God and heaven etc, so depending on your own beliefs this could be a downside. However I think all people will be able to relate to the message of the story regardless of their religion.

Also, it’s worth noting that the book is originally written in Portugese, meaning that what we’re reading is an English translation. I have no doubt this takes away from the book in some regard, as the author’s exact message could be hard to mimic in translation. In fact, there were times when I would think, “I’m sure this part sounds way cooler in Portugese.” But, I probably have no idea what I’m talking about.

You should read this if…

You’re looking for travel inspiration (or inspiration for life in general)
You like feel-good stories
You don’t mind novels that involve mystical, magical things that could never happen in real life. e.g. a shepherd having a conversation with the soul of the universe
You respond well to stories that teach you what you already know in a different way
You enjoy a short read (167 pages)

Bren rates it: 8.5/10

Really hope you guys enjoyed this review of The Alchemist! You can find more reviews and read more about the book here.

Happy reading!

P.S. Did you know you can read unlimited books with a subscription to Kindle Unlimited ? You can also try it completely free for a whole month! Check it out here .

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Glad to hear you found that book very interesting. Same with me, I immediately loved the books entirety many years back and collected some others author by Paulo as well. Presently, I enjoyed listening again and again before going to sleep the audio version read by Jeremy Irons. His way of narration adds up spice to the already sizzling story. you can download it at youtube. Maybe once your at YT, you can get to browse some related topics as well. Enjoy them as you like.

Here’s to us who keep fanning the internal flames that burn within. All our greatest dreams… may it be fulfilled!

I’ll definitely have to read more of his. Yes, how easy it is for us to give up on our dream – books like this inspire us to keep moving 🙂

Same here Bren, I’m not a big fan of Novels, rather prefer self help or inspirational books, indeed The Alchemist is the first Novel that I have red in my entire life, Yeah I was fascinated by its lesson, follow your dreams for it will determine the course of your life.Check Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl almost same concept but in different setting, try check The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari too by Robin Sharma worth reading. Book is one of the bests travel buddy. All the best, Chad

Hi Chad, thanks for the suggestions, I’ll check em out!

This is my FAVORITE book of all time. You said you’re looking for more books like this and really are his books are similar in a way. They are “fables” and I’ve read about 20 of them! I love 11 Minutes so much, but the Pilgrimage isn’t as good in my opinion. The Warrior of light is a bunch of small quotes and I really like them!

Thank you, I will check them out 🙂

Hey Bren, I havent read the alchemist yet (shame on me bad Brazilian girl) but its definitely on my list. If you are looking for a good novel Shantaram is a must! Australian author, a mix of an autobiography and fiction. Its a bit big, but worth every page, the most touching book I have ever read. All the best, Fernanda

Hi Fernanda, you’re not the first person who’s mentioned that book to me. I suppose I better check it out 🙂

Hi Bren! Glad you enjoyed the book! It’s one of my favorites! I make it s point to read it once a year. My first time reading it, I was on a plane to Lima, Peru. I finished it from cover to cover on the flight! You’re right that it is an English translation, but Coelho speaks excellent English! I have no doubt that he tried to get the message across as accurately as possible.

A similar themed book I’d recommend is “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. It lacks the theme of travel, but Millman writes about taking all the advantages life is offering you. There’s no mention of religion and he avoids writing in a way that comes across as “preachy”. His style of writing is not for everyone, but I enjoyed it. Maybe you will too!

Sounds like a great book. I have been doing a lot of reading of late so I will check it out!

That was a kids story, not a novel !

If you please try reading Tuesdays with Morrie. If you did enjoy reading The Alchemist I know that you’ll love this one 🙂

Since you like The Alchemist, I think you will also like The Little Prince. It’s a short book so it’s not a pain to read. You will also learn a lot from that book. Enjoy!

Thanks, I’ll check it out for sure 🙂

Lol , I 100% agree with you Ann , The Alchemist it’s a kids story !! Can believe I read it , so boring!

Following your destiny is quiet difficult but it is the basic purpose of your life. The book was really awesome as the protagonist achieves his destiny, though he loses hope many times and also his luck is not on his side. The old king said to him, ‘When you want to achieve something, whole of the universe conspires with you’, but all he said was not that simple. You have to find out your own meaning from the sentence and follow your destiny, which nature has already set for you. You should not complain for anything because our Allah has created us and knows much better than we do. This is also evident in the story, as every difficulty coming in Santiago’s life, leads him to the right way. You asked for a recommendation I will recommend you ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens.

Yep! Totally agree on “A tale of two cities” . It’s really amazing!!!!!!!But also emotional , really a lot of it… Anyways , a must read for EVERYONE!!!

The Alchemist ! if i try explaining the content, i will surely distort the message the writter wants to convey……must read book.

Hi , I can can see that a lot of people here haven’t read a novel before . Because The Alchemist in my opinion it’s not a good book , it gets so boring after a while, I thought many times to quit it . The author repeats the same thing over and over , there isn’t much plot , it feels like it’s written by a 10 year old for a 10 year old . Very boring, kids story , don’t wast money and time !!!

Plot of this book is taken from Masnawi of Maulana Jalal Ud Deen Rumi.

Yes dear I like the BOOK. The Al CHEMIST tells us about never stop dreaming and Personal Legend. Its loving and having good things to read. After studying, I hope everyone will start liking this beautiful NOVEL.

Hi Bren if you want to read the books then I can give you some recommendations you can read the books of Paulo Coelho I am just13 years old but have read more than5 books of Paulo Coelho because his book is very fascinating and inspiring by those books only I am able to change my life

hi I wanna know what you think about the universal language…… no one mentioned it as I was checking out

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A Complete Book Review

Paulo Coelho, born on August 24, 1947, is a Brazilian author whose works have captivated millions of readers around the world. His writing is deeply rooted in spirituality, philosophy, and self-discovery, making him one of the most influential contemporary authors. Coelho’s most renowned work, “The Alchemist,” is a timeless tale that explores the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and has sold over 65 million copies, making it one of the best-selling books in history.

Coelho’s literary career began in the theatre, but it was with his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago that he experienced a transformative spiritual awakening, inspiring him to pursue his true calling as a writer. His writing style is characterized by simplicity and profound wisdom, conveying complex ideas in accessible language. Beyond “The Alchemist,” Coelho has authored numerous other novels, including “Brida,” “Veronika Decides to Die,” and “The Witch of Portobello,” each exploring themes of destiny, love, and the human spirit.

A recipient of numerous awards and honors, Paulo Coelho continues to inspire readers with his unique blend of storytelling and philosophical insight, encouraging individuals to embrace their own paths and fulfill their personal legends.

Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” stands as a beacon in the literary landscape, beckoning readers to embark on a transformative odyssey. In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into the layers of Coelho’s narrative, unravelling the tapestry of philosophy, spirituality, and self-discovery that makes this timeless work a masterpiece.

Santiago, a shepherd with dreams as expansive as the Andalusian sky, sets forth on a quest to unearth a treasure hidden near the Egyptian pyramids. Beyond a mere physical journey, “The Alchemist” unravels the metaphysical expedition of Santiago as he encounters enigmatic characters, deciphers cryptic omens, and grapples with profound philosophical insights.

Summary of the Alchemist:

In the heart of Andalusia, there lived a young shepherd named Santiago. Restless and curious, he wandered the vast fields, tending to his flock of sheep. One night, he had a recurring dream of finding treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. Convinced that this vision was his personal legend, Santiago decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

As he set out on the dusty roads, Santiago encountered Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who revealed the concept of Personal Legend and introduced him to the Language of the World. The journey, he learned, was not only about reaching a destination but also about understanding the interconnectedness of all things.

On his way, Santiago encountered a beautiful desert oasis where he met Fatima, a woman of the desert. They shared a profound connection, and Santiago learned the true meaning of love and the importance of balancing personal dreams with relationships.

His journey took a crucial turn when he met the enigmatic alchemist who guided him to transform base metals into gold, a metaphor for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through trials and challenges, the alchemist imparted profound wisdom about the Soul of the World and the power of one’s beliefs.

In the Egyptian desert, Santiago faced his ultimate test, turning lead into gold as a demonstration of his spiritual growth. The journey, he discovered, was the treasure itself—a treasure that transcended material wealth.

As Santiago gazed at the pyramids, he realized that the pursuit of his dreams had led him to a profound understanding of himself and the universe. The treasure was not in the destination but in the transformative journey that had shaped his character and soul.

With the wisdom gained, Santiago returned to Andalusia, where he reunited with his flock. He understood that the true alchemy was the ability to turn dreams into reality and that the journey never truly ends as long as one continues to listen to the heart and follow the Language of the World.

Key Themes:

1. Personal Legend: Coelho introduces the notion of a “Personal Legend,” an individual’s unique destiny and purpose. The narrative serves as a guiding light, inspiring readers to introspect and pursue their own dreams, irrespective of societal norms.

2. Spiritual Alchemy: The novel intricately weaves the symbolism of alchemy into Santiago’s journey, mirroring the transformative process of turning base metals into gold. Readers are invited to contemplate their own journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.

3. Omens and Synchronicity: Santiago’s encounters with omens and synchronicities punctuate the narrative, emphasizing the importance of paying heed to the signs the universe presents. Coelho explores the concept of interconnectedness and the role of fate in guiding one’s path.

4. The Language of the World: Central to the narrative is the concept of the “Language of the World,” a universal language that connects all things. Coelho urges readers to attune themselves to this language, fostering a deeper understanding of the mysteries that surround us.

Writing Style:

Coelho’s prose is elegantly simple, yet laden with profound meaning. The rhythmic cadence of his words creates an immersive reading experience, allowing readers to seamlessly connect with the characters and the novel’s overarching themes.

Impact and Reception:

“The Alchemist” has transcended cultural boundaries, captivating a global audience and earning its place as a literary classic. Its enduring impact is evident in its widespread acclaim, with readers expressing gratitude for the inspiration and wisdom gleaned from Santiago’s journey.

In conclusion, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is a magnum opus that beckons readers to venture beyond the ordinary and explore the depths of their own souls. Its exploration of personal legend, spiritual alchemy, and the language of the world invites introspection, making it a timeless companion for those navigating the intricate labyrinth of existence. This comprehensive review merely scratches the surface of the profound tapestry woven by Coelho, leaving readers with an indelible invitation to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho | 4.23 | 2,981,430 ratings and reviews

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Reviews and Recommendations

We've comprehensively compiled reviews of The Alchemist from the world's leading experts.

Tony Robbins Life Coach Recommends this book

Brené Brown There's a great quote in [this book]: When you're on the right path the universe conspires to help you! (Source)

Anthony Robbins Recommends this book

Eric Ripert Speaks of everyone having an ultimate goal in life, but most of us are too afraid to pursue it. The encouragement to fulfill your dreams is very inspirational! (Source)

Daniel Ek It was fascinating to talk to [the author] about how this book came to be such a hit—he never backed down, and he allowed people to read it for free in order to then boost sales—much like how Spotify’s freemium model was perceived in the early days. (Source)

Will Smith One of my favorite books. (Source)

Kamal Ravikant Entrepreneur & Author It really opened my mind up in a way a book hadn’t done at that point in my life. It’s a beautiful, beautiful fable. I think everyone should read that book at some point in their life. (Source)

Aubrey Marcus Recommends this book

Jeremy Boudinet I read The Alchemist at a crucial point in my life last year. It really reframed how I saw my own life. There's a lot to be learned from the Narrator's quest to find his life's treasure - and the role that love, faith, perseverance, kindness, and experience plays in his journey to find it. (Source)

Ryan Shea [Ryan Shea said this is one of his most-recommended books.] (Source)

Marie Denis I see it as a spiritual guide, it helps me see things differently, with hindsight. What I like the most is that it reminds me that sometimes it’s better to listen to your heart rather than people telling you what you should do. And I think it’s really important, especially in this industry. A lot of people have something to say and advice to give, but in the end it’s different for everyone so it’s important to listen to your guts. I listen to it on my phone, the narrators are really awesome in the French version. It relaxes me and it’s my n°1 technique to get to sleep. (Source)

Roxana Bitoleanu [One of the books that had the biggest impact on ] The Alchemist, because we shouldn't look for happiness further than ourselves. (Source)

Ella Botting A lovely story about how the journey is often more important than the reward. Don’t stay in a job you hate just for the big bucks. (Source)

Peter Vu I have learned a lot of lessons that I often use to reflect today. The book is easy to read, which is an important plus for me as I’m quite busy. During my time as CEO of Unstatic, I felt depressed many times, either because the app experienced some downturns and thus affected my company financially, or because everything in my company just went out of control altogether. At that time, I remember the quote from The Alchemist: “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” I know, it’s nothing compared to motivational speeches on TED Talk or... (Source)

Jules Schroeder The Alchemist talks about "omens" or signs that appear in our lives that are meant to signal we are on the right path or to consider going in another direction. I read it on a sailboat in 4 hours in Boston, MA a few years ago. I couldn't put the book down. It gave me a new perspective on how to interact with life. Instead of trying to force things to happen or make things happen, pause, reflect, receive and wait. That everything is already and always in order if you are willing to pay attention and release attachment to your timeline. (Source)

Ng Rong Xin I’ve read this book more than 3 times at different stages of life and in different languages (English and Chinese Mandarin). I love it, it’s remarkable! (Source)

Daylon Soh There were multiple occasions that books I read helped me but what left a deeper impression was when a friend mentioned how a book I recommended changed his life. The book was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and that revelation was special because I realised a single idea has the power to change a person's trajectory. From that book, he started looking out for omens in his life and being more sensitive about the opportunities around him. He is now transitioning from being a corporate employee to an entrepreneur. (Source)

Sarissa Rodriguez-Schwartz The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho because it is essentially a bible of life without having religious implications. (Source)

Stephen Lew "The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is my all time favourite and followed by "Man in Search of Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. The Alchemist speaks of a fable, built on the metaphorical pillars representing life's challenges, particularly on a boy’s narrative of his journey of life. The story is fuelled with lessons of passion, trials of fear and uncertainties, courage, and in many aspects, illustrates the need of driving one’s capacity towards fulfilling their passion and calling. The transformational process of the protagonist brings upon parallel insights to my personal development, sometimes... (Source)

Seth Louey A non-business book that I always read at least once every few years is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s truly helped me to become a better person mentally and spiritually. (Source)

Mehdi Kajbaf I think that every career path begins with an understanding of who you are and what matters to you. In that light I will suggest some self discovery books. And of course some great business books. (Source)

Henry Medine I promote range and diversity. Thus, I recommend readers to expose themselves to as many different topics as possible. I usually have 2-4 books I refer back to at any given time. They range in topics from management, art, spirituality and philosophy. Trying to get the engineering thing going but don't much of a mind for science. (Source)

