Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Ritu Prasoon
2 min readAug 18, 2024

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Reading,Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is an experience in itself.

Snapshot:

  • Main Character: Santiago, a shepherd with big dreams.
  • The Journey: From the rolling hills of Spain to the vast deserts of Egypt, Santiago’s adventure is both a physical and spiritual journey.

Themes that Hit Home:

  • Chasing Your Dreams:
    The book centers around the idea of a "Personal Legend," which is basically one’s life’s true purpose.
  • Santiago’s pursuit of his dream teaches us that if you’re committed, the universe will have your back.
  • Life’s Bigger Picture:
    It’s not just about the treasure; it’s about self-discovery.
  • The Power of Belief:
    Coelho weaves in the idea that believing in your dream is the first step towards making it real.

Symbols to Watch Out For:

-The Desert: Represents the challenges and trials we all face on the path to our dreams.

- The Alchemist: A figure of wisdom and the mentor we all wish we had, guiding us to trust our instincts.

-The Treasure: Spoiler—It’s not just about gold. It’s about understanding what truly matters.

Writing Style:

Simple and Direct:

  1. Coelho’s style is straightforward, making the book accessible to everyone.
  2. Yet, beneath the simplicity, there’s depth that invites reflection without feeling like a chore.
  3. Full of Life Lessons:

-The book is sprinkled with little nuggets of wisdom, perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up or something to think about.

Quotes Worth Remembering:

- "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

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

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

What’s the Verdict?

Pros:
- It’s an easy read with a powerful message.
- Great for those moments when you need a boost of inspiration.

Cons:
- Some might find it a bit repetitive.

- If you’re into complex characters and plots, this might feel a bit too simplistic.

Why Pick It Up?

Inspiration on Every Page:

Whether you’re at a turning point or just need a nudge, The Alchemist* serves up a reminder to keep chasing your dreams.

Universal Appeal: The themes are relatable no matter where you are in life.

Reflection: It makes you pause and think about what you’re truly pursuing in life.

Final Thoughts:

The Alchemist is more than just a story—it’s a guide for anyone on the path to finding their true purpose.

It’s a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination, and sometimes, the treasure you’re seeking is within you all along.

This is a book you’ll want to revisit whenever you need to be reminded that dreams are worth pursuing.

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