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Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist": Book Review

• Categories: Novel The Alchemist

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Words: 743 |

Updated: 8 November, 2023

Words: 743 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

To sum up, throughout his quest, Santiago learns invaluable lessons about the importance of listening to his heart, recognizing the language of omens, and pursuing one's personal legend. He encounters various individuals, including a gypsy, a king, and an Englishman, each contributing to his growth and understanding of the world.

Santiago's journey also introduces him to the enigmatic figure of the alchemist, who imparts wisdom about the soul of the world and the significance of staying true to one's path. This newfound awareness prompts Santiago to make choices that align with his destiny, even if it means leaving behind the oasis where he found love.

The narrative is rich with symbolism, emphasizing the themes of self-discovery, personal fulfillment, and the interconnectedness of the universe. In the end, "The Alchemist" serves as a profound reminder that everyone possesses the power to chase their dreams and embark on a personal journey of self-realization. Santiago's story inspires readers to listen to the whispers of their hearts, heed the signs along the way, and have the courage to pursue their own personal legends.

Works Cited

• Coelho, P. (2014). The Alchemist. HarperCollins.
• Delgado, M. (2018). The Art of Dreaming in The Alchemist. Ideas y Valores, 67(166), 49-66.
• De Macedo, N. (2017). Utopian dream in the alchemist by Paulo Coelho. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 7(7), 119-123.
• De Sales, R. (2019). Personal legend as the theme of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. Humaniora, 10(3), 285-294.
• Di Gregorio, M. A. (2014). Narrative structure and thematic patterns in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, 3(5), 24-31.
• Garcia-Ramirez, D. (2015). Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist and the Literature of Possibility. Literature and Theology, 29(3), 346-361.
• Kakoli, S., & Saha, S. K. (2017). The alchemist by Paulo Coelho: a study on the significance of omens and dreams. Journal of English Language and Literature, 4(1), 107-114.
• Kestler, J. L. (2016). A spiritual pilgrimage: The Alchemist. A Journal of Undergraduate Literary Criticism and Creative Research, 1(1), 15-22.
• Kirtley, S. (2019). Omens and Dreams: The Importance of Symbolism in The Alchemist. Writing and Literature: Journal of the MA Program in Writing and Literature at Stony Brook University, 9(1), 49-55.
• Wang, H. (2017). The function of the element of culture in The Alchemist. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 7(12), 1054-1058.

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The Alchemist: Book Review for Teachers

Educators would likely agree that finding engaging yet meaningful literature can be challenging.

Well, Paulo Coelho's inspiring novel The Alchemist has tremendous potential for enhancing student learning and development.

In this review, we'll analyze the key themes, literary elements, curriculum connections, and recommendations that make The Alchemist an impactful teaching tool for classrooms.**

Introduction to 'The Alchemist': A Book Review for Teachers

About paulo coelho and 'the alchemist'.

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author known for his unique style of writing that combines spirituality, magical realism and inspiration. His most popular novel, The Alchemist, has sold over 150 million copies globally, cementing his status as one of the most widely read authors in the world.

Published originally in Portuguese in 1988, The Alchemist tells the story of an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who embarks on a journey to discover his "personal legend". The novel explores themes of fate, self-discovery, realizing one's dreams and overcoming obstacles. Despite its simple plot and language, The Alchemist's inspirational message has resonated strongly around the world.

The Alchemist Book Review Summary

The Alchemist follows Santiago, a young shepherd living in Spain, who has a recurring dream about finding treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. An old king named Melchizedek tells Santiago to pursue his Personal Legend, so Santiago sells his flock and sets sail for Africa.

In Africa, a thief steals all Santiago's money, forcing him to work for a crystal merchant. After making enough money, Santiago joins a desert caravan to Egypt. In an oasis, he falls in love with an Arab girl named Fatima but leaves to complete his quest. Near the pyramids, robbers attack Santiago but he transforms himself into the wind by mastering the Soul of the World. He finally unearths his treasure where his journey began.

