The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has a seductive depth and universal themes that will captivate readers of all ages and beliefs. This is a modern classic.
Author Details
Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author, was born in the city of Rio de Janeiro in 1947. He worked as a theatre director and actor, songwriter, and journalist before committing his life to literature.
In 1986, Coelho traveled to Saint James of Compostella on a pilgrimage, which he later documented in his book The Pilgrimage.
The Alchemist was released the next year by Coelho. Due to slow early sales, his first publisher decided to drop the book, but it went on to become one of the most popular Brazilian books of all time.
About the Book
Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author, wrote it in 1988. It was written and published in Portuguese at first. It is a worldwide best-seller that has been translated into over 70 languages.
With only 167 pages, the book is relatively brief. The theme is about discovering one’s life’s destiny or purpose.
Plot
Santiago, a shepherd child from Spain, is the protagonist of the story. He has the same dream over and over about wealth hidden in Egypt’s Pyramids.
After encountering an elderly king who grants him magic stones and counsel, he sets off on a quest to pursue his ambition.
Santiago travels through the Mediterranean and the Sahara in search of his treasures in Egypt, as well as to fulfill his legend, which is his life’s mission.
The book chronicles his travels and the different encounters he had while pursuing his passion.
Santiago meets a lot of new people and faces a lot of challenges along the route, which helps him learn and grow along the way.
Coelho claims that life is a journey with an unlimited number of decision points through this allegorical narrative. And that, if one looks closely enough, the world provides all the knowledge needed to find the best paths to achieve our goals.
On one level, The Alchemist is a simple and almost infantile novel, yet it has a deceptive and enticing depth to it that will captivate readers of all ages. Its themes are universal, and individuals of all races, creeds, and religions may and should embrace them.
This is, at its heart, a narrative about doing the right thing and being rewarded for it. The Alchemist is a book that everyone should read.
Final Thoughts
We tend to give up on our aspirations, even though the universe is always willing to assist us in realizing them.
Who is willing to put their comfort, habit, security, and established connections at risk to pursue something that others perceive as a mirage?
It takes guts, and dog-eared, damaged copies of Coelho’s masterpiece have become the constant companion of those who must make risky decisions.
Suggested Reads:
