book review of alchemist in 100 words

Booklover Book Reviews

The Alchemist, Book Review: Paulo Coelho’s beguiling novel

Paulo Coelho’s novel  The Alchemist has beguiling depth and universal themes that will entrance readers of all ages and faiths. This book is a modern classic. Read our full review.

Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

The Alchemist  Book Review

The Alchemist  ( O Alquimista ) is a novel by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho which was first published in 1988. Originally written in Portuguese, it has become an international bestseller (30 million + copies sold) and translated into some 70 languages.

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”

This novel is a perfect example of the saying ‘good things come in small packages’. The simple little tale conveys a very powerful and inspirational message, and so it is unsurprising it is considered a modern classic.

Alchemy , derived from the Arabic word al-kimia, is both a philosophy and an ancient practice focused on the attempt to change base metals into gold, investigating the preparation of the “elixir of longevity”, and achieving ultimate wisdom, involving the improvement of the alchemist as well as the making of several substances described as possessing unusual properties. ( Wikipedia )

Characters and story outline

The protagonist in this magical fable is a young shepherd of simple means named Santiago. He crosses paths with a King who teaches the young boy the value of reading the signs the world presents us, even in our dreams.

The boy’s subsequent search for hidden treasure takes him across country borders and brings him into contact with both the deceitful and most noble of humanity. He learns the value of persistence and hard work, the value of humility and the value of honour and bravery. Particularly touching is Santiago’s interaction with a crystal merchant who was hesitant to follow his dreams for fear of succeeding. The young boy’s courage in seizing opportunities and overcoming adversity inspired all those he came into contact with.

Literary themes

Santiago’s search for hidden treasure in  The Alchemist  is a metaphor for life .

Coelho introduces the concept of one’s Personal Legend, or destiny. Appealingly though, this destiny is not presented as something that will simply fall into one’s lap, but something one needs to strive for.

Too often in this inspirational genre readers are given the impression that if we simply wish for something long enough with the purest of intentions, then that wish will come into being. This novel reminds us that

• Anything worth having must be worked for and that one does not gain in life without first risking loss, and
• Treasures can come in the form of experiences, rather than material objects.

Through this allegorical fable, Coelho asserts that life is a journey with an infinite series of decision points . And that the world, if one observes it carefully enough, provides all the information needed to choose the right paths in order to fulfil our dreams.

Although a simple and almost childlike story on one level, The Alchemist has a disarming and beguiling depth to it that will entrance readers of all ages. Its themes are universal and can and should be embraced by people of all races, creeds and religions.

At its core, this is a story about doing what is right and noble, and being rewarded for it. The Alchemist is a must-read.

BOOK RATING: The Story 5 / 5 ; The Writing 5 / 5

Get your copy of The Alchemist from:

Bookshop US Amazon Booktopia AU OR listen to the audiobook FREE with Audible’s Trial (check eligibility)

Genre: Literature, Classic, Mystery, Fantasy, Translation

Related Reading: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery / A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle / Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto  by Gianni Rodari / The Amber Amulet by Craig Silvey / Tales by Trees Series – The Carpenter

The Alchemist Plot Summary

Source:  CourseHero .

About the Author, Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho de Souza (1947 – ) is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist and the recipient of numerous international awards. He is best known for his widely translated novel  The Alchemist . He has been a prolific author with more than 24 books published . Check out Paul Coelho ‘s website and connect with him on Twitter and Facebook .

In this interview, Paulo Coelho discusses his thoughts on Luck, Coincidence, and Faith:

Source: HarperOne

More Memorable Quotes from The Alchemist

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

On persistence and commitment:

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

On the value of every of every life:

“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.”

On appreciating the simple things:

“When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.”

Share this:

A booklover with diverse reading interests, who has been reviewing books and sharing her views and opinions on this website and others since 2009.

Book Review: The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Louisa

In a world filled with countless adventure stories and tales of heroism, romance, and adventure, Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” shines as a beacon of light, shining brightly above the rest, in this timeless adventure novel filled with profound and timeless wisdom.

The Alchemist isn’t just a novel, it’s a spiritual awakening. Paulo Coelho is well known for writing not only incredible stories but also for expressing philosophical wondering and deeply thought-provoking messages.

He is one of the most famous, and greatest, Brazilian authors, and it was The Alchemist that put earned him the acclaimed recognition he receives today.

Selling 300 million copies worldwide since its release in 1993, The Alchemist should be the first book anyone read if you’re not familiar with Paulo Coelho.

And in this honest book review of The Alchemist, you’re about to find out why…

Affiliate Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links. 

Book Review of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The alchemist book review.

The Alchemist is an enchanting novel that takes you on a transformative journey that will have you questioning life, our purpose, and our place in the world. Not only that, but the philosophical messages remind us of the power of dreams, the importance of self-discovery, and the remarkable possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zones. In The Alchemist, the reader follows a young boy (who remains nameless throughout) as he chases his dream of finding the lost treasure, after being told where to look by a King he meets in the market. Along the way, the boy learns about free will, the power of Maktub, a term used to describe “what is meant to be”, as well as finds love, resilience, and passion. Accompanied by an Alchemist, the boy learns to bend the powers of the Earth to his will, enabling him to fulfill his purpose and reach his goals. The Alchemist has one important message: never give up, no matter what obstacles you face.

By Louisa Smith

A novel that has you contemplating life, the world, and our purpose within it. Deeply profound, enlightening, and poetic. Truly, The Alchemist is one of the best adventure novels of all time.

What I Liked

Of course, the best thing about The Alchemist is Coelho’s writing style, which effortlessly weaves together simplicity and elegance, creating a mesmerizing narrative that transports you to the mystical realms of your imagination.

The lyrical prose flows like a gentle breeze, enchanting us with its beauty and evoking a sense of wonder with every word.

Of course, The Alchemist is most famous for its philosophy. Despite being less than 200 pages, it’s a book you want to read slowly, taking in each profound thought and idea slowly and taking time to contemplate.

As you navigate your way through the story, you’ll be questioning the meaning of life and the transformative power of love, determination, and passion.

I loved how the boy renamed nameless throughout, allowing you to put yourself in his shoes.

Even though the story is simple, its messages and Coelho’s deep philosophical depth are what make this book a masterpiece.

Coelho skillfully explores the concepts that invite you to question your own beliefs and preconceived notions about the world.

The character development was also excellent, as you follow the young boy in first person, gaining insight from his own perspective. As each philosophical quip is dropped, the reader learns along with the boy, who is receiving a spiritual awakening.

What Could Have Been Better

The Alchemist isn’t a novel that’s enjoyed for the storyline. It delivers a powerful message, but when it comes to the plot, this is somewhat predictable.

Coelho follows a well-trodden path, utilizing common storytelling tropes and archetypes, and there’s no real element of surprise about what comes next in terms of the narrative.

While I liked the character development of the boy, the supporting characters lack depth. Perhaps this is done to keep the attention on the boy and his journey, but there could have been more development from the secondary characters.

Each person the boy meets has an impact on him in some way, but as he moves on through the narrative, they get forgotten about.

The focus of The Alchemist is on the overarching themes and symbolism, which means that the plot and individual growth of the supporting characters get put to the side.

Despite these minor shortcomings, I still feel that The Alchemist remains an extraordinary literary masterpiece and I’m not surprised it has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the globe.

Coelho’s ability to infuse spirituality and philosophy into a captivating story is a testament to his brilliance as a writer.

Related Reading: Quotes from The Alchemist

Similar Works

Of course, Paulo Coelho’s other works are equally as profound and enlightening, especially The Pilgrimage, which is all about his own personal pilgrimage journey.