Mike Benkovich Lastly, honourable mention for The Alchemist. Because sometimes what you're searching for is under your nose the whole time ;) (Source)

Joel Gascoigne Reading The Alchemist the first time was a very liberating experience for me. It helped me to dream big and keep following my gut, and not settle - which is what the story, about a shepherd boy named Santiago, is all about. It's a simple and short book and has stook in my mind ever since I read it. The Alchemist conveys a powerful idea: that the world will help you if you just choose to follow your dream, that often times our upbringing and environment lead us to believe dreams are impossible to realize, and that it won't be a smooth journey and that is fine. (Source)

Ola Olusoga There was a moment where I was on a quest for self-discovery. I felt lost and wasn't sure if I was who I was because I made the decision to be me, or if my identity was programmed by culture, society and setting. Because of that, I started reading self-help books to reconstruct identity and mold who I wanted to be. This book helped me. (Source)

Sonia Satra Paulo Coelho said in his book, The Alchemist, that “It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” https://t.co/7RHif3ZDox (Source)

Harrison Faigen @jeaniezk @AnthonyIrwinLA @LakerFilmRoom I do honestly love that book (Source)

Dhariana Lozano Nyc Social Media Consultant "People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of." – Paulo Coelho I love this quote from the book “The Alchemist”. And I fully believe that at this time, more than ever, the statement above is true. In your hand you hold such such a powerful tool & https://t.co/AkN2Nq60CQ (Source)

Gabby Reece It’s that reminder that as you go out in the world and you’re looking for all these things, sometimes it is within us. (Source)

Big Sean Will help you implement ways of applying successful traits to your life that will take you up. (Source)

Rankings by Category

The Alchemist is ranked in the following categories:

#12 in 12th Grade
#12 in 17-Year-Old
#12 in 18-Year-Old
#12 in Adultery
#14 in Adventure Fantasy
#4 in Adventure Fiction
#13 in Beautiful
#7 in Bestseller
#17 in Collection
#13 in Cool
#12 in Easy Reading
#2 in Egypt
#3 in English
#4 in Enlightenment
#5 in Esoteric
#17 in Existential
#5 in Feel-Good
#7 in Fiction
#9 in Finding Yourself
#11 in Gift
#16 in Good Read
#11 in Goodreads
#5 in Happy
#10 in Hebrew
#9 in Holiday Reading
#18 in How Things Work
#2 in Infinity
#13 in Insightful
#3 in Inspiration
#2 in Inspiring
#11 in Intellectual
#11 in Interesting
#11 in Latin
#3 in Learning English
#4 in Leather
#11 in Leather Bound
#7 in Legend
#8 in Life Changing
#5 in Life Lessons
#19 in Linkedin
#12 in Literary
#12 in Literature
#11 in Magical Fantasy
#2 in Magical Realism
#5 in Meaning Of Life
#3 in Metaphysics
#3 in Modern
#10 in Modern Classic
#3 in Modern Fiction
#4 in Morals
#8 in Motivational
#15 in Must-Read
#2 in Mystical
#1 in Mysticism
#5 in Nepal
#2 in Novel
#7 in Orange
#18 in Paperback
#9 in Perspective
#9 in Philosophy
#14 in Possession
#16 in Poster
#5 in Property
#2 in Quest
#13 in Quotation
#14 in Rated
#7 in Recent
#2 in Roman
#3 in Self Discovery
#18 in Self-Love
#5 in Short
#2 in Spain
#3 in Spanish
#4 in Spirit
#4 in Spiritual
#4 in Spirituality
#2 in Story
#3 in Thought-Provoking
#6 in To-Read
#11 in Trade
#2 in Translated
#16 in Travel
#4 in Vietnamese
#2 in Wanderlust
#11 in Wisdom
#15 in World

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The Alchemist Summary

1-Sentence-Summary: The Alchemist follows Andalusian shepherd boy Santiago as he chases his recurring dream of treasure near the Egyptian pyramids, on the way to which he meets mentors, falls in love, and, most importantly, discovers the meaning of life.

Favorite quote from the author:

Table of Contents

Video Summary

Free audio & pdf summary, the alchemist review, who would i recommend the alchemist summary to.

It only took Paulo Coelho two weeks to write the original Portuguese version of The Alchemist in 1987. He could write that fast because, as he put it, the book was “already written in my soul.” And although it didn’t sell well at first, the universe conspired to make Coelho’s dream happen and the book became a hit.

Today, it’s sold over 65 million copies. The book also holds the Guinness World Record for the most translated book by a living author. It’s also our first ever summary of a fiction book. Why? Well, Gregory Cowles was right. H e wrote in the New York Times that the book “is more self-help than literature. But that hasn’t hurt it with readers.”

This book truly is full of lessons that will improve your life. We know because that’s what it’s done for us.

Here are just 3 of the many eye-opening lessons from The Alchemist :

You have a Personal Legend that you must follow if you want to be happy and fulfilled.
Your fear is holding you back more than anything else.
“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

Let’s jump right into this wonderful book and see how much we can learn!

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Lesson 1: If you want to reach your biggest goals and feel fulfilled, you must follow your Personal Legend.

The story begins with a young Spanish shepherd having a recurring dream. It happens each time he sleeps under a Sycamore tree outside of an old church building. In the dream, the boy hears from a child that he must go to the Egyptian pyramids to seek a treasure.

After meeting with a gypsy woman to find out what the dream means, the boy is surprised when she says he needs to go to Egypt.

To make matters even stranger, an old man named Melchizedek tells the boy the same thing. This time, however, the man uses the word “Personal Legend” to explain what the young man must do.

After some deliberation, the boy decides to follow his Personal Legend and head for the pyramids. He sells his sheep and begins his journey by going to Tangier.

Throughout the remainder of the book, he is constantly running into obstacles to his Personal Legend. But at each step overcomes them to find success and fulfillment.

You have a Personal Legend too. It’s as unique as you are. You may already know what it is and simply need the courage to pursue it. Whether it’s a career, family, health, or other aspiration, you must overcome everything holding you back so that you can pursue your biggest dreams.

Once you begin, the whole universe will conspire to make it happen. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be without difficulties.

Lesson 2: Stop being afraid if you want to remove the barriers that keep you from progressing.

The boy soon arrives in Tangier. The culture and the language, which he cannot speak, amaze him. This leads to someone stealing all his money. Even worse, he fears he’s made the wrong decision and almost heads back for Spain.

But remembering what Melchizedek taught him, the young man pays attention to the omens all around him. He recommits to his Personal Legend and begins working for a local crystal merchant.

The merchant recognizes the boy’s presence as a good omen and listens to his counsel that the man should take more risks with the business. This pays off and the two eventually become rich.

The merchant knows what his Personal Legened is and recognizes that the boy’s presence is an omen that he should go after it. But he’s too afraid to follow it and stays where he is.

In contrast, the young man uses his money to courageously continue on his journey to Egypt.

You also must your dreams, even when you’re afraid of the unknown path ahead. Fear is the biggest thing in the way of you living the life you want and only by beating it can you live life to the fullest.

Lesson 3: Rise more times than you fall and you will never fail.

As the young man’s journey continues, he meets an Englishman who tells him of an alchemist that can turn lead into gold. Eventually, the two stop in Al-Fayoum as part of the caravan they travel with.

