Publication Info
The Alchemist is a adventure fiction novel written by Paulo Coelho. It was originally published in 1988 in Portuguese and later translated to English in 1993 by HarperTorch Publishing. It is an international bestseller and continues to touch the lives of those who read it.
Brief Summary
The Alchemist follows the story of Santiago, a shepherd from Andalusia. Santiago continues to have a dream in which he travels to the Pyramids and finds treasure. One day as he travels into a town he meets a Gypsy fortune teller who offers to interpret his dreams. After doing so, she tells him that in exchange for her services, he is to give her a percent of the treasure that he finds.
Santiago goes about his way thinking nothing of the interpretation of the Gypsy woman. However, he soon comes across a king from a far away land who seems to know more about Santiago, than he knows about himself. The king tells him that this journey is Santiago's "personal legend", something that all of us have. He convinces the boy to go and fulfill his dream, and so he does.
Throughout his journey Santiago comes across several people who teach him valuable lessons. These include a crystal merchant, an Englishman, and of course the alchemist. Each on of these characters shows a new truth to Santiago so that he may continue in this journey of finding treasure.
Review
I think that my expectations for this book were slightly off