Another profound book by Paulo Coelho that I thought was similar was Manuscript Found in Accra, which is about a preacher who shares the answers to life’s questions and the rules for sacred human values.

If you’re looking for something that leaves you contemplating life, then I highly recommend you pick up these other two novels by Paulo Coelho.

Related Post: Books Similar to The Alchemist

The Alchemist Trigger Warnings

The Alchemist doesn’t really contain trigger warnings, but there are some scenes that contain the following…

• Gender Bias
• Aggression and physical assault

The Alchemist has the following themes:

• Travel and Self-Discovery
• Free Will vs Fate
• Pursuit of a dream
• Maktub (What is Meant to Be)
• Value of the small things
• Coming of age

Where to Find It?

You can find The Alchemist at most retail bookstores, or you can find it from one of these links…

View it on:

The Verdict: Would I Recommend The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho?

The Alchemist has a permanent place on my bookshelf and is a book I will reread for years to come. While the plot isn’t anything special, it’s philosophy, symbolism, and profound messaging have changed my way of thinking about the world.

It’s a book that will enlighten you, awaken you, and maybe even light a fire in you, encouraging you to dream big and chase the stars.

I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for something insightful and thought-provoking.

Have Your Say…

Now you know what I think, let us know what you think! Share your thoughts about The Alchemist in the comments.

The Details

• Pub Date:  April 25th, 1993
• ISBN:  978-0061122415
• Page Count:  197
• Publisher:  HarperOne

Save it on Pinterest

Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest.

About Louisa Smith

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the Founder, Editor, and Head Honcho of Epic Book Society. She was born and raised in the United Kingdom and graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a degree in Journalism. Louisa began her writing career at the age of 7 when her poetry was published in an anthology of poems to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Upon graduating university, she spent several years working as a journalist writing about books before transitioning to become a Primary School Teacher. Louisa loves all genres of books, but her favorites are Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and Young Adult Fiction. Read more Louisa's story here .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Site Navigation

Affiliate Disclosure : This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission through purchases made through this site at no extra cost to you. Epic Book Society is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program Affiliate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join the Society!

Want to connect with other bookworms?

We've created a place where book lovers can come together and share recommendations and ideas with each other. There will be no spam from us, that's a promise .

Click the button below to join our exclusive Facebook group.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Follow our socials:

© 2023 Epic Book Society • Built with  GeneratePress

• ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

THE ALCHEMIST

by Paulo Coelho & translated by Margaret Jull Costa ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1993

Coelho's placebo has racked up impressive sales in Brazil and Europe. Americans should flock to it like gulls.

Coelho is a Brazilian writer with four books to his credit. Following Diary of a Magus (1992—not reviewed) came this book, published in Brazil in 1988: it's an interdenominational, transcendental, inspirational fable—in other words, a bag of wind. 

 The story is about a youth empowered to follow his dream. Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who learns through a dream of a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. An old man, the king of Salem, the first of various spiritual guides, tells the boy that he has discovered his destiny: "to realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation." So Santiago sells his sheep, sails to Tangier, is tricked out of his money, regains it through hard work, crosses the desert with a caravan, stops at an oasis long enough to fall in love, escapes from warring tribesmen by performing a miracle, reaches the pyramids, and eventually gets both the gold and the girl. Along the way he meets an Englishman who describes the Soul of the World; the desert woman Fatima, who teaches him the Language of the World; and an alchemist who says, "Listen to your heart" A message clings like ivy to every encounter; everyone, but everyone, has to put in their two cents' worth, from the crystal merchant to the camel driver ("concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man"). The absence of characterization and overall blandness suggest authorship by a committee of self-improvement pundits—a far cry from Saint- Exupery's The Little Prince : that flagship of the genre was a genuine charmer because it clearly derived from a quirky, individual sensibility. 

Pub Date: July 1, 1993

ISBN: 0-06-250217-4

Page Count: 192

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1993

GENERAL FICTION

Share your opinion of this book

More by Paulo Coelho

BOOK REVIEW

by Paulo Coelho ; illustrated by Christoph Niemann ; translated by Margaret Jull Costa

by Paulo Coelho ; translated by Eric M.B. Becker

by Paulo Coelho ; translated by Zoë Perry

More About This Book

SEEN & HEARD

BOOK TO SCREEN

by Kristin Hannah ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2006

Wacky plot keeps the pages turning and enduring schmaltzy romantic sequences.

Sisters work together to solve a child-abandonment case.

Ellie and Julia Cates have never been close. Julia is shy and brainy; Ellie gets by on charm and looks. Their differences must be tossed aside when a traumatized young girl wanders in from the forest into their hometown in Washington. The sisters’ professional skills are put to the test. Julia is a world-renowned child psychologist who has lost her edge. She is reeling from a case that went publicly sour. Though she was cleared of all wrongdoing, Julia’s name was tarnished, forcing her to shutter her Beverly Hills practice. Ellie Barton is the local police chief in Rain Valley, who’s never faced a tougher case. This is her chance to prove she is more than just a fading homecoming queen, but a scarcity of clues and a reluctant victim make locating the girl’s parents nearly impossible. Ellie places an SOS call to her sister; she needs an expert to rehabilitate this wild-child who has been living outside of civilization for years. Confronted with her professional demons, Julia once again has the opportunity to display her talents and salvage her reputation. Hannah ( The Things We Do for Love, 2004, etc.) is at her best when writing from the girl’s perspective. The feral wolf-child keeps the reader interested long after the other, transparent characters have grown tiresome. Hannah’s torturously over-written romance passages are stale, but there are surprises in store as the sisters set about unearthing Alice’s past and creating a home for her.

Pub Date: March 1, 2006

ISBN: 0-345-46752-3

Page Count: 400

Publisher: Ballantine

Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2005

More by Kristin Hannah

by Kristin Hannah

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE

by J.D. Salinger ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 15, 1951

A strict report, worthy of sympathy.

A violent surfacing of adolescence (which has little in common with Tarkington's earlier, broadly comic, Seventeen ) has a compulsive impact.

"Nobody big except me" is the dream world of Holden Caulfield and his first person story is down to the basic, drab English of the pre-collegiate. For Holden is now being bounced from fancy prep, and, after a vicious evening with hall- and roommates, heads for New York to try to keep his latest failure from his parents. He tries to have a wild evening (all he does is pay the check), is terrorized by the hotel elevator man and his on-call whore, has a date with a girl he likes—and hates, sees his 10 year old sister, Phoebe. He also visits a sympathetic English teacher after trying on a drunken session, and when he keeps his date with Phoebe, who turns up with her suitcase to join him on his flight, he heads home to a hospital siege. This is tender and true, and impossible, in its picture of the old hells of young boys, the lonesomeness and tentative attempts to be mature and secure, the awful block between youth and being grown-up, the fright and sickness that humans and their behavior cause the challenging, the dramatization of the big bang. It is a sorry little worm's view of the off-beat of adult pressure, of contemporary strictures and conformity, of sentiment….

Pub Date: June 15, 1951

ISBN: 0316769177

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: Nov. 2, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1951

More by J.D. Salinger

by J.D. Salinger

APPRECIATIONS

• Discover Books Fiction Thriller & Suspense Mystery & Detective Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Nonfiction Biography & Memoir Teens & Young Adult Children's
• News & Features Bestsellers Book Lists Profiles Perspectives Awards Seen & Heard Book to Screen Kirkus TV videos In the News
• Kirkus Prize Winners & Finalists About the Kirkus Prize Kirkus Prize Judges
• Magazine Current Issue All Issues Manage My Subscription Subscribe
• Writers’ Center Hire a Professional Book Editor Get Your Book Reviewed Advertise Your Book Launch a Pro Connect Author Page Learn About The Book Industry
• More Kirkus Diversity Collections Kirkus Pro Connect My Account/Login
• About Kirkus History Our Team Contest FAQ Press Center Info For Publishers
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Reprints, Permission & Excerpting Policy

© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Popular in this Genre

Hey there, book lover.