While there, the boy uses his newfound ability to read omens to foresee an attack on the oasis. This catches the attention of the alchemist. The two eventually meet and he becomes a mentor to the young man. The alchemist also declares the importance of Personal Legends.

With what he learns from the alchemist, the boy turns himself into the wind when a tribe of Arab soldiers captures them and threatens to kill them. The alchemist continues to teach the boy, but eventually they must part ways before the young man reaches Egypt.

When he gets to Egypt he begins digging for his treasure only to be immediately beaten and robbed again. One of the men tells him of his own dream in which he would find treasure under a tree in an abandoned church in Spain.

The boy recognizes this omen and now knows where his treasure really is. He returns to Spain to find it in the exact spot he had his first dream and uses it to continue to fulfill his Personal Legend.

Just like this young man, you will fall while on your journey. But if you commit to get up every time and keep going , the universe will once again conspire to lead you to just where you need to be.

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The Alchemist is a classic and one of my favorite books. It’s deep, thought-provoking, a great story, and shares some of the best principles I know for living a happier and more successful life. Truly a must-read I would recommend to anyone!

The 37-year-old who wants to be a writer but feels stuck in their office job, the 17-year-old who wants to live a life of fulfillment, and anyone who’s tired of living small.

Last Updated on March 15, 2024

Luke Rowley

With over 450 summaries that he contributed to Four Minute Books, first as a part-time writer, then as our full-time Managing Editor until late 2021, Luke is our second-most prolific writer. He's also a professional, licensed engineer, working in the solar industry. Next to his day job, he also runs Goal Engineering, a website dedicated to achieving your goals with a unique, 4-4-4 system. Luke is also a husband, father, 75 Hard finisher, and lover of the outdoors. He lives in Utah with his wife and 3 kids.

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Should you Read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho?

The alchemist by paulo coelho – review.

By: Preston Simmons | Written: 22 July 2021

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of the most read books in the history of literature. To date, it has been sold over 65 million times. Yet, reception for this book is split. Around 50% of readers consider the book a masterpiece and one of the most important books they have ever read in their lives. On the other hand, the other 50% think the book is utter garbage and pure nonsense. For a book that is only 182 pages, it sure has generated a lot of debate.

So, where do I land on this scale of masterpiece vs. pure nonsense? Well, I’m sort of in the middle. It’s definitely not pure nonsense, but I can see where the people who do think so are coming from. And to me, it wasn’t a masterpiece, but I definitely can see how and why it would be called one.

I would describe it as an incredible book for the dreamer but an especially flawed book for the realist. It’s an incredible book because, for such a short story, the message that it portrays is a simple yet powerful one; follow your dreams. However, as a realist, the way that the message is given to the reader is so in your face and so unbelievable that you can’t help but lose respect for it.

And unfortunately, I’m more of a realist.

That said, I enjoyed the book. I especially loved the audiobook version, narrated by Jeremy Irons. He did an incredible job of bringing to life the small cast of characters. But that is what to expect from a world-class actor, such as him. In the end, I recommend everyone of all ages read this book because the only opinion that matters is your own.

The Simple Story of The ALchemist

The beauty of the Alchemist comes from its simplicity. Its length is short, the cast is small, and the message is simple.

The book follows a young shepherd named Santiago. A recurring dream involving a child guiding him to buried treasure by the pyramids in Egypt will set him on the journey of his life. Along the way, he will meet many people that will help guide him towards his personal legend. He will learn the language and soul of the world, but most importantly, he will discover that the most important treasure of all can be found within.

From a purely narrative perspective, the book was good, though it wasn’t anything spectacular. I’ve said it a lot in this review already, but the story is straightforward. He goes on a journey to find treasure, meets people along the way, and learns a lot about the world and himself. That’s basically the extent of the plot.

Even though the plot is straightforward, that doesn’t mean it is badly written. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Nearly every sentence of the book is meaningful and adds to Santiago’s overall growth. Nothing feels wasted or like filler. Instead, it feels like there is something to learn in every interaction or parable conveyed to him.

Interestingly enough, the book could technically be considered progression fantasy . It follows the archetype perfectly. Like most progression fantasy books, it follows the path of “the hero’s journey.” Instead of a journey for physical power, the journey for Santiago is one of enlightenment.

“When you want something, All the Universe Conspires in helping You to Achieve it” – Paulo Coelho

…And other quotes you can find on a Hallmark card. The truth is, for me, a lot of the messages fell utterly flat and felt disconnected from reality (almost to a dangerous degree). The most in-your-face message of The Alchemist , mentioned on every other page, is to “follow your personal legend.” In other words, follow your dreams. Every other path you might take is the wrong one if it is not the dream your soul has given you from birth. At least, that’s according to the angel-like entity known as the Salem King that sets Santiago on his journey in the first place.

You may ask yourself, is it truly wise to drop everything and follow your dream? According to the book, “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” If you want it bad enough, it is worth it in the end because the universe will do everything in its power to make it work for you. In a perfect world, that may be true. In reality, unfortunately for most, it’s not.

On its own, it’s a great message. It’s the message that many people give to kids to set them on their path for life. “Follow your dream,” or “do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life!” These are all great, surface-level messages. The sad reality is most people don’t have that opportunity, no matter how much they may want it.

The Crystal Merchant in The Alchemist

The Crystal Merchant is an example of a character in the book representing those who want something badly but give up on their dream. In his case, taking the pilgrimage to Mecca. The book portrays him as a sad individual on the verge of giving up until he meets Santiago. What is unfortunate, even though the Crystal Merchant eventually finds success with the boy’s help, he is still ultimately portrayed as unhappy because he doesn’t follow his dream. He earns a living, but he is still portrayed as a failure.

What is the message the reader is supposed to take away from the story of the crystal merchant? Doing what you have to do to survive means nothing if it wasn’t in pursuit of your dream? That is not fair to those who have no choice in the matter. They shouldn’t be portrayed as lesser than just because they can’t pursue their dream.

It’s a pretentious and privileged way of thinking that I wish represented reality. But it doesn’t. Coelho wrote this book in 1988. Back then, it’s possible that there was more opportunity to follow dreams. But 33 years later, in 2021, opportunities for following dreams seem so far away. With the current job market, the pandemic, a massive increase in the housing market prices, climate change, political unrest, racism, and prevalent inequality among genders (among other things), the perfect world that Paulo Coelho insists exists in life feels false. It’s a beautiful dream that is just that…a dream. The present-day feels bleak, and the future seems hopeless. When can one follow their dream if we are all too busy trying to survive?

All of that said…

I didn’t hate the book. It might sound like I do because of the last paragraph, but I don’t. In fact, in a strange way, I loved it. The book represents a reality that I wish actually existed. A reality where hopes, dreams, and love is all a person needs to survive in life. It’s a place where magic and spirituality coexist in tandem. It’s fantasy in its purest form. For that reason, I appreciate what Paulo Coelho wrote. In fact, because the book is so short and took me only 4 hours to read, I recommend everyone to read it. Maybe, if enough people read the book, the world of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho could become a reality. A reality where hopes, dreams, and love are something that everyone can have.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Literary Theory and Criticism

Home › Literature › Analysis of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

Analysis of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on October 8, 2022

The most popular novel of the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho (1947– ), The Alchemist combines philosophical ideas and words of wisdom about ambition, perseverance, and success. Since its publication in 1988, the novel has has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, won 115 international prizes and awards, has been translated into 80 languages, and is still on the New York Times bestseller list today.

