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Editorial Review:
Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sense a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalucian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.
Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists--men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night.
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
A Classic Route Map In The Story Telling Tradition This book is my favourite of all Paulo Coelho's books, a masterful and easily readable use of the story telling tradition providing pointers for all of us in our personal development journey. Rich in metaphors, language and events, a stirring adventure story full of rich learning about staying true to yourself and your vision.
Many think it's great although I was disappointed. The Alchemist tells a story that is simple, yet is considered by many to be profound. The protagonist is the restless Santiago, who while training to become a priest feels the strong desire to travel. So he trades in the seminary life for a more peripatetic profession. He buys some sheep and takes up shepherding. Day in and day out he watches over his flock. And while he loves them, he cannot help but feel that their existence is somehow limited - grass and water, water and grass. They never seem to... more info
Charming Fable and Adventure In a way this book mirrors Paulo Coelho's own life. Early in his life he left a career as a lawyer in Brazil to travel throughout South America, North Africa and Europe and explore mystical and spiritual philosophies as well as the different countries. The hero in this book is a poor boy living in Andalusia who has a dream that tells him to go to the Egyptian pyramids where he will find treasure. A gypsy interprets his dream and encourages him to go the pyramids. A man calling himself the King of Salem... more info
A beautiful story I was going to write a review and then saw that P. P. Kennedy had written pretty much what I was thinking. But as Magnus Magnussen used to say, I've started so I'll finish. Firstly, this is a novel, it won't change your life. But it is a beautiful simple story, written like a fable. The writing is beautiful, the central character goes to your heart and the story is moving. I would say, it's the best book I've ever read, I loved it so much I read about half a dozen other Coelho books. None of them come close... more info