We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

Please select an existing bookshelf

Create a new bookshelf.

We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!

Please sign up to continue.

It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!

Already have an account? Log in.

Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.

Almost there!

• Industry Professional

Welcome Back!

Sign in using your Kirkus account

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email [email protected].

Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

Magazine Subscribers ( How to Find Your Reader Number )

If You’ve Purchased Author Services

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up.

Books of Brilliance

The latest book reviews and book news, the alchemist: book review.

The Alchemist byPaulo Coelho

This is one of my all-time favorite books and I read it once a year to freshen up on the novel. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a wonderful tale about a boy who embarks on a journey and learns a valuable lesson along the way. Keep reading to find out what words of wisdom it has to offer!

The Alchemist: Summary

Santiago has a dream about a treasure and isn’t sure whether he should give up everything he has and pursue this dream. It is only a dream but he believes it may lead to better things. So he does what we all do when we aren’t sure what to do next; consult a fortune teller. This leads him to a journey where he meets a bunch of people, finds himself and learns a beautiful lesson about life.

This novel is similar to Coelho’s life and that makes you wonder what happened first; the novel or the experience? Coelho may have been inspired by his own journey that was over 500 miles that he walked to Santiago de Conpostela, a site of Catholic pilgrimage in Spain. He has said the walk invoked a spiritual awakening and inspired him to write his first novel, the Pilgrimage. in 1987, a year later, he wrote this novel.

It is hard talking about this book without spoiling it because it is allegory and people will have different interpretations of it. The book has gone on to sell over 35 million copies and is the most translated book in the world by a living author. Originally, the novel had little success but once it was translated to French, it took off.

Santiago gets a lot of help in his journey and that is a big theme in the book. There is also “the language of the world” which means that the world will help you find your heart’s desire. A lot of spiritual themes are in the book and it is written poetically. Each reader is going to derive their own meaning from this novel which is what makes it a wonderful read.

Or the same person can read it again and get a whole different message based on what is happening in your life. As many readers know, some books can truly be appreciated during a certain age. So if you read that novel earlier then that, you will not like that novel much. But this novel is evergreen and relevant no matter what age you are.

Whenever I read this novel, I feel reinvigorated and want to get up and do stuff and be productive. If you need a picker-upper, then you should give this novel a try. Maybe it will inspire a new idea that might help you push forward!

Follow us on  Instagram  and  Facebook  

Share this:, 19 thoughts on “ the alchemist: book review ”.

Add Comment

• Pingback: The Pearl: Book Review - Books of Brilliance
• Pingback: Books Recommendations May 2020 - Books of Brilliance

Thx for reminding and encouraging me, I own this novel I just havent read it.

It’s a great read that doesn’t take that long

My attention is on easy to read. I just finished Memory Called Empire, which I enjoyed but it was a very tough read.

Looked it up and it looks interesting

I enjoyed it, it is just a difficult book to read.

I’ll give it a try one of these days

The alchemist is the first novel of coehlo. It is no doubt a remarkable book. The whole concept of spirituality and Sufi love lies at the heart of the novel. A great book that deserves to be lauded.

• Pingback: The Five People You Meet in Heaven: Book Review - Books of Brilliance
• Pingback: The Most Read Books of All TimeThe - Books of Brilliance
• Pingback: The Ten Best Fiction Books of All Time - Books of Brilliance
• Pingback: The Best Self-Help Books of All Time  - Books of Brilliance
• Pingback: The 12 Best Books That You Should Reread! 
• Pingback: 7 Books That You Should Read in Your 20’s 
• Pingback: The 21 Best Books that You Should Reread 
• Pingback: The Midnight Library Book Review 
• Pingback: 5 Life-Changing Books You Must Read
• Pingback: 23 Books to Read Before You Die - Books of Brilliance

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from books of brilliance.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: Reading Comprehension

Develop your reading skills. Please, read the following text about “ The Alchemist ” by Paulo Coelho and do the comprehension task.

The Alchemist: Unveiling Destiny’s Journey

The Alchemist, penned by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, stands as a literary phenomenon, captivating readers worldwide since its initial publication in 1988. Translated into numerous languages, this allegorical tale follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd from Andalusia, as he pursues his dream of unearthing a treasure nestled near Egypt’s pyramids.

Coelho’s swift creation of The Alchemist, penned in a mere two weeks in 1987, stemmed from his belief that the story was already ingrained within his soul. The narrative commences with Santiago’s encounter with an abandoned church, where he reflects on his recurring dream of discovering riches in Egypt. A chance meeting with the enigmatic King Melchizedek propels Santiago onto the path of fulfilling his Personal Legend—a concept encapsulating one’s lifelong aspiration.

Embarking on a transformative journey, Santiago traverses from Andalusia to Tangiers and ultimately Egypt, encountering myriad challenges along the way. Throughout his odyssey, Santiago grapples with the overarching theme of destiny, underlining the novel’s philosophical underpinnings. Coelho’s narrative espouses the belief that the universe conspires to fulfill one’s desires—a sentiment encapsulated in the adage, “When you really want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it.”

Furthermore, The Alchemist delves into the pernicious effects of fear, emphasizing the importance of overcoming trepidation to realize one’s true potential. Santiago’s triumph over fear mirrors the broader message that embracing uncertainty and pursuing one’s dreams leads to fulfillment and self-realization.

Despite criticisms labeling The Alchemist as more self-help than literature, its enduring popularity underscores its profound impact on readers seeking inspiration and guidance. Coelho’s allegorical masterpiece continues to resonate with audiences, offering timeless wisdom on the pursuit of destiny and the transformative power of belief.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension:

• The Alchemist was written in 1987. a. True b. False
• The novel is an autobiography. a. True b. False
• Santiago defeated his fears and found the treasure. a. True b. False
• Some believe that the novel is more of a self-help book than a literary work. a. True b. False

Related Pages:

• More literary works
• Writing a book review

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - review

The story begins with a young Andulasian shepherd boy Santiago sleeping under a sycamore on barren lands.

He sets out to locate treasure, which he dreamed was hidden in the dusty lands of Egyptian Pyramids. A Gypsy who interpreted his dream told him "I am not going to charge you anything now; But I want one-tenth of the treasure, if you find it". She added hat he must go to the Pyramids of Egypt to unearth the treasure. And thus he set out in quest for the treasure.

On his way he meets Melchizedek – King of Salem - who tells him that he will help him locate the treasure provided he parts with one-tenth of his sheep. On his way, he works with a crystal merchant in the Tangier market to earn money to buy some sheep.

He works there for almost a month and then sets off on his journey again. On his way through the African desert he meets a girl called Fatima, who tells him: "Maktub, if I am really part of your dream, you will come back one day"

In an oasis he meets the Alchemist, who teachs him the language of the world, telling him: "Don't think about what you have left behind; everything is written in the soul of the world and there it will stay forever."

On their way the alchemist and the shepherd are taken captive by tribesmen dressed in blue who take them to a nearby military camp thinking they are spies. To make the tribesmen believe, the boy had to accept their challenge and turn into wind and after the wind stops he comes to know about the soul of the world.