The Alchemist narrates the story of a shepherd boy called Santiago who travels with his flock, looking for the best pastures for his sheep in the Andalusian countryside. The conflict arises early in the novel’s plot when Santiago chooses to seek an interpretation of a recent dream and is advised to travel to the pyramids in Egypt and look for a hidden treasure. The novel narrates the mystical experiences of Santiago as he travels from Spain, through the Egyptian desert and on to the great pyramids, seeking the fulfillment of his dream.

Coelho’s novel is almost mythical in structure, with a linear plot and single story line recounted in simple language. The tightly written narrative is not embellished by elaborate characterization, explanations, or historical details, and any detail irrelevant to the main plot is conspicuously absent. The entire emphasis of the novel remains on eternally valid truths, which Coelho attempts to convey through the story. The symbolic elements in the narrative, the universal quality of the protagonist’s experiences, and the message the novel suggests to the reader account for much of T he Alchemist ’s popularity.

The Alchemist underlines an idea or wish that human beings strongly want to believe: If one sincerely desires something, the whole universe conspires to fulfill that dream. Coelho conveys, through the novel, that this sentiment is a lie and that at some point in life people lose the ability to control their lives and become the playthings of fate. He suggests that by listening to one’s heart and by heeding omens and signs, one can control destiny. The strong undercurrent of optimism, which runs through the narrative, is the novel’s greatest charm.

It is notable that in the tale Santiago’s chance encounters with people bring him closer to his aim and motivate him to continue his quest despite his complacence at times. His meeting with the Gypsy fortune- teller in the beginning is followed immediately by a meeting with the old king of Salem, Melchizedek, who is aware of Santiago’s past and future and urges the boy to pursue his vision. An unfortunate experience with a thief in Tangier disheartens the searcher for a time, but his memories of the words of the king guide him to the right course of action. The crystal merchant for whom Santiago works for almost a year prefers to dream of going on a pilgrimage instead of embarking on a journey to Mecca in real life. The crystal merchant’s fear of failure shakes Santiago into resolving to follow his dream.

Santiago later meets an Englishman who harbors the hope of meeting the mysterious alchemist, an Arab who lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis and possesses exceptional powers. Santiago joins the caravan with the En glishman to travel to Egypt, and it is during this journey that the shepherd boy comes to know about the soul of the world, the language of the heart, and the intricacies of the science of alchemy. The shepherd boy’s budding love for an Arabian girl, Fatima, whom he meets during his voyage through the desert, tempts him into giving up his quest for the treasure, but aptly enough Fatima plays the role of a soul mate and coaxes Santiago to continue his difficult expedition. Toward the end of the novel, Santiago’s meeting with the alchemist in the desert helps the young seeker to discover his inner strengths and brings him closer to realizing his destiny.

Omens, signs, dreams, and visions pervade the narrative and act like refrains in this song of the desert. It is only by taking note of these subtle revelations of his subconscious mind that Santiago rises to the alchemist’s expectations and bravely faces all the trials that await him. In The Alchemist, Coelho suggests through Santiago’s tale that it is only by finding and following one’s “personal myth” that one can hope to achieve success, contentment, and happiness. Those who do not have the courage to pursue their deepest desires end up living an empty and doomed life plagued by dissatisfaction and frustration.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Arias, Juan. Paulo Coelho: The Confessions of a Pilgrim. London: HarperCollins, 1999. Coelho, Paulo. Like the Flowing River: Thoughts and Reflections. London: HarperCollins, 2006.

Exploring the Inspiring Story of “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

“The Alchemist” is a bestselling novel by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, first published in 1988. The book has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 languages. It tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to find a treasure he has dreamed about, encountering a series of obstacles and meeting various characters along the way.

Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1947. He worked as a journalist, playwright, and songwriter before becoming a full-time author. Coelho’s writing is deeply influenced by his own spiritual journey and his interest in mysticism and esotericism. In addition to “The Alchemist,” he has written several other bestselling books, including “Brida,” “Veronika Decides to Die,” and “The Valkyries.”

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary of “The Alchemist,” including its plot, themes, and motifs. Additionally, the article will offer analysis and interpretation of the book, exploring its symbolism and allegory. Finally, the article will discuss the lessons and takeaways that readers can glean from the book, as well as provide personal reflections and recommendations for those who have not yet read it.

“The alchemist” book review summary

Themes and motifs of “the alchemist” book, analysis and interpretation “the alchemist” by paulo coelho, lessons learned and takeaways.

Setting and Main Characters “The Alchemist” is set in Spain and North Africa in the late 19th century. The main character, Santiago, is an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of finding a treasure hidden near the Pyramids of Egypt.

Overview of the Plot Santiago embarks on a journey to find the treasure, leaving behind his comfortable life as a shepherd. Along the way, he meets a series of characters who help him on his journey, including a gypsy woman, a mysterious alchemist, and a woman named Fatima, whom he falls in love with.

Key Events and Turning Points:

Santiago has a recurring dream of a treasure hidden near the Pyramids of Egypt.
Santiago meets a gypsy woman who interprets his dream and tells him to pursue his personal legend.
Santiago sells his sheep and embarks on a journey to find the treasure.
Santiago encounters various obstacles, including thieves and a hostile tribal chieftain.
Santiago meets the alchemist, who teaches him the principles of alchemy and helps him find the treasure.
Santiago learns the importance of listening to his heart and following his personal legend.
Santiago returns to Spain and discovers that the treasure was buried under a tree in his hometown all along.

Overall, “The Alchemist” is a story about self-discovery and following one’s dreams, as well as the transformative power of taking risks and embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

The Motif of Alchemy and Transformation. Alchemy is a recurring motif in “The Alchemist,” representing the transformative power of personal growth and self-discovery. The alchemist that Santiago meets on his journey teaches him the principles of alchemy, which he applies to his own life as he pursues his personal legend. The process of turning lead into gold is symbolic of the process of personal transformation, and Santiago’s journey is a testament to the power of self-improvement and spiritual growth.

Other Major Themes, such as the Importance of Following One’s Heart and the Power of the Universe. In addition to personal legends and alchemy, “The Alchemist” explores other major themes, such as the importance of following one’s heart and the power of the universe. Santiago learns to listen to his heart and trust his intuition, even when it leads him on an uncertain path. He also comes to understand that the universe has a way of conspiring to help people achieve their dreams, as long as they are committed to their personal legends. These themes highlight the importance of taking risks, following one’s dreams, and embracing the mysteries of life.

Symbolism and Allegory in “The Alchemist”. “The Alchemist” is rich with symbolism and allegory, which can be interpreted in many ways. For example, the treasure that Santiago seeks can be seen as a metaphor for his personal legend, while the desert and other obstacles he faces represent the challenges he must overcome on his journey. Similarly, the alchemist can be interpreted as a mentor figure who helps Santiago unlock his inner potential and achieve his goals.
Philosophical and Spiritual Themes. “The Alchemist” is a deeply philosophical and spiritual book, exploring themes such as destiny, free will, and the nature of the universe. Coelho’s writing encourages readers to contemplate their own beliefs and values, and to consider the ways in which they can create meaning and purpose in their own lives. The book also incorporates elements of mysticism and spirituality, drawing on traditions such as Sufism and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad.
Critical Reception of the Book. “The Alchemist” has been widely praised for its inspiring message and engaging storytelling. It has sold over 65 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 80 languages. Some critics, however, have criticized the book for its simplistic writing style and lack of depth in its characterizations. Nevertheless, it continues to be a beloved classic among readers around the world, inspiring many to pursue their own personal legends and embrace the mysteries of life.

