Author: Paulo Coelho
Genre: Magic Realism
Published in 1988
Rating: ★★★★ – 3.5
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
– The Alchemist
In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho tells the tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who sets off on a journey across the desert in search of a hidden treasure and, ultimately, himself. Guided by recurring dreams and a mysterious king, Santiago travels across landscapes and into encounters with wise figures and unexpected obstacles. His journey to find his “Personal Legend” becomes a reflection on life’s bigger questions, touching on the importance of pursuing dreams and listening to one’s heart.
– Santiago –
Santiago is a young shepherd with a straightforward goal: find the treasure he believes is waiting for him. His innocence and curiosity lead him through deserts and across seas, but his journey also transforms him, challenging him to look within himself and spot potential. Santiago’s character feels like a blank canvas, meant to represent a part of all of us.
– My Honest Review –
While The Alchemist tells an inspiring story, the writing itself didn’t fully captivate me. The style felt almost more suited to oral storytelling, like a fable meant to be passed down rather than a novel to be read, and I often felt as though the language lost something in translation. The prose is very simple—sometimes too simple—and it feels like it’s aimed at delivering its life lessons directly to the reader without much intricacy.
That said, the story of The Alchemist is a modern fable, reminding me of The Little Prince. Santiago’s journey is rich in symbolic moments and life lessons, encouraging readers to reflect on their own dreams and purpose. Overall I definitely do not regret reading this book and would recommend it to anyone in want of a short, meaningful read.
Happy Reading!