He finally arrives at the Pyramids of Egypt. As he starts digging for the treasure, he is surrounded by the refugees of the tribal wars who ask him "What are you hiding there?"

The boy pleads that he was digging for a mysterious treasure. The leader of the group says he too had a dream where he saw a treasure in the fields of Spain, where shepherds and their sheep slept under a ruined church with a sycamore growing out of it. But he was not so stupid as to cross an entire desert just because of a dream. So the boy comes to understand that the greatest treasure is himself.

This book is brilliantly written. It touches your heart as the story comes to an end. It teaches that every treasure lies in our own hearts and there is no need to search for it in the outside world. Search yourself and you get the world. It is recommended for those who love spirituality and for those who would love to read something to make their heart smile…

Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!

• Children's books
• Children and teenagers
• children's user reviews

Most viewed

The Alchemist Book Review: An Inspiring and Quick Read

An inspiring, quick read. 

The Alchemist is a short novel written by Paulo Coelho. The word count only adds up to about 45k. I literally reread the book in a weekend to write this review. The book was first published by a Brazilian publisher and then an editor from Harper Collins picked it up. Soon after, it became an International Bestseller—paving the way for Paulo Coelho to publish a few more books that never really out did The Alchemist. Unlike other books, this one doesn’t have chapters; there are two parts and a bunch of space breaks. 

The story follows a kid named Santiago who is a Shepard in Andalusia. Every year he visits a town to sell his sheep’s wool. One day he had a dream of a young boy telling him he has treasure waiting for him in the Pyramids.

He embarks on an expedition from Spain to Morocco, across the Sahara Desert and finally to the Pyramids. His one and only goal is to find the treasure from his dream, but he learns more about life outside being a Shepard. A life-changing expedition that turns his life around completely. He gets robbed, works at a crystal shop, meets an Englishman, meets the love of his life, an alchemist, and learns many lessons. All this to pursue his Personal Legend — reach the pyramids and find the treasure that awaits him.  

My Praise and Critique. There’s a lot to love about The Alchemist. It’s filled with motivational words that push a person to find their purpose in life. How one should follow their goal at any given moment without waiting for the right time. If one wants to travel, they should do it now, rather than waiting later on in life. 

The old man pointed to a baker standing in his shop window at one corner of the plaza. “When he was a child. that man wanted to travel, too. But he decided first to buy his bakery and put some money aside. When he’s an old man, he’s going to spend a month in Africa. He never realized that people are capable at any time of their lives, of doing what they dream of.” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The characters are not three-dimensional, with Santiago being the closest to a three-dimensional character. The story is narrated in third person, and the narrator jumps in and out of Santiago’s thoughts, but none of the other characters’. I couldn’t imagine what the characters looked like, or the setting, for that matter. The only section that I could really visualize was the crystal shop at the top of the hill and the leader of the caravan, with a beard and dark eyes. As for the other characters or places, including Santiago, it was hard to imagine them.  

The Alchemist also contained some fantastical components. For example, Santiago talked to the Wind and the Desert. I was a bit confused when the boy talked to the Wind and the Desert because Paulo never explained the ability behind it. He lightly touched upon it but lacked the explanation behind the fantastical ability. The omens were another piece of the book that I did not favor. I didn’t think it was necessary. Maybe it’s just me because I don’t believe in that stuff. 

Recommendation. I would definitely recommend the Alchemist to everyone, no matter their age. It’s a novel that is worth its reading time. I summarized the review below and gave it my rating out of 10. Click here for the book.  

Similar Posts

The Da Vinci Code Book Review: A daring and speedy read

A novel that can be read in a blink of an eye.  The Da Vinci Code is a standalone novel by Dan Brown. It’s a thriller that hooks the reader by the throat at the end of each of its chapter. The entire book is complete at 449 pages (hardcover) or a whopping 105 chapters…

The Awe-Inspiring Captured Thoughts by Ibn al-Jawzi

Introducing Captured Thoughts by Ibn al-Jawzi Captured Thoughts, the translate of a book written by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi — a Muslim scholar iconic in the 12th century. Captured Thoughts is the translated version, as the original text was written in Arabic—Saydul Khatir. The complete title is: “Captured Thoughts: A Collection of Thought-Provoking Gems, Persuasive Eye…

• Start here!
• Travel Resources
• Blogging Resources
• Pre-Travel Checklist
• Books I’m Reading
• Start Your Own Blog
• What’s In My Backpack?

Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

published by Bren

Last updated: May 9, 2020

“My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.”

Opening thoughts

I don’t read a lot of novels. In fact, I NEVER read novels. I think the last novel I read was “Z for Zachariah” when I was 13 years old. It was pretty good too, from what I remember.

So why did I read The Alchemist? To be honest, I was just looking for something different. I’ve been making an effort to read more this year, and I just didn’t have the energy to read another business or lifestyle design book. I’ve always been a huge fan of Will Smith, and when I found out that The Alchemist was his favourite book, I just knew I had to read it.

• What People Are Doing When They Travel To “Find Themselves”
• The Practical Guide To Making Money While Travelling
• How To Start A Profitable Blog In Ten Simple Steps

It was incredible. The storytelling was beautiful, but more importantly, there were so many lessons that the author shared that would be relevant to anyone’s life. I’m now actively hunting for more books like this – if you know of any, please tell me!

As for this particular book review of The Alchemist, I’m not going to delve deeply into all the lessons he portrays for us. Rather I will tell you what I liked about the book, what I didn’t, and whether it’s a worthy piece to pick up and read yourself.

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author, and after reading up on him, it seems his life shares some parallels with the story in his book. He had always wanted to be a writer, but his parents didn’t allow it. He was put in a mental institution, escaped, became a hippie and travelled the world, and eventually returned and fulfilled his dream of being being an author. He is an advocate of not giving up on your dream, and this message seems to come through in this novel in particular. The Alchemist has now sold over 65 million copies – one of the best selling books in history. How have I not heard of it before?!

The Alchemist Review: What’s it about?

The story is about a young shepherd from the south of Spain who has a recurring dream about a finding a treasure. Believing that finding this treasure is his ‘destiny’ he leaves the comfort of home and travels into the African desert to find it.

There’s not too much I can tell you without spoiling the story, so let me leave you with a few extracts that will hopefully show you the kind of message the author hopes to share:

“I’m the King of Salem,” the old man said.

“Why would a king be talking with a shepherd?” the boy asked, awed and embarrassed.

“For several reasons. But let’s say that the most important is that you have succeeded in discovering your Personal Legend.”

The boy didn’t know what a person’s “Personal Legend” was.

“It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.”

The old man related that, the week before, he had been forced to appear before a miner, and had taken the form of a stone. The miner had abandoned everything to go mining for emeralds. For five years he had been working a certain river, and had examined hundreds of thousands of stones looking for an emerald. The miner was about to give it all up, right at the point when, if he were to examine just one more stone – just one more – he would find his emerald. Since the miner had sacrificed everything to his Personal Legend, the old man decided to become involved. He transformed himself into a stone that rolled up to the miner’s foot. The miner, with all the anger and frustration of his five fruitless years, picked up the stone and threw it aside. But he had thrown it with such force that it broke the stone it fell upon, and there, embedded in the broken stone, was the most beautiful emerald in the world.

“People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being,” said the old man, with a certain bitterness. “Maybe that’s why they give up on it so early, too. But that’s the way it is.”

The boy reminded the old man that he had said something about hidden treasure.

“Treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents,” said the old man. “If you want to learn about your own treasure, you will have to give me one-tenth of your flock.”

“What about one-tenth of my treasure?”

