The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a decent and engaging story about a shepherd named Santiago who goes on a journey to find a treasure under the Egyptian pyramids after having a repeated dream. Although, the book is a quick and easy read, it makes readers feel like they are Santiago and are experiencing the long journey of discovering the treasure themselves.
Each of the events in the story are portrayed in such a simple yet intriguing way that readers can imagine every little detail happening in front of them. With this fictional plot, Coelho has conveyed a lot of little morals that might leave readers wondering about certain things in their own lives. The use of phrases like Personal Legends to describe the thought of every person having his/her own purpose and destiny in life is phenomenal and may force readers to start thinking of their own “Personal Legends.”
The story hooks the reader tightly in its philosophy and narrative so well that the person would not want to put it back until the story ends. The story of a boy meeting an old king who was the ultimate motivator for him to start his journey of crossing a sea, a desert and facing many tough situations is pleasing and teaches some key life lessons.
However, the climax of the plot is surprising and strongly suggests, “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”
This 162-page novel by Paulo Coelho did not gain success until a couple years after its publication. The book was initially released in Coelho’s home country Brazil in 1988 and started gaining attention in the early 1990’s by French readers. More than 30 years of its release, the novel still remains one of the most loved books in history as well as a New York Times bestseller.
One who is looking for a quick, yet meaningful read should pick up this book. Also, the book is a very great suggestion for beginners. It will spark a feeling of reading more in them along with a fun and meaningful start to their new hobby.