Pursue your personal legend and stay committed to your goals.
Embrace the unknown and have faith in the universe.
Trust your intuition and follow your heart, even when it leads you on an uncertain path.
Embrace change and be open to new experiences.
Remember that every experience, even setbacks and failures, can teach us valuable lessons.

“The Alchemist” has had a profound impact on many readers, inspiring them to make significant changes in their lives and pursue their dreams. Some readers have reported quitting their jobs, traveling the world, or starting their own businesses after reading the book. Others have found comfort and inspiration in the book’s message during difficult times in their lives.

“The Alchemist” is full of memorable quotes and passages that have become famous in their own right. Some of the most inspirational include:

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

In conclusion, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is a timeless and inspiring book that has captivated readers around the world with its message of following one’s dreams and embracing the mysteries of life. Through its allegorical story and philosophical themes, the book encourages readers to contemplate their own beliefs and values, and to pursue their own personal legends. “The Alchemist” has had a profound impact on many readers, inspiring them to make significant changes in their lives and pursue their dreams. The book’s powerful lessons and inspiring quotes continue to resonate with readers, making it a beloved classic that will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.

What is "The Alchemist" about?

"The Alchemist" is a novel by Paulo Coelho that tells the story of a shepherd boy named Santiago who embarks on a journey to follow his personal legend and fulfill his dreams.

What are some of the key themes in "The Alchemist"?

Some of the major themes in "The Alchemist" include the pursuit of personal legends, the power of the universe, and the importance of listening to one's heart and intuition.

What is the significance of alchemy in the book?

In "The Alchemist," alchemy is used as a metaphor for the process of transformation and self-discovery. Through Santiago's journey, readers see how the alchemical process can lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Has "The Alchemist" received critical acclaim?

Yes, "The Alchemist" has been widely praised for its inspirational message and storytelling. It has sold over 65 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 80 languages.

What are some of the most memorable quotes from "The Alchemist"?

Some of the most famous quotes from "The Alchemist" include "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it," "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting," and "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."

Hi, I’m William Jones, the administrator of the exciting website explainedthis.com, which offers movie, music, and book reviews. With a deep passion for entertainment, I created this platform to provide a trusted source of information for fellow enthusiasts who want to stay up-to-date on the latest releases and trends.

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19th January 2019

Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist {Book Review}

People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of. Paulo Coelho!

What is up sweet potato face!

Today, I am going to write about MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE BOOK: Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.

This book was given to me by one of the smartest people I know: My Mom.

When I was 17 years old, my mom bought me the audio CD (F*CK I’M OLD) of The Alchemist. I listened to them at least a hundred times.

I do not say this lightly, but this gem has truly changed my life. This book motivated me more than any other book I have read to head out into the world and start my own global investigation of deconstructing happiness.

Book Summary

The book’s protagonist, Santiago, is a shepherd from Andalucía. He loves his sheep, but he cannot help but notice the limited nature of the flock’s existence.

Only watching down at the grass, eating, drinking water. Santiago notices that the sheep never lift their heads to marvel at the beauty of the green hills or the sunsets.

Santiago’s parents have struggled with the basics of life and have put aside their own dreams, visions, and ambitions accordingly.

Santiago is different. He can read, and he wants to travel. One day he goes into a village to sell some of his sheep, there he encounters a gipsy woman. Santiago tells the gipsy women about his dream.

She urges him to “follow the signs” and leave his “old world” behind. She then points towards the pyramids of Egypt and tells him he will find his treasure there.

Santiago believes her. Santiago then, at a point of despair, meets Melchizedek, who claims to be the king of Salem. He echoes the gipsy’s advice that it is Santiago’s purpose to journey to the pyramids.

He sold all his sheep and sets sail for Tangier. In Tangier, a thief robs Santiago of all his belongings and savings. Weirdly, Santiago is not devasted; he feels that he is on the right path. Things have been set into motion, and going back is not an option.

After being robbed, Santiago starts to work with a local crystal merchant. After learning invaluable lessons from the merchant, Santiago cashes in all his earnings to pursue his personal legend: to find the treasure at the feet of the pyramids.

He joins a caravan crossing the Sahara desert toward Egypt. There, he meets an Englishman who is studying alchemy and who is looking for an Alchemist at an oasis.

He learns that the secret of alchemy is written on a stone called the “Emerald Tablet”. The ultimate goal for the alchemist is the creating of the Philosophers Stone. It can turn things to gold and produce a liquid that can cure all ills and make people almost immortal.

Santiago joins the Englishman who is travelling to an oasis of Al-Fayoum. He learns that there resides a powerful 200 – year old Alchemist.

Because of violent tribal wars, the caravan is forced to stop at the oasis for an extended period of time.

In the oasis, Santiago falls in love with Fatima, who lives in the oasis.

On a random walk through the oasis, Santiago has a vision that the oasis is going to be attacked by other tribes. He warns the tribal chieftains of the attack, and as a result, Al-Fayoum can defend itself against the assault.

The alchemist hears about Santiago’s vision and invites him on a trip into the desert. There the alchemist teaches Santiago about the importance of listening to the signs of the universe, and to pursue one owns legend.

The alchemist then convinces Santiago to leave Fatima behind so he can finish his journey to the pyramids.

The alchemist also offers to accompany Santiago on the next part of his trip and teach him.

On their trip to the pyramids, the caravan gets captured by a tribe of Arab soldiers. In exchange for their, his life, and the life of Santiago, the alchemist hands over all of his belongings and tells the soldiers that Santiago is a powerful alchemist who will turn into wind within three days.

Santiago freaks out, after all, he has no clue how to turn into the wind.

After meditating for three days, Santiago communicates with the wind and the sun to get help from them. They help him to create a powerful sandstorm. He then prays to “the hand that wrote it all”, and the height of the storm disappears. Because of this feat, the tribesman let the alchemist and Santiago go free.

The alchemist continues to travel with Santiago. In a Coptic monastery, the alchemist demonstrates that it is possible to turn things into gold.

He gives Santiago this gold and sends him to the pyramids alone. In front of the pyramids, Santiago starts digging. There, two men find him and start beating him.

Santiago opens up about his dream vision; they then decide that he is a hopeless fool who by no chance can have any money.

Before leaving, one of the hoodlums tries to illustrate the stupidity of dreams by telling Santiago his own dream. The dream of the hoodlum is about a treasure buried in an abandoned church in Spain, where a sycamore tree grows. The church is the same one where Santiago had his dream.

After hearing this, Santiago returns to Spain, to find a chest of gold and jewels and artefacts. After finding his treasure, he decides to go back to Al-Fayoum where he will reunite with Fatima, his beloved who will await him.

Who Is Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho grew up in a middle-class family in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become an engineer, but after stating his wish to be a writer, Coelho was put in and out of mental institutions for three years. He became a hippie traveller, joined a cult in Italy for a while, and was held and tortured by the Brazilian police after a stint writing ‘subversive’ lyrics for a rock band.

Coelho is one of the world’s best-selling authors. The Alchemist , which was inspired by a tale in The Thousand and One Nights , has sold 20 million copies (his first publisher dropped it after selling fewer than 1,000 copies, but Coelho managed to find another one).