The old man looked disappointed. “If you start out by promising what you don’t even have yet, you’ll lose your desire to work toward getting it.”

The boy told him that he had already promised to give one-tenth of his treasure to the Gypsy.

“Gypsies are experts at getting people to do that,” sighed the old man. “In any case, it’s good that you’ve learned that everything in life has its price.”

The old man returned the book to the boy.

“Tomorrow, at this same time, bring me a tenth of your flock. And I will tell you how to find the hidden treasure. Good afternoon.”

And he vanished around the corner of the plaza.

What I liked

This book left a big impression on me. While reading through the book you can tell that the author is wise, that he has lived a long time, because of the messages he shares through the characters in his story. It’s almost as if, while you’re reading it, you can imagine your grandfather telling it to you as if it’s a tale from his childhood. I always thought that novels were a waste of time because you never learn any “real life” lessons from them, but this book finally proved me wrong.

The story itself is special. Even when I was 8 I never had an imagination quite like the author’s. There were a few times where I seriously couldn’t sleep, reading impatiently in the middle of the night to find out what happened next.

Now you might ask, what is an alchemist? From what I understood, an alchemist is like a magician chemist who can turn any metal into gold. But throughout the story and the search for the alchemist, I felt like this was more a metaphor for life in general. If we follow our own “Personal Legends” we can perform the same magic – turn our ordinary lives into gold, as long as we believe in the journey and don’t give up on what we believe is our destiny. If you’re looking for inspiration, this story brings it in droves.

What I didn’t like

To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing about the book. It can move into religious territory at times, talking quite in depth about God and heaven etc, so depending on your own beliefs this could be a downside. However I think all people will be able to relate to the message of the story regardless of their religion.

Also, it’s worth noting that the book is originally written in Portugese, meaning that what we’re reading is an English translation. I have no doubt this takes away from the book in some regard, as the author’s exact message could be hard to mimic in translation. In fact, there were times when I would think, “I’m sure this part sounds way cooler in Portugese.” But, I probably have no idea what I’m talking about.

You should read this if…

• You’re looking for travel inspiration (or inspiration for life in general)
• You like feel-good stories
• You don’t mind novels that involve mystical, magical things that could never happen in real life. e.g. a shepherd having a conversation with the soul of the universe
• You respond well to stories that teach you what you already know in a different way
• You enjoy a short read (167 pages)

Bren rates it: 8.5/10

Really hope you guys enjoyed this review of The Alchemist! You can find more reviews and read more about the book here.

Happy reading!

P.S. Did you know you can read unlimited books with a subscription to Kindle Unlimited ? You can also try it completely free for a whole month! Check it out here .

Loved this? Spread the word

You might also like:

Running port vila: ten days in vanuatu’s capital, a night at the gallery, i wrote a book, where to stay in auckland: an insider’s guide, share your thoughts.

Your email address will not be published.  

Glad to hear you found that book very interesting. Same with me, I immediately loved the books entirety many years back and collected some others author by Paulo as well. Presently, I enjoyed listening again and again before going to sleep the audio version read by Jeremy Irons. His way of narration adds up spice to the already sizzling story. you can download it at youtube. Maybe once your at YT, you can get to browse some related topics as well. Enjoy them as you like.

Here’s to us who keep fanning the internal flames that burn within. All our greatest dreams… may it be fulfilled!

I’ll definitely have to read more of his. Yes, how easy it is for us to give up on our dream – books like this inspire us to keep moving 🙂

Same here Bren, I’m not a big fan of Novels, rather prefer self help or inspirational books, indeed The Alchemist is the first Novel that I have red in my entire life, Yeah I was fascinated by its lesson, follow your dreams for it will determine the course of your life.Check Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl almost same concept but in different setting, try check The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari too by Robin Sharma worth reading. Book is one of the bests travel buddy. All the best, Chad

Hi Chad, thanks for the suggestions, I’ll check em out!

This is my FAVORITE book of all time. You said you’re looking for more books like this and really are his books are similar in a way. They are “fables” and I’ve read about 20 of them! I love 11 Minutes so much, but the Pilgrimage isn’t as good in my opinion. The Warrior of light is a bunch of small quotes and I really like them!

Thank you, I will check them out 🙂

Hey Bren, I havent read the alchemist yet (shame on me bad Brazilian girl) but its definitely on my list. If you are looking for a good novel Shantaram is a must! Australian author, a mix of an autobiography and fiction. Its a bit big, but worth every page, the most touching book I have ever read. All the best, Fernanda

Hi Fernanda, you’re not the first person who’s mentioned that book to me. I suppose I better check it out 🙂

Hi Bren! Glad you enjoyed the book! It’s one of my favorites! I make it s point to read it once a year. My first time reading it, I was on a plane to Lima, Peru. I finished it from cover to cover on the flight! You’re right that it is an English translation, but Coelho speaks excellent English! I have no doubt that he tried to get the message across as accurately as possible.

A similar themed book I’d recommend is “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. It lacks the theme of travel, but Millman writes about taking all the advantages life is offering you. There’s no mention of religion and he avoids writing in a way that comes across as “preachy”. His style of writing is not for everyone, but I enjoyed it. Maybe you will too!

Sounds like a great book. I have been doing a lot of reading of late so I will check it out!

That was a kids story, not a novel !

If you please try reading Tuesdays with Morrie. If you did enjoy reading The Alchemist I know that you’ll love this one 🙂

Since you like The Alchemist, I think you will also like The Little Prince. It’s a short book so it’s not a pain to read. You will also learn a lot from that book. Enjoy!

Thanks, I’ll check it out for sure 🙂

Lol , I 100% agree with you Ann , The Alchemist it’s a kids story !! Can believe I read it , so boring!

Following your destiny is quiet difficult but it is the basic purpose of your life. The book was really awesome as the protagonist achieves his destiny, though he loses hope many times and also his luck is not on his side. The old king said to him, ‘When you want to achieve something, whole of the universe conspires with you’, but all he said was not that simple. You have to find out your own meaning from the sentence and follow your destiny, which nature has already set for you. You should not complain for anything because our Allah has created us and knows much better than we do. This is also evident in the story, as every difficulty coming in Santiago’s life, leads him to the right way. You asked for a recommendation I will recommend you ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens.

Yep! Totally agree on “A tale of two cities” . It’s really amazing!!!!!!!But also emotional , really a lot of it… Anyways , a must read for EVERYONE!!!

The Alchemist ! if i try explaining the content, i will surely distort the message the writter wants to convey……must read book.

Hi , I can can see that a lot of people here haven’t read a novel before . Because The Alchemist in my opinion it’s not a good book , it gets so boring after a while, I thought many times to quit it . The author repeats the same thing over and over , there isn’t much plot , it feels like it’s written by a 10 year old for a 10 year old . Very boring, kids story , don’t wast money and time !!!

Plot of this book is taken from Masnawi of Maulana Jalal Ud Deen Rumi.

Yes dear I like the BOOK. The Al CHEMIST tells us about never stop dreaming and Personal Legend. Its loving and having good things to read. After studying, I hope everyone will start liking this beautiful NOVEL.

Hi Bren if you want to read the books then I can give you some recommendations you can read the books of Paulo Coelho I am just13 years old but have read more than5 books of Paulo Coelho because his book is very fascinating and inspiring by those books only I am able to change my life

hi I wanna know what you think about the universal language…… no one mentioned it as I was checking out

My newsletter includes exclusive stories, updates, giveaways and more. 100% free. 