The novel promotes the idea that when you really want something, the universe conspires to help you achieve it. The story highlights the importance of listening to one's heart and pursuing one's dreams.

Exploring Major Themes

Personal Legend - The main theme is to realize one's Personal Legend or purpose in life. Santiago's story shows that when one focuses on their dreams, the universe helps make it happen.

Spirituality - The novel explores mystical ideas like the Soul of the World that connects all living beings. This encourages readers to deepen their spiritual wisdom.

Overcoming Obstacles - Santiago faces many obstacles like getting robbed or the wars along his journey, but he persists in pursuing his dreams. This inspires readers to rise above difficulties.

The Alchemist Novel Quotes

Here are some thought-provoking quotes from The Alchemist:

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

“Wherever your heart is, that is where you’ll find your treasure.”

“It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

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

These quotes capture the novel's key messages around self-empowerment, realizing one's dreams and the interconnectedness of all things. They highlight the inspirational nature of the story.

What is The Alchemist trying to teach?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a thought-provoking fable that teaches important life lessons. At its core, the novel emphasizes the importance of following one's dreams and personal calling.

The story's protagonist, Santiago, embarks on a quest to find hidden treasure after interpreting a recurring dream as a prophecy. Along his journey, he meets many characters and confronts various obstacles that teach him valuable lessons, including:

Listening to one's heart

Santiago learns to trust the omens and signs he encounters, believing they will guide him to fulfill his Personal Legend. This represents the importance of listening to one's intuition and inner voice when pursuing one's dreams.

Embracing uncertainty

Santiago is repeatedly faced with difficult choices and uncertain outcomes. However, he persists in spite of fear and doubt, demonstrating the need to take risks when pursuing one's dreams.

Seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary

The novel emphasizes being able to find meaning and opportunity in every situation. Even simple things contain the potential for greater significance if one looks deeper.

Staying focused on the present

At multiple points, Santiago becomes distracted from his ultimate goal. Coelho stresses the importance of living in the present moment to follow one's dreams.

Ultimately, The Alchemist teaches that we all have a Personal Legend we are capable of achieving. But it requires courage, persistence through difficulty, and faith in the universe's ability to help us - if we put in the effort.

Is The Alchemist ok for kids to read?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho tells an inspirational fable that can appeal to readers of all ages. However, there are a few considerations for determining if it's appropriate for kids:

Reading Level

With its simple, direct prose style, The Alchemist is generally seen as accessible for middle grade readers and up. The vocabulary and concepts should not pose too much of a challenge for kids 10+ who are strong, avid readers. Younger or reluctant readers may struggle with some of the allegorical elements.

Themes and Content

The novel explores sophisticated themes like finding one's personal destiny, the unity of all things, and listening to one's heart. There are a few intense scenes involving fighting and danger. Parents should check that their child is emotionally mature enough to handle such themes.

Overall, advanced middle grade readers can grasp the novel's core messages around following dreams and overcoming obstacles. But due to some complex passages, it's best suited for older kids, tweens, teens, and adults. The book's inspirational qualities make it engaging across generations.

How do you write a review of the book Alchemist?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a thought-provoking allegorical novel that explores themes of destiny, self-discovery, and realizing one's dreams. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing an insightful review:

Read Closely and Take Notes

• Carefully read the novel, underlining powerful quotes and taking notes on key details, characters, symbols, themes, etc. Identify the core message the author aims to convey.

Analyze Literary Elements

• Examine the author's use of literary devices like metaphor, symbolism, foreshadowing, etc. Consider how these elements bring deeper meaning to the story and characters.

Evaluate Overall Impression

• Assess your overall experience of the book. Did the story resonate with you emotionally? Was it entertaining, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Capture your impressions.

Discuss Key Themes

• Elucidate the major themes like following one's dreams despite obstacles, the interconnectedness of all things, the power of love, etc. Provide evidence from the text.

Comment on Relevance

• Discuss the book's continued relevance today. How do its themes remain meaningful for modern audiences? Consider its applicability in the classroom.

Give a Recommendation

• Provide a clear recommendation on reading the novel, highlighting its most compelling qualities. Specify the intended audience who would appreciate and benefit from reading it.

Following these key steps will produce a thoughtful, well-structured review showcasing meaningful analysis and evaluation of Paulo Coelho's acclaimed novel The Alchemist. Use vivid examples and optimize for SEO relevance.

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What grade level reading is alchemist.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has a Lexile score of 680L, which makes it appropriate for 9th and 10th grade students according to U.S. grade level standards. This means the vocabulary, sentence structure, and reading complexity falls within the typical range for high school freshmen and sophomores.

Some key reasons why The Alchemist works well for grades 9-10:

Themes and characters: The novel explores universal themes of destiny, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity that resonate with high schoolers. The protagonist Santiago's coming-of-age journey also connects with students' own identity development at this age.

Reading level: While some vocabulary words may be challenging, the overall syntax and structure is very readable at the 9th/10th grade level based on sentence length, word frequency, and text cohesion data.

Engagement: The Alchemist's allegorical style, mysticism, and adventure appeal to young adult readers. The novel inspires imagination and critical thinking.

Curricular connections: Teachers often use this novel to complement study of classical quest narratives like The Odyssey. It also enables rich discussion around literary devices and analysis.

So in terms of quantitative text complexity metrics and qualitative measures of reader engagement and comprehension, The Alchemist hits a sweet spot for freshmen and sophomores. It stretches their reading ability while remaining highly readable and enjoyable.

Literature Analysis for Educational Value

Symbols and motifs in 'the alchemist'.

The Alchemist contains important symbols and motifs that can stimulate classroom discussions. The pyramids and the desert represent Santiago's personal journey, as he crosses the desert in search of treasure by the pyramids. The symbolic nature of this journey can lead to rich conversations around self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and achieving one's dreams. The alchemists themselves are mystical symbols of those who can turn lead into gold, representing Santiago's desire to transform his ordinary life. Even subtle motifs like the sun rising and winding road have symbolic meaning.

Character Analysis and Student Engagement

Analyzing Santiago, the alchemists, the merchant's daughter, and more allows students to connect with different perspectives. Santiago's story arc is one students can relate to, as he chases his dreams despite obstacles. Comparing Santiago's worldview at the start versus end demonstrates how personal journeys can change us. The alchemist represents our relationship with mentors, while the merchant's daughter provides a lens into romantic love. Discussing these relationships fosters self-reflection and empathy.

The Alchemist Book Review Essay Topics

Suggested essay topics include:

• How do the novel’s symbols tie to Santiago’s transformation?
• Is the Alchemist himself real or a figment of Santiago’s imagination?
• Compare Santiago’s motivations at the start and end of his journey.
• What real-life situations are represented by Santiago’s challenges?

These prompts encourage critical thinking around the themes of self-discovery, adversity, and achieving one’s personal legend.

Classroom Application of Themes

The Alchemist lends itself nicely to discussion around broad themes that apply to student's lives. Talking about self-discovery lets students make connections to their own process of figuring out who they want to become. Discussing ideas around adversity, especially through Santiago’s journey, can help students reflect on times they wanted to quit but persevered. Making parallels between Santiago's story and students' own hopes and dreams creates great engagement.

Curriculum Relevance of 'The Alchemist'

Meeting literature standards with 'the alchemist'.

Studying 'The Alchemist' allows students to analyze key literary elements like theme, symbolism, characterization, and more. Teachers can design lessons and assignments around the novel that target curriculum standards focused on understanding literary techniques and interpreting meaning in fictional works. For example, students can analyze the themes of following one's dreams and destiny, explore the allegorical nature of the narrative, or evaluate how the author uses symbolism.

Building Analytical Skills Through the Novel

Reading and analyzing 'The Alchemist' promotes critical thinking abilities as students interpret the text, evaluate the author's message, and draw connections to real-world examples. Teachers can create activities focused on prediction, inference, and evaluation to build analysis skills. For instance, students might predict how a character will change over the course of the novel based on key events.

Encouraging Personal Reflection and Growth

The coming-of-age nature of 'The Alchemist' lends itself well to classroom discussions and writing prompts focused on self-reflection. Analyzing the personal growth of Santiago along his journey encourages students to think about their own development. Teachers can design reflective journaling activities tied to the themes of pursuing one's dreams and overcoming obstacles through perseverance.

Book Review of Alchemist PDF as a Resource

Using a book review PDF as a supplementary resource provides background on the novel's plot and themes. It serves as an additional source for understanding the key elements of the story. Teachers may provide a book review for students to read prior to beginning the novel so they have greater context. A review also includes examples of literary analysis that model the types of observations students will be asked to make.

The Alchemist Book Review for Assignment Use

Assignment ideas based on 'the alchemist'.

Teachers can design creative and analytical writing prompts for students based on 'The Alchemist' to assess their understanding and interpretation of the key themes and character development in the novel. Some ideas include:

A diary entry from Santiago's perspective at different stages of his journey, reflecting on the life lessons he has learned.

A compare and contrast essay analyzing Santiago's character at the start and end of the novel.

An opinion essay on whether students agree with the novel's key message to follow one's dreams.

A literary analysis essay exploring the symbolic meaning of the alchemist and the metaphor of "personal legend".

Assessing Reading Comprehension and Analysis

'The Alchemist' book reviews allow teachers to evaluate students' comprehension of the plot, settings, and characterizations in the novel. Review assignments can also assess critical thinking skills based on how students analyze and interpret the deeper meaning and life lessons embedded in the story.

Specific review elements to analyze include the quality of:

• Plot summary and sequence of key events
• Description and significance of main characters
• Explanation of major themes and symbols
• Critical analysis and personal interpretation

Incorporating Peer Review and Discussion

Teachers can facilitate rich peer review discussions for students to compare their analysis and learn from each other's perspectives when writing 'The Alchemist' book reviews.

Structured review guidelines and rubrics allow students to provide meaningful feedback to peers on the clarity, accuracy, and depth of analysis in book review drafts.

Peer reviews can focus on a different analytical element in each session, such as theme, plot, characters, or personal interpretation.

Feedback and Grading Criteria

When grading 'The Alchemist' book reviews, teachers should provide feedback based on criteria such as:

• Accuracy of plot summary and sequence of events
• Depth of analysis on themes and character development
• Personal interpretation and originality of ideas
• Use of text evidence and examples to support analysis
• Clarity and organization of writing
• Grammar, spelling, and language use

Establishing clear grading metrics and review criteria allow teachers to objectively assess students' reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Recommendation for Educators: Integrating 'The Alchemist' into the Classroom

Key benefits as a teaching tool.

"The Alchemist" offers several benefits as a teaching tool for literature studies:

• Explores universal themes like following one's dreams and destiny that resonate with students
• Short length makes it manageable for study in class or as assigned reading
• Unique storytelling style using metaphorical tales is thought-provoking
• Examines deeper philosophical ideas in an accessible way

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Some difficulties that may come up include:

• Complex themes require guidance to fully comprehend
• Allegorical style can be confusing without sufficient context
• Some adult situations are depicted that may not suit younger students

Teachers can mitigate these issues by:

• Providing discussion questions to unpack metaphors and symbolism
• Giving background on storytelling techniques used
• Explaining mature content and assessing age-appropriateness

Final Takeaways on 'The Alchemist' as an Educational Resource

In summary, "The Alchemist" offers rich fodder for analysis and reflection. With appropriate guidance from educators on its layered meaning, it can stimulate rewarding discussions. The novel introduces influential concepts like self-realization and highlights the wisdom found in simple stories.

Reading Recommendation for Further Exploration

For more tales with related themes, teachers and students may enjoy "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse or select fables and parables exploring life's lessons.

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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

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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 .

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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:

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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.”

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

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A Complete Book Review

Paulo Coelho, born on August 24, 1947, is a Brazilian author whose works have captivated millions of readers around the world. His writing is deeply rooted in spirituality, philosophy, and self-discovery, making him one of the most influential contemporary authors. Coelho’s most renowned work, “The Alchemist,” is a timeless tale that explores the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and has sold over 65 million copies, making it one of the best-selling books in history.

Coelho’s literary career began in the theatre, but it was with his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago that he experienced a transformative spiritual awakening, inspiring him to pursue his true calling as a writer. His writing style is characterized by simplicity and profound wisdom, conveying complex ideas in accessible language. Beyond “The Alchemist,” Coelho has authored numerous other novels, including “Brida,” “Veronika Decides to Die,” and “The Witch of Portobello,” each exploring themes of destiny, love, and the human spirit.

A recipient of numerous awards and honors, Paulo Coelho continues to inspire readers with his unique blend of storytelling and philosophical insight, encouraging individuals to embrace their own paths and fulfill their personal legends.

Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” stands as a beacon in the literary landscape, beckoning readers to embark on a transformative odyssey. In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into the layers of Coelho’s narrative, unravelling the tapestry of philosophy, spirituality, and self-discovery that makes this timeless work a masterpiece.

Santiago, a shepherd with dreams as expansive as the Andalusian sky, sets forth on a quest to unearth a treasure hidden near the Egyptian pyramids. Beyond a mere physical journey, “The Alchemist” unravels the metaphysical expedition of Santiago as he encounters enigmatic characters, deciphers cryptic omens, and grapples with profound philosophical insights.

Summary of the Alchemist:

In the heart of Andalusia, there lived a young shepherd named Santiago. Restless and curious, he wandered the vast fields, tending to his flock of sheep. One night, he had a recurring dream of finding treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. Convinced that this vision was his personal legend, Santiago decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

As he set out on the dusty roads, Santiago encountered Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who revealed the concept of Personal Legend and introduced him to the Language of the World. The journey, he learned, was not only about reaching a destination but also about understanding the interconnectedness of all things.

On his way, Santiago encountered a beautiful desert oasis where he met Fatima, a woman of the desert. They shared a profound connection, and Santiago learned the true meaning of love and the importance of balancing personal dreams with relationships.

His journey took a crucial turn when he met the enigmatic alchemist who guided him to transform base metals into gold, a metaphor for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through trials and challenges, the alchemist imparted profound wisdom about the Soul of the World and the power of one’s beliefs.

In the Egyptian desert, Santiago faced his ultimate test, turning lead into gold as a demonstration of his spiritual growth. The journey, he discovered, was the treasure itself—a treasure that transcended material wealth.

As Santiago gazed at the pyramids, he realized that the pursuit of his dreams had led him to a profound understanding of himself and the universe. The treasure was not in the destination but in the transformative journey that had shaped his character and soul.

With the wisdom gained, Santiago returned to Andalusia, where he reunited with his flock. He understood that the true alchemy was the ability to turn dreams into reality and that the journey never truly ends as long as one continues to listen to the heart and follow the Language of the World.

Key Themes:

1. Personal Legend: Coelho introduces the notion of a “Personal Legend,” an individual’s unique destiny and purpose. The narrative serves as a guiding light, inspiring readers to introspect and pursue their own dreams, irrespective of societal norms.

2. Spiritual Alchemy: The novel intricately weaves the symbolism of alchemy into Santiago’s journey, mirroring the transformative process of turning base metals into gold. Readers are invited to contemplate their own journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.

3. Omens and Synchronicity: Santiago’s encounters with omens and synchronicities punctuate the narrative, emphasizing the importance of paying heed to the signs the universe presents. Coelho explores the concept of interconnectedness and the role of fate in guiding one’s path.

4. The Language of the World: Central to the narrative is the concept of the “Language of the World,” a universal language that connects all things. Coelho urges readers to attune themselves to this language, fostering a deeper understanding of the mysteries that surround us.

Writing Style:

Coelho’s prose is elegantly simple, yet laden with profound meaning. The rhythmic cadence of his words creates an immersive reading experience, allowing readers to seamlessly connect with the characters and the novel’s overarching themes.

Impact and Reception:

“The Alchemist” has transcended cultural boundaries, captivating a global audience and earning its place as a literary classic. Its enduring impact is evident in its widespread acclaim, with readers expressing gratitude for the inspiration and wisdom gleaned from Santiago’s journey.

In conclusion, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is a magnum opus that beckons readers to venture beyond the ordinary and explore the depths of their own souls. Its exploration of personal legend, spiritual alchemy, and the language of the world invites introspection, making it a timeless companion for those navigating the intricate labyrinth of existence. This comprehensive review merely scratches the surface of the profound tapestry woven by Coelho, leaving readers with an indelible invitation to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

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A Metaphor for Life: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho Essay (Book Review)

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Analysis of the Main Character

New culture as a significant challenge, coelho’s attitude to the main theme, works cited.

The book The Alchemist can be described as a metaphor for life. It is funny how dreams can mold a person’s life. It is a paradox such that people consider other lifestyles as better than theirs, thereby striving to get that life that belongs to different cultures, through that lives are transformed. The essay on The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho shall analyze the traits of the main characters and critical themes in the novel.

Dreams can be seen as the driving forces behind an individual’s life as they bring about desires that mold an individual’s destiny because through them, then fate ceases to be the determinant of happenings in an individual’s lifetime. Santiago, a young shepherd, the main character in the story The Alchemist, is portrayed by Paulo Coelho as a go-getter to some extent.

As is clear from the summary, he repeatedly gets a dream that haunts him and pushes him to follow it, and thus his expedition in the story; he wants to achieve that dream (Coelho 34). Santiago gets the simple lessons of life of believing in the signs that one gets in life, even if it is just through dreams and following them till he achieves them. The crossing of cultures leads him to following his goals, which he finally achieves.

The boy, Santiago, is driven to search for the hidden treasure in Egypt. The desire makes him cross many countries and even the vast Sahara desert, whereby he meets different characters, both deceitful and truthful, who shape his life. This is similar to the way the young Chinese man and other international students cross the borders to get to Melbourne to study, their treasure in this context, education.

When the young man shows up in the author’s office with scratchy English (Coelho 45), it is evident that there is a bit of transformation from his past self to his present self.

The young Chinese appreciated the author’s message that she had given him the first day he visited her office because she says so. In the same spirit of appreciation, the boy Santiago appreciated the advice given to him in the story, which leads him to acquire the treasure that he set out to look for.

For instance, he gives the older man a share of his sheep, that is, a tenth of his flock and promises to give a tenth of his treasure to the older woman. The Chinese student, on the other hand, brings the tutor a painting of a well embroidered Chinese woman (Coelho 61). This, therefore, gives the importance of appreciating those who help us in our endeavors to acquire our different treasures in life.

Through the harsh experiences that he faces, the boy learns the value of being strong, patient, and persistent, and being a hard-working person. Regardless of the setbacks that he encounters along the way, he does not give up. Just like in Rachael, no potential was seen in her as a nurse. She was discouraged by her tutors that she could not make it as a children’s nurse, but her so many visits to the Occupational Health Department, which convinced the tutors that she was capable of becoming a nurse, saw her through (Coelho 25).

It took a year to convince them and about fifteen visits, and in the long run, she was allowed to take up the career path that she had dreamt of and desired to do. Her desire and persistence to follow her dream made her accomplish her heart desires. Following a dream can sometimes seem too hard and expensive, but the determination in it tells all about the conviction that one has.

The Alchemist book review essay shows that the boy in the story is portrayed by Coelho as humble and a brave character. The king tells him that when he wants something, the world will always conspire to help him achieve it, and now that he wants to get the treasure, then he is going to get it as long as he is ready to face the challenges (Coelho 24).

The challenges he faces in foreign lands can be likened to the challenges faced by those living in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. We are told that the further one lives away from the city, the more harsh life is for them because life there is a bit depressing and that there are little or even no amenities at all. The public transport system is also weak. The kinds of houses that are there are in a sorry state, just like street lights are not in proper functioning conditions.

Fitting into a new culture can be demoralizing more especially after relocation to a new place, but regardless of this, accepting the prevailing conditions in order to achieve one’s heart desires is reason enough to go on, the international students face problems of housing but with perseverance they the can achieve their ultimate goals and desires.

The boy Santiago takes up every opportunity that comes his way, and he swallows through so many problems that he encounters along his path of getting to the treasure. He worked hard towards his destiny because no problem was too big for him to deal with.

We find that dreaming is one thing, and following that dream is another. Rachael had a dream of becoming a nurse, and she felt that she needed to give back to the community and serve the people who had made a significant difference in her life. That is why she really wanted to be a children’s nurse, she was laughed at told on several occasions that it was never going to happen because a nursing course was not suitable for her and that she was fit to a desk job (Coelho 25).

Nevertheless, as is evident from the assessment, her desire to follow her dream was the driving force that led her to achieving it in the long run. Had she given up along the way due to the words of discouragement from even her tutors, she could not have become a voice to reckon to the parents of the sick children that she attended to at the Children’s Out-patient Department (Coelho 25).

In the story, we are also brought to a level ground where freedom to choose what one wants to do should be embraced and given room to drive us. Freedom is the ability for one to do what he or she likes and that entails following one’s heart.

Through this, one is capable of exploiting his or her own potentialities and doing something that is self-fulfilling, if one is made to do something that dictates his or her destiny in a forceful way, then the end results will always be bitter. The boy chooses to travel the world because this is his inner calling other than studying theology and becoming a priest.

He enjoys the life of adventure and traveling to new places. On her part, Rachael could have been forced to do a desk job because of her health, something that she could have done regretfully, thereby ending up a slave in a career path that on the contrary, should have brought her inner peace and happiness. The boy was allowed to follow his heart, which led him later on to acquire his life experiences that are worthwhile, even more than he could have achieved material treasures.Thus, with the help of vast imagery, symbolism, and paradoxes in The Alchemist , the author shows us the full circle of the story.

The challenges faced by adapting to a new culture can sometimes be too much to bear, but how ready is a person to bear with the challenges that come with it? At the same time, it can be hard to make a dream a reality, but how persistent that can one be to catch up with that dream (Coelho 89)? Both parties, therefore, should equip themselves with the communication gear, which most definitely is the vehicle that will enable one to get to his or her destiny.

The individual will get room to express him/herself, thereby appreciating each other as well as compromising with each other’s feelings where possible, that way the joy of learning will have come into play. Once a dream has been hatched, then the determination and persistence that will be employed in making it a reality is what will determine whether it is going to be the destiny of an individual, and that is what brings in the difference between destiny and fate.

Though not sure of his destiny, he strives to get it no matter the challenges, and his life experiences show that everyone needs to work hard to achieve success, one needs to strive for the good things in life. This simply inspires people to put effort in order to achieve our goals, for one to make his or her dreams become a reality, he or she is not just going to sit there and wait for dreams to fall into place, one needs to risk the good things in life in order to achieve better ones (Coelho 100).

As is clear from the essay on The Alchemist, Coelho simply intends to bring to our attention that if one dreams and wishes for something then one should be persistent about it and be patient for long enough, one might lose an opportunity by getting tired at the last minute and give up so quickly, and see the fruits after somebody else has achieved the fruits of our long-suffering. Just like Santiago, one’s wishes can come in both material objects and life experiences, as for the case of Santiago, his journey to the Pyramids in Egypt, is his treasure.

Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. New York. Harpertorch. 1993. pp. 1 – 163.

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IvyPanda. (2018, August 22). A Metaphor for Life: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-alchemist/

"A Metaphor for Life: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho." IvyPanda , 22 Aug. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/the-alchemist/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'A Metaphor for Life: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho'. 22 August.

IvyPanda . 2018. "A Metaphor for Life: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-alchemist/.

1. IvyPanda . "A Metaphor for Life: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-alchemist/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "A Metaphor for Life: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-alchemist/.

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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

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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

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A LITTLE LIFE

by Hanya Yanagihara ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2015

The phrase “tour de force” could have been invented for this audacious novel.

Four men who meet as college roommates move to New York and spend the next three decades gaining renown in their professions—as an architect, painter, actor and lawyer—and struggling with demons in their intertwined personal lives.

Yanagihara ( The People in the Trees , 2013) takes the still-bold leap of writing about characters who don’t share her background; in addition to being male, JB is African-American, Malcolm has a black father and white mother, Willem is white, and “Jude’s race was undetermined”—deserted at birth, he was raised in a monastery and had an unspeakably traumatic childhood that’s revealed slowly over the course of the book. Two of them are gay, one straight and one bisexual. There isn’t a single significant female character, and for a long novel, there isn’t much plot. There aren’t even many markers of what’s happening in the outside world; Jude moves to a loft in SoHo as a young man, but we don’t see the neighborhood change from gritty artists’ enclave to glitzy tourist destination. What we get instead is an intensely interior look at the friends’ psyches and relationships, and it’s utterly enthralling. The four men think about work and creativity and success and failure; they cook for each other, compete with each other and jostle for each other’s affection. JB bases his entire artistic career on painting portraits of his friends, while Malcolm takes care of them by designing their apartments and houses. When Jude, as an adult, is adopted by his favorite Harvard law professor, his friends join him for Thanksgiving in Cambridge every year. And when Willem becomes a movie star, they all bask in his glow. Eventually, the tone darkens and the story narrows to focus on Jude as the pain of his past cuts deep into his carefully constructed life.  

Pub Date: March 10, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-385-53925-8

Page Count: 720

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: Dec. 21, 2014

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2015

More by Hanya Yanagihara

by Hanya Yanagihara

PERSPECTIVES

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

by Harper Lee ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 11, 1960

A first novel, this is also a first person account of Scout's (Jean Louise) recall of the years that led to the ending of a mystery, the breaking of her brother Jem's elbow, the death of her father's enemy — and the close of childhood years. A widower, Atticus raises his children with legal dispassion and paternal intelligence, and is ably abetted by Calpurnia, the colored cook, while the Alabama town of Maycomb, in the 1930's, remains aloof to their divergence from its tribal patterns. Scout and Jem, with their summer-time companion, Dill, find their paths free from interference — but not from dangers; their curiosity about the imprisoned Boo, whose miserable past is incorporated in their play, results in a tentative friendliness; their fears of Atticus' lack of distinction is dissipated when he shoots a mad dog; his defense of a Negro accused of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell, is followed with avid interest and turns the rabble whites against him. Scout is the means of averting an attack on Atticus but when he loses the case it is Boo who saves Jem and Scout by killing Mayella's father when he attempts to murder them. The shadows of a beginning for black-white understanding, the persistent fight that Scout carries on against school, Jem's emergence into adulthood, Calpurnia's quiet power, and all the incidents touching on the children's "growing outward" have an attractive starchiness that keeps this southern picture pert and provocative. There is much advance interest in this book; it has been selected by the Literary Guild and Reader's Digest; it should win many friends.

Pub Date: July 11, 1960

ISBN: 0060935464

Page Count: 323

Publisher: Lippincott

Review Posted Online: Oct. 7, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1960

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by Harper Lee

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