He is a Catholic and has a particular interest in pilgrim routes. Santiago de Compostela in Spain provides the setting for both The Pilgrimage and Diary of a Magus . Other books include The Valkyries: An Encounter with Angels , By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wep t, and Veronica Decides to Die . He lives with his wife Christina, a painter, in Rio de Janeiro. ( 1 )

3 Lessons I Learned From The Alchemist

Having a dream is a must.

One of the most important concepts from The Alchemist is the necessity of having a dream or a future that is compelling enough that it justifies your suffering.

Santiago, on his journey, very often encounters hardship and crisis. He can continue to put one foot in front of the other because he outlined a personal blueprint of what his perfect life would be.

Finding his treasure outweighs the suffering and discomfort that undertaking such a daring adventure brings with it.

I believe we all need a “why” that is so compelling that it motivates us to do the hard things.

Every morning, every human being in the world is confronted with the decision: Do I get up today?

One commonality among extremely unhappy people is their lack of meaning and their inexistence of a compelling future.

I think we all agree that life is also suffering. Every morning we are confronted with an evaluation.

Does the pleasure and fulfilment of my existence outweigh my suffering and discomfort?

I firmly believe that to withstand life’s difficulty, we MUST have a dream. We must have a WHY.

He who has a why to live for can bear almost anyhow.” Friedrich Nietzsche

Dreams, in consequence, are not something for only children or aspiring singers, athletes or artists. Dreams are necessary for survival.

Jordan Peterson, lately one of my most favourite eccentric psychologists, does a great job at emphasising how important it is to have a personal concept for hell and heaven.

Exercise Time!

Grab a piece of paper.

The goal of this exercise is that you outline heaven and hell for yourself on paper.

Ask yourself, what would be your equivalent of Santiago’s treasure? What would your perfect life look like?

Then ask yourself the counter questions. What does your personal hell look like? What would be your personal rock bottom?

After outlining those constructs, evaluates your current behaviours/decisions/people in your life. Which one of them is moving you towards your version of heaven, which one of them is moving you towards hell?

Setbacks Are Learning Experiences

Life suck’s sometimes. A big difference between people who are happy and unhappy, in my opinion, is their ability to reorganise setbacks.

Failure does not exist. One thing I learned from The Alchemist is that setbacks all have their own lessons.

Life is, whether we like it or not, always teaching us something.

The Alchemist was one of the books that helped me to see my own struggle, for example, with mental health and depression, not as a curse but as a resource. If you are overcoming something, you can teach others how to overcome it as well. Teaching people on “how NOT to do things”, is equally as powerful as giving someone a perfect how-to-do list.

So, the next time you are going through some tough shit, instead of saying that you are having a breakdown, why not say instead that you are having a breakthrough?

Become The Hero Of Your Own Story

One of my favourite mantras of the book is the idea of following your own destiny. We are all authors, writing our own story, each and every day.

Weirdly, we rarely take control of the narrative of our own life’s journey. At a certain point, we have to stop compromising and radically answer for ourselves who we want to be and how we want to live .

So whatever you are doing right now: stop, and put on your camera or take a look in the next mirror and ask yourself; Am I living the life I want to live?

Take a brutally honest look in the mirror and ask yourself, where am I short-selling my own potential? Where am I deceiving myself? Can I give more? Where am I making my life worse than it has to be? Am I living my best life?

We all constantly have the power the leave a chapter of our lives behind, and start writing a new one. Limitless creativity.

Years ago, when I was working in a psychiatric facility, I worked with a fascinating guy who was struggling with alcoholism.

I met him when he was in recovery, so he was already on his way back to functionality and health. I asked him what helped him to overcome his crippling addiction.

He told me that one day he was asked in his church by a young priest if he believes that he was sent to this earth to live his life as an addict.

This shook him to the core because it revealed to him that he was living a life less of what he was capable of living. It became obvious to him that he alone was the pain of his existence.

I believe we all have great things waiting for us as soon as we start pursuing our dreams, the very damn title of our life’s book changes.

So for the future, always ask yourself when doing things: Is this action moving me towards my personal hell or my personal heaven?

Thank you for reading.

Now go and kick ass.

https://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/news/book-review-the-alchemist-by-paulo-coelho/a476605
The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho

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The book that made me re-evaluate life: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Welcome back to The Editor Series! The women behind She Reads are truly inspired by books and every now and then, we come across one that really changes us, makes us feel something or leads us down a new path in life.

In this new addition to the series, our She Reads Editor Allyson talks about the magical and insightful The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho .

You know that popular ice breaker question – “If you were stranded on an island what book would you bring?” Hands down I would bring The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. An international bestseller with over 80 million copies sold worldwide, there’s no doubt that to this day, Coelho is still making a worldwide impact on people’s lives. Curiosity struck me at the right moment a few months ago when I stumbled upon the 25th-anniversary edition of this book at my local Barnes & Noble; I’m forever grateful that it did. The Alchemist truly is one of those books that will stick with me forever and here’s why.

This book is simple, yet so profound. The Alchemist is a beautiful tale about discovering one’s destiny and never losing faith. The main character is a shepherd named Santiago who sets out to discover his personal legend by embarking on a journey to find an unknown treasure that has been showing up in a reoccurring dream. Every encounter that Santiago makes during his journey serves as a pivotal moment in helping him achieve his personal legend. Ultimately, by listening to his heart and letting his intuition guide him, he discovers much more than just treasure.

Let’s start out with me saying that The Alchemist is arguably one of the most (if not the most) quotable books ever! I’m a big believer in fate and manifestation. My favorite line from the book that gave me all the feels was “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

I love this book because of the infinite amount of life lessons that fill its pages. I’ve even journaled all of the inspirational lines which resonated to me. It’s one of those books I felt no regret after reading because it was time well spent. The Alchemist reinforced this desire in me to never be afraid to think big. Santiago’s journey never came without its challenges, but he never gave up. In a way, we are all like Santiago, on our own journey of self-discovery. If there’s any book that will inspire you to drop everything, dive head first into your fears, and take chances it’s this one. The Alchemist is a quick, enjoyable read and is filled with profound meanings. It’s given me a new perspective on my life’s purpose. If you’re into self-help books or consider yourself to be a spiritual person, I urge you to read The Alchemist. And who knows, maybe giving The Alchemist a read while stranded on an island will help inspire ways to get off the island. So if you were stranded on an island what life-changing book would you bring?

Recommend These Reads:

About the author: allyson gerrard.

Review: Jia Tolentino’s “Trick Mirror”

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I would have to say that A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is my life changing book.

Nicely done—I enjoyed this very much, Allyson.

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Book Of The Month: A Timeless Quest For Meaning: The Alchemist

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There are many self-help books, autobiographies, and both fictional and non-fictional works that tackle the paramount importance of pursuing one's dreams. The Alchemist , by international bestseller, Paulo Coelho, is treasured as one of the most simply-written and imaginatively-inspired selections among them.

Written as a fable, this allegorical narrative follows the “Personal Legend” of one humble boy and his individual quest for purpose, courage, and destiny. Along the way, he meets characters that change, challenge, deter, and fulfill him- just as we all do in life. The Alchemist is an inspirational story of magic and wisdom, and a quintessential spotlight on coming to terms with each of our own personal deepest dreams, apprehensions, and aspirations.

““Why do we have to listen to our hearts?” the boy asked.

”Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure.”

— THE ALCHEMIST

The Alchemist

Originally Published: 1988

Pages : 167

Available on: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook

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The Alchemist follows a young Andulasian shepherd named Santiago who, haunted by dreams of a faraway treasure in the Egyptian desert, leaves behind his home and flock to pursue the faintest whisper of destiny. He feels deeply called to follow, no matter the consequences or the risk.

In a mystical trek across the Arab desert, he encounters creative characters who shape and define his “Personal Legend”: a woman who becomes his great love, Arab caravans, and of course, an alchemist (one who can transform ordinary materials or metals into gold). Because the act of alchemy defies reason, it requires belief in something greater at work in the universe and a level of faith and hope that Santiago struggles to adopt.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of dreams because every second of the search is a second encounter with God and with eternity.”

As Santiago treks through the Arab desert with the alchemist, this mysterious mentor challenges the young shepherd to live out a life more intentional and uninhibited than Santiago thought possible for himself. Slowly, through the journey’s mishaps and experiences, the young boy’s understanding of himself and of the world expands, and with that, his abilities to harness powers that he had never imagined. The conversations between the alchemist and the boy are not something to miss, and rife with the inspiring fundamental belief that if you fight to achieve your deepest aspirations, the universe will be there to support it:

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

He learns how to trust in himself, in other people, in the reinforcing manifestation of the universe, and in the natural resources of life—if you allow them into your life and forgo your fear of failure. The Alchemist purports that although every person’s triumphs and setbacks come in different forms, there is a universal struggle to break away from fear. Fear actively serves as a roadblock on the road to potential and to living a meaningful life in a way that only makes sense to the individual at hand.

“Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.”

The short novel culminates in a final trial of the boy’s lessons and struggles. Can he rise above the self-suppressing barriers and inhibitions that have held him back from true greatness; can he step into the best version of himself? Or will he let fear of failure tie him to the all-too-safe ground? Will he step into the unknown? There are no clear answers and no certainty of success, but Santiago is faced with an opportunity to embrace his struggles head on and harness the win—literally.

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”

Spinning a fantastical narrative of magical realism, Coelho speaks in lyrical metaphors and with prophetic articulation. He explores the dual importance and relationship between the why and the how; the journey and the destination. The Alchemist illustrates the balance of having a final goal to make your most precious dreams a reality, but remembering to savor the process of living through the ups and downs along the way.

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”

The great thing about The Alchemist is that it is a bite-sized wisdom. Life lessons, philosophy, and great themes make this short novel akin to a plunge in ice-cold water that revitalizes a reader’s mind and sharpens awareness of forgotten hopes and dreams that you may have lost sight of along the way. It is an “easy” read, but its startling depth has been touching readers since its publication in 1988.

With striking directness, The Alchemist is full of quotations that you will be scribbling down to adopt as your new motivational sticky note to post in the mirror or above your work desk. Try these on for size:

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”

So if you’re looking for a book that could change your life in 163 pages and you’re tired of cut-and-dry self-help books, try The Alchemist . Every reader will glean a nugget of wisdom from its pages, and find some personal inspiration to take their life into their own hands, make better use of the present, and identify what has been holding them back on their individual journey towards happiness.

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”

“Already written in my soul,” it required a scant two weeks for Brazilian author Paulo Coelho to write this international bestseller that has sold over 150 million copies . It holds the Guinness World Record for most translated book by a living author . If you enjoy this book, Coelho’s other works include The Archer, Brida, and The Pilgrimage.

“We are travelers on a cosmic journey,stardust,swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”

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The Pilgrimage

There are many self-help books, autobiographies, and works that tackle the paramount importance of pursuing one's dreams. The Alchemist, by international bestseller, Paulo Coelho, is treasured as one of the most simply-written and imaginatively-inspired selections among them.

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The Alchemist Novelty Book – July 1, 2015

Purchase options and add-ons.

Print length 226 pages
Language English
Publisher Harper Thorsons
Publication date July 1, 2015
Dimensions 4.57 x 0.91 x 6.18 inches
ISBN-10 9780008144227
ISBN-13 978-0008144227
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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0008144222
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Thorsons (July 1, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Novelty Book ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780008144227
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008144227
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.1 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.57 x 0.91 x 6.18 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #2,172,080 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books )

About the author

Paulo coelho.

Paulo Coelho is the author of "The Alchemist", he was born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Being the author of 30 books that have sold over 320 million copies in 170 countries, he has become one of the most widely read authors in the world today. Paulo Coelho has been a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2007 and this has allowed him to continue to promote intercultural dialogue and to focus on the needs of children. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and the recipient of over 115 awards and honours, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the Grinzane Cavour Book Award and the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, to name a few.

Other titles include “The Pilgrimage”, “Brida”, "The Supreme Gift", “The Valkyries”, “By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept”, “Maktub”, “The Fifth Mountain”, “Manual of the Warrior of Light”, “Veronika Decides to Die”, “The Devil and Miss Prym”, “Stories for Parents, Children and Grandchildren”, “Eleven Minutes”, “The Zahir”, “Like the Flowing River”, “The Witch of Portobello”, “The Winner Stands Alone”, “Aleph”, “Manuscript Found in Accra”, “Adultery”, “The Spy”, “Hippie”. Also “Journey” guided journal.

https://paulocoelhoblog.com/

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Book review about The alchemist

Author：paulo coelho (1995)

Childhood dreams are often pure and beautiful, but very few people actually pursue them. In this respect, we are not as brave as the Spanish shepherd Santiago. Santiago is the main character in the novel The Alchemist by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. He has two recurring dreams about the treasures of the Egyptian pyramids. So, he sacrifices his wealth and love and embarks on a journey to find the treasure. He travelled across the ocean to Africa, crossed the vast Sahara Desert alone, faced countless trials and temptations, and finally arrived at the pyramids. However, in the end, he finds nothing. Physically and mentally exhausted, he is robbed, beaten and taunted by a thief. It is from this robber that Santiago learns of a treasure chest buried under a mulberry tree next to the church in his hometown. The bandit had also dreamt of this treasure, but unlike Santiago, he did not seek it out. Instead, he treats it as a joke. Santiago returns home and finds the treasure under the mulberry tree. This symbolises the shepherd’s metaphorical ‘death’ as he goes through numerous trials and tribulations in his quest. The road to realising our dreams is not smooth, and we must overcome all kinds of difficulties and temptations. At critical moments, the guidance of others is also crucial to our success. Even Santiago, who had great ambitions, almost gave up his dream after gaining wealth and love in the oasis. Thanks to the guidance of the alchemist, he was able to truly realise the value of his life. Santiago is initially content, but eventually gives up on his dreams and becomes disillusioned. In a way, the thief who robs and taunts Santiago can also be seen as a good character because he eventually gives Santiago guidance. The fact that Santiago is able to realise from the storm that the treasure is close by is truly remarkable. Otherwise, he might never have plucked up the courage to go home. The story of Santiago’s journey to find the treasure in spite of difficulties and obstacles also reveals a truth: the treasure may be around, but it cannot be found without going through trials and tribulations. So where is the real “I”? Everyone has a beautiful and idealised version of themselves inside, and everyone longs to discover their ‘treasure’. It is important to reflect on childhood dreams because the older you get, the harder it may be to find your true “I”.

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Lesson 1: If you want to reach your biggest goals and feel fulfilled, you must follow your Personal Legend.

Lesson 2: Stop being afraid if you want to remove the barriers that keep you from progressing.

Lesson 3: Rise more times than you fall and you will never fail.

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