Wednesday, April 28

Book review: The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
Reviewed by Rox

After hearing so much about The Alchemist, I was expecting something very different. I expected a long, intense and involved book, with endless pages and sophisticated prose. What I finally realised once I was a few pages in however, is that the real power of The Alchemist is its pure simplicity... it doesn't need to be anything more than what it is, and that is a story for anyone who has ever had a dream.

The Alchemist follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd boy from Spain. After having a mysterious dream, Santiago begins an epic trip across the sea to Egypt in search of a treasure beneath the pyramids. Along the way, he learns the secret of the Language of the World, and discovers how to listen to his heart.

Hope, dreams, courage and faith are just some of the key themes that this book delivers... in a sense it has a similar message to The Little Prince, and as a fable it is more than the simple story of a boy in search of a treasure - it is also a reminder about following our paths, our hearts and hopes, and finding our destiny in life, whatever it may be.

It is no wonder that The Alchemist is one of the most translated book in the world - regardless of language, country or religion, this is one book that everyone should read in their life!

4 comments:

McGriddle Pants said...

This is my VERY FAVORITE book EVER! Of course I read it at a certain time in my life when it had very special meaning to me (end of college, my "journey" and having met a love that I wasn't sure if I'd see again)

Since then I've read it over and over and still find it amazing.

And I have a "Maktub" tattoo, written in Arabic, to remind me everyday to stay true to our personal journies.

Nisey said...

Its one of my favourites. I read it regularly and get something different from it each time!

Sid said...

Read one of his books - Veronica decides to die. Did NOT enjoy that ... so I'm unlikely to give this one a go.

Oh and I did a book "review" on my blog too. American Psycho - totally horrific book.

Truchen said...

"The Alchemist" is one of my all-time favorite books and Im a great fan Paulo Coehlo. Read most of his books and enjoyed almost all of them. Really liked "Veronica decides to die" and "Eleven Minutes" although I know it might not be everybody's cup of tea!

(just a note to Sid - please try "The Alchemist" - not like "Veronica decides to die Die" at all!!)

Love your book blog now ever more!!!!;-)
<3
J