Zero spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

The Alchemist | Book Review, Summary, Lessons [PDF]

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Table of Contents

The Alchemist Review

A global phenomenon,  The Alchemist  , a graphic novel has been read and loved by over 80 million readers, topping bestseller lists in 74 countries worldwide. Now this magical fable is beautifully repackaged in an edition that lovers of  Paulo Coelho  will want to treasure forever.

Dreams, symbols, signs, and adventure follow the reader like echoes of ancient wise voices in “ The Alchemist “, a novel that combines an atmosphere of Medieval mysticism with the song of the desert. With this symbolic masterpiece Coelho states that we should not avoid our destinies, and urges people to follow their dreams, because to find our “Personal Myth” and our mission on Earth is the way to find “God”, meaning happiness, fulfillment, and the ultimate purpose of creation.

The novel tells the tale of  Santiago , a boy who has a dream and the courage to follow it. After listening to “the signs” the boy ventures in his personal, Ulysses-like journey of exploration and self-discovery, symbolically searching for a hidden treasure located near the pyramids in Egypt.

When he decides to go, his father’s only advice is  “ Travel the world until you see that our castle is the greatest, and our women the most beautiful” . In his journey, Santiago sees the greatness of the world, and meets all kinds of exciting people like kings and alchemists. However, by the end of the novel, he discovers that “treasure lies where your heart belongs”, and that the treasure was the journey itself, the discoveries he made, and the wisdom he acquired.

“ The Alchemist “, is an exciting novel that bursts with optimism; it is the kind of novel that tells you that everything is possible as long as you really want it to happen. That may sound like an oversimplified version of new-age philosophy and mysticism, but as Coelho states  “simple things are the most valuable and only wise people appreciate them” .

As the alchemist himself says, when he appears to Santiago in the form of an old king “when you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true”. This is the core of the novel’s philosophy and a motif that echoes behind Coelho’s writing all through “ The Alchemist “. And isn’t it true that the whole of humankind desperately wants to believe the old king when he says that the greatest lie in the world is that at some point we lose the ability to control our lives, and become the pawns of fate. Perhaps this is the secret of Coelho’s success: that he tells people what they want to hear, or rather that he tells them that what they wish for but never thought possible could even be probable.

Coelho also suggests that those who do not have the courage to follow their  “Personal Myth” , are doomed to a life of emptiness, misery, and unfulfillment. Fear of failure seems to be the greatest obstacle to happiness. As the old crystal-seller tragically confesses:  “ I am afraid that great disappointment awaits me, and so I prefer to dream” . This is where Coelho really captures the drama of man, who sacrifices fulfillment to conformity, who knows he can achieve greatness but denies to do so, and ends up living a life of void.

It is interesting to see that Coelho presents the person who denies to follow his dream as the person who denies to see God, and that  “every happy person carries God within him” . However, only few people choose to follow the road that has been made for them, and find God while searching for their destiny, and their mission on earth.

Consequently, is Coelho suggesting that the alchemist  found God while searching for the elixir of life and the philosopher’s stone? What is certain is that the symbolism of the text is a parallel to the symbolism and the symbolic language of alchemism , and similarly the symbolism of dreams is presented as “God’s language”.

It is also symbolic that Santiago finds his soul-mate, and the secrets of wisdom in the wilderness of the desert. The “wilderness” is a symbol that has been used by many great writers e.g.. Austen in “ Mansfield Park “, and Shakespeare in “ King Lear “. In the desert, Santiago meets his “twin-soul” and discovers that love is the core of existence and creation. As Coelho explains, when we love, we always try to improve ourselves, and that’s when everything is possible. The subject of love inspires a beautiful lyricism in Coelho’s writing:

“ I love you because the whole universe conspired for me to come close to you.”

“ The Alchemist ” is a novel that may appeal to everybody, because we can all identify with Santiago: all of us have dreams, and are dying for somebody to tell us that they may come true. The novel skillfully combines words of wisdom, philosophy, and simplicity of meaning and language, which makes it particularly readable and accounts for its bestselling status.

Everyone who is such a seeker should read this optimistic book of one who seems to have succeeded in the process of turning a potentially base life into a golden achievement, a true alchemist’s conversion.

The Alchemist Paulo Coelho Summary

At the onset of  the Alchemist , we meet Santiago – a simple shepherd who lives in Andalusia, a small village in Spain. He has no big desires in life   – all he wants is to be free to roam with his sheep, little wine and a book in his bag. Soon things change… he gets a repeated dream of a great treasure, hidden under the Egyptian Pyramids. One day, he meets Melchizedek – king of a distant land, who encourages Santiago to   chase his dream and treasure. Santiago also sells his sheep and sets off journey towards the desert.

But unfortunately, on the very first day in the new country, a clever thief robs Santiago. Broken Santiago finds a job with a crystal merchant – just to get some money to go back to his home. But soon he learns all the tricks and makes the merchant’s business successful.

Days run, at one-point Santiago realizes that he’s just getting comfortable with things as they are, instead of pursuing his personal legend. That strives Santiago to restart his journey, he joins a caravan which travels across the desert. He meets an English man on the caravan,  who’s looking for the 200-year-old alchemist. That English man is an avid-reader who tells Santiago that the alchemist lives in the nearby oasis.

The caravan stops near an Oasis since there’s a tribal war on the way. There, he finds Fatima   – a girl from the deserts. They fell in love with each other and starts living together near the oasis. One day, Santiago envisions an attack on the Oasis and save all the people and animals over there. His inception to predict the future makes him popular across the desert, that the alchemist himself pays a visit to Santiago. The alchemist promises to guide Santiago towards the treasure. Fatima too encourages Santiago to chase his dream.

The very next day, Santiago resumes his journey with the alchemist towards the treasure pyramids, but both are captured by some refugees on the way. At the climax, with his strong confidence and magical powers, Santiago speaks to Sun and Wind – to bring the rain. Frustrated refugees beat up Santiago, but one of them reveals that the treasure is not in here in the pyramids, but they’re there at “Andalusia” – the small village in Spain from where Santiago’s all the journey began

The story ends as Santiago discovers the treasure, right at a tree in Andalusia – where he’d his first dream. With all the fortunes, Santiago goes back to the deserts to meet his love, Fatima.

• Interesting Facts about Paulo Coelho

Top 5 Lessons in The Alchemist

The book is full of lessons and pieces of inspiration spread all through the story. Perhaps, I need a full post to list all of them. Here are some of the 5 important takeaways in my view:

• Listen to your heart and follow your dreams
• Live in the present.
• Watch out for “signs” of the Universe that tries to help you.
• Never give-up on failures.
• The treasure is where you are but you need to go out to know it.

Not all of us can find Santiago within us; we all have dreams, but not everyone is ready to quit the contented life and start chasing dreams, and that’s what makes  the Alchemist story  enchanting.

The Alchemist PDF

Related posts:

• Shuggie Bain | Review, Summary, Quotes
• The Da Vinci Code | Book Review, Summary, Ending
• Catch-22 | Book Review, Summary, [PDF]
• The Notebook | Book Review, Synopsis [PDF]
• Watership Down | An Allegorical Novel by Richard Adams Book Review [PDF]

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

A School Library Blog for Everyone

Book Review: The Alchemist

Title: The Alchemist Author: Paulo Coelho Publisher: HarperCollins, New York Reviewed by: Sarayu Suresh, 10A, KV Adoor Shift I

The book is about a shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert to find a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a man who calls himself King, Gypsy woman, and an alchemist. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to face the problems in his path. The story of Santiago shows the power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

Yes, I loved the book and I loved the author’s way of thinking.

Featured Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

No related posts.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

BOOKS AMEYA

For the voracious indian reader.

Book Reviews

[Book Review] ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho was born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Before completely dedicating his life to literature, he worked as a theater director and actor, lyricist and journalist. In 1986, Coelho undertook the pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostella, an experience later to be documented in his book The Pilgrimage . In the following year, Coelho published The Alchemist . Sluggish initial sales convinced his first publisher to drop the novel, before it went on to become one of the bestselling Brazilian books of all time . Other titles include Brida (1990), The Valkyries (1992), and By the river Piedra I Sat Down and Wept (1994).

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

One of the best works of Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist is not only philosophy, but a good philosophy at that. It tells us that life is not about the consequences ; it is about the journey . It narrates the story of a voyage encompassing two continents – a journey that transforms the thinking and perceptions of the traveler, Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd. He keeps getting the same dream about the treasures lying in the Pyramids of Egypt. The book details his journey and the various experiences he has while following his dream. Throughout his journey, Santiago encounters a lot of new people and many problems, which ultimately help him to learn and grow.

There isn’t much of a need for a plot etched out in detail. In fact, the plot isn’t even primarily important in this gem of a novel; it is, at best, incidental to the story . Coelho has rather concentrated on the truth behind the meanings and ideas of certain consequences, and the actions that precede them. A multitude of simple yet profound philosophies are presented throughout Santiago’s journey. Coelho infuses these into the story in a charming manner, so as to not burden the reader. The language is simple, yet effective, and every word lends a meaning to the story .

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.

The Alchemist an entrepreneurial tale of universal wisdom . This fable is a roseate amalgam of a spiritual quest, an existential mystery, a heart-warming sensitivity, and a profound strength. Though far from being the greatest piece of literature on the planet, The Alchemist can stand its ground purely on the basis of its content, not to mention the hidden gems of the meanings that are beautifully interspersed in between the lines. The book emphasizes the values of spirituality, faith, hope and love through the symbolic narration of a fascinating story of an ordinary boy with extraordinary beliefs. It teaches its readers, in a very subtle and effective way, the power of positivity . Coelho not only gives a factual description of the scenes, but also presents a vivid description of the protagonist’s feelings and emotions. The word-choice is impeccable, to the extent that every sentence seems to be brimming with sagacity and philosophy.

Santiago’s journey teaches us about the undeniable importance of listening to our hearts , of recognizing every worthwhile opportunity that comes our way, of learning to read the good and bad omens strewn along the path of life, and, most importantly, of never giving up on following our dreams. The book does not overlook the fact that dreams often come at a price. However, as Coelho has rightly pointed out in his interviews, not pursuing one’s dreams also entails a price. The dream-chaser has a greater responsibility – that of handling their own freedom. While this may not seem like such a huge price to pay, it does require a level of awareness that most of us may not be used to.

The Alchemist weaves self-empowering and spiritual truths into an irresistible story, which is rounded off with an indelible ending . Readers with a penchant for classic literature may find the narrative a bit glib and the characterization shallow, but it must always be noted that this book was intended to be a fable, and it is replete with the simplicity of one.

In conclusion, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a soul-refreshing book that dishes out a multitude of life lessons in one go . Scoring a 4 out of 5, the novel is best read when in an introspective mood. This book can be a great recommendation for the people who are trying to find their way in life.

…now that you’re here

As you might know, Ameya runs on a purely non-profit basis. With no tangible products on offer, advertisements and donations are our only two sources of keeping this blog up and running. You could convey your support to us with something as little as $5 - that's less than what an average Starbucks would cost!

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

5 thoughts on “ [Book Review] ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho ”

Add Comment

Good review. It really is a wonderful book.

Yes, it is. We are glad you liked our review of it. 🙂

• Pingback: Sumita and how bedtime stories charted her path to success
• Pingback: [Book Review] 'The Winner Stands Alone' by Paulo Coelho
• Pingback: Story #269 | Nishant Shekhar | Readers’ Story of the Week

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from books ameya.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Enjoy this post? Rate it!

The Alchemist book review | Masterpiece by Paulo Coelho!

Reading is beneficial for self-development and mental stimulation. the alchemist seems perfect for inspiration. keep reading to know more about the alchemist book review and summary., table of contents, book review | the alchemist, what’s the plot, thoughts about the book, self development through reading, key takeaways.

You need not be an avid reader to identify the perfect book for yourself. Everyone has their preference and taste. You can love romance, thriller, or horror narratives. The moment you see a book, you’ve already decided its fate. So what comes to your mind when you read The Alchemist? The Alchemist book review will give the necessary insights you might want to know.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author, is one of the best-selling books in history. It was first published in Portuguese in 1988 and has since been translated into numerous languages worldwide. The novel is an analogy that follows a young Andalusian shepherd on his journey to Egypt’s pyramids after having a recurring dream of discovering a treasure there. 

In 1987, Coelho wrote The Alchemist in just two weeks. He explained that he could write at such a rapid pace because the story was “already written in (his) soul.”

The story begins by describing a shepherd named Santiago and his flock arriving at an abandoned church. Santiago continues to have dreams about a treasure he discovers near the pyramids in Egypt. 

A fortune teller interprets the dream as a prophecy. Before beginning his journey, Santiago meets an old king named Melchizedek, known as the King of Salem. The latter advises him to sell his sheep to travel to Egypt and introduces the concept of a personal legend. He loosely explains that a personal legend is finding his life’s purpose.

As a result, the book’s plot is primarily focused on Santiago following his dream and attempting to live out his personal legend. He sets out on a journey to Tangiers and Egypt, where he must overcome numerous obstacles before discovering his treasure. The central theme of the book is realizing one’s destiny.

Santiago meets many new people and faces many challenges along the way, which ultimately helps him learn and grow. Does he find the treasures in Egypt’s Pyramids?

The Alchemist is a fascinating read with beautiful storytelling. The word choice is flawless, full of wisdom and philosophy. It gives you a sense of inspiration. The story is enchanting and brimming with optimism, which is essential in our lives. The book demonstrates that the path to your destiny is just as critical as the destination itself. 

The story of an ordinary boy emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and spirituality. The narration itself justifies the simplicity and nuances of the book. Indeed, everyone will enjoy this book because we all have dreams, and sometimes we just want someone to tell us they might come true. 

Another intriguing theme in the novel to which one can relate is the negative consequences of fear. People will live in misery if they let fear control their lives. Santiago would not have discovered the treasure and, more importantly, the meaning of his life, his personal legend, if he had allowed his fear of pursuing his dream to dominate his life.

Overall, The Alchemist book review states that it is an exciting fiction novel that should be on everyone’s bookshelf. It’s the best read when you feel like diving into illusion and coming back to reality with a strong mind and positive attitude.

Reading, especially influential works like “The Alchemist,” is a gateway to self-discovery and personal growth. By their very nature, books serve as guides for self-reflection, encouraging you to ponder your own lives, beliefs, and aspirations. Paulo Coelho’s narrative in “The Alchemist” is a prime example of literature that transcends mere storytelling to become a catalyst for introspection.

Books often offer insights that resonate with readers emotionally and intellectually. They become mirrors, reflecting our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. “The Alchemist” is a treasure trove of life lessons that inspire mindfulness and self-awareness. Santiago’s journey towards self-actualization is relatable to anyone navigating their path in life. This transformative journey not only resonates with readers but also nudges them to contemplate their dreams, the pursuit of purpose, and the hurdles encountered along the way.

• Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is one of the best-selling books in history. 
• The protagonist in the book is Santiago, who is following his personal legend.
• The book is a must-read for people looking out for motivation and inspiration combined with an engaging plot.

We hope this blog was insightful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us !

Liked this blog? Read next: 10 best books for teens you need to check out !

Q1) Does literature such as “The Alchemist” aid in mindfulness?

Answer: Books like “The Alchemist” introduce themes that prompt readers to contemplate life’s purpose and meaning. The introspective nature of such narratives encourages mindfulness by urging readers to reflect on their life’s journey and aspirations.

Q2) What essential themes does The Alchemist explore?

Answer: The book delves into themes of destiny, faith, hope, spirituality, and the impact of fear on one’s pursuit of dreams. It emphasizes the importance of the journey itself in achieving one’s destiny.

Q3) What readership or audience is most likely to appreciate The Alchemist?

Answer: The book appeals to a broad audience, resonating with readers who value inspiration, self-discovery, and the exploration of life’s deeper meanings.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 4.3 / 5. Vote count: 23

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

People also liked

Cost of living and studying in the USA | A guide for MS and MBA students

Study in Singapore | A comprehensive guide for Indian students

Top courses in 2024 to study abroad

Student life in Germany | Highest paying part-time jobs and more

Cost of studying in the Netherlands 2024 | A guide

Entrance exams to study abroad | A complete guide

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Start your journey with iSchoolConnect

Need help with your study abroad applications? Try iSchoolConnect for free!

• Where to Study? USA | UK | Canada | Australia | Singapore | Netherlands | Ireland | Germany | New Zealand
• Tests and Preparation GRE | GMAT | IELTS | TOEFL | SAT | PTE
• Visa Process Student visa for USA | Student visa for Canada | Student visa for UK
• Programs and Universities How to choose a university? | How to choose a career? | University interview tips
• Application Process How to apply? | Letter of Recommendation (LOR) | Essay and Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Document checklist | Finance documents
• Fees and Finances Cost of studying abroad | How to apply for scholarships? | Types of scholarships | Student loan | Accommodation | Part-time jobs
• Calculators Calculate your chances of studying abroad | Calculate cost of studying abroad | Which scholarship are you eligible for?

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Alchemist — The Alchemist: Book Review in 300 Words

The Alchemist: Book Review in 300 Words

• Categories: Book Review Paulo Coelho The Alchemist

About this sample

Words: 311 |

Published: Mar 17, 2023

Words: 311 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 408 words

4 pages / 1744 words

6.5 pages / 3030 words

2 pages / 887 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on The Alchemist

Have you ever felt a deep yearning for something more in life? Paulo Coelho's novel, The Alchemist, delves into the timeless quest for purpose and fulfillment, weaving together themes of destiny, personal legend, and the power [...]

Paulo Coelho's novel, The Alchemist, tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to pursue his personal legend. Throughout the novel, Santiago faces numerous obstacles that test his perseverance, [...]

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is a renowned novel that has captivated readers with its profound themes and thought-provoking characters. At the heart of this literary masterpiece lies the clever use of irony, a literary device [...]

The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho, is a profound and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago as he pursues his Personal Legend. Throughout his travels, Santiago encounters several [...]

Language is a powerful tool that has the ability to bridge cultural divides and connect people from different backgrounds. In Paulo Coelho's novel, The Alchemist, the concept of a universal language is explored through the [...]

To most people, the brand of religion they follow, as well as the God they believe in, are the two most important factors of their religion. Most religions have similar philosophies, with guidelines that involve being kind, [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Value Invest Asia

Book review on “the alchemist” by paulo coelho.

The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

“ And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. ”

I came to know of The Alchemist through a Kobe Bryant interview where it was highlighted that The Alchemist was his favourite book. And if the 5x NBA Champion nicknamed the Black Mamba finds something interesting, well I thought to myself, why not read a fiction book for a change (Will Smith, Madonna and Pharrell Williams have also stood by The Alchemist) .

To start off, I don’t usually do fiction books; non-fiction books along the lines of autobiographies, investment stuff and psychology books are more of my cup of tea. In fact, the last fiction book I read might have been Ronald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , close to two decades ago.

The Alchemist starts with the star of the story – Santiago as a shepherd boy having a recurring dream about finding hidden treasure in Egypt. He then meets people along the way telling him to follow his dreams, pointing him to the pyramids where he will find treasure. Santiago then sold his sheep and went into the unknown. Along the way, he got robbed, worked at a crystal store (he did pretty well there), and then landed up in the middle of the desert. Throughout the story, Santiago kept reminding himself “ And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. ”

  What Can I Learn From This Book?

You might think that this is a run-of-the-mill motivational go-find-your-dreams kind of book. It’s that and much more.

To oversimplify: Most of us give up too easily on our dreams, yet if we are willing, we might be surprised at how much our determination (universe conspiring) opens doors along the way. Also, it doesn’t hurt to stop and smell the roses along the way.

Many (very generally speaking) fail to achieve their dreams, not because they cannot, but because they never try. Sometimes, the most important step is the first (i.e. Santiago selling his sheep and booking a one-way trip); it’s not easy to drop everything, either literally or figuratively and pushes through. That said, things will not be easy along the way, dreams have a price. On the other hand, not pursuing your dreams also has a price.

Like the old man in responded to Santiago when asked about the world’s biggest lie, “ It’s this: that a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s biggest lie. ”

So What Are The Stuff To Look Out For?

Just enjoy the ride; took me just a day to finish the book.

The surprise at the end is worth the read.

  Who is Paulo Coelho?

Paulo Coelho, born in Brazil (1947), wanted to be a writer since his teenage years. Paulo Coelho’s introversion and opposition to following a traditional path (parent is an engineer) led to his parents committing him to a mental institution, from which he escaped 3 times before being released at 20. Well, he sure wanted to be a writer!

Along the way, he became a hippie, worked as a songwriter, actor, journalist, and theatre director. All that was before being a full-time author when he was close to 40. The Alchemist didn’t exactly sell well at the start but well, he wrote in his book that “ And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. ” It did.

The Alchemist took off, going on to sell more than 83 million copies, becoming one of the best-sellers in history, winning the Guinness World Record for the most translated book by a living author. That is pretty legit.

  What Makes This Book Stand Out?

The Alchemist was written in such a way that it could be relevant to almost anyone’s life. I would describe this as a more colourful (story-like) version of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich.

The book was littered with great motivational poster-like quotes:

“ If you start by promising what you don’t even have yet, you’ll lose your desire to work towards getting it. ” “ There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure. ” “ The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times .” “ Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own. ”

  What Could Make The Book More Interesting?

Five stars!

That said, people might have different interpretations of the book. Because at the end of the day, for most self-help type of books, reading is not enough. You have to take action, otherwise, it is nothing more than words.

For me, this easy-to-read book (completed it in 1 day) is easily the best fiction book (which seemed more like a non-fiction book) I have read so far. And I would recommend anyone who hasn’t read it, to go read it.

Where Can I Get My Hands On It?

Book depository, amazon – the alchemist.

All views or opinions articulated on the website are expressed in Value Invest Asia and its writers’ personal capacity and do not in any way represent those of the company, their employers and other related entities.

*Disclaimer: We are affiliates with Amazon and Book Depository. When you buy a book through our links, we do get a small (very small) commission from Amazon or Book Depository, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

All posts and published materials made do not constitute to being investment advice or recommendations. Value Invest Asia and its writers do not take responsibility whatsoever for any loss or damage of any kind incurred from opinions or facts made from this website. Value Invest Asia and its writers do not take responsibility for any factual inaccuracies made. All posts may be edited in the future.

Related Posts

Cheong Mun Hong, CFA

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Our Monthly Free Asia-In-Focus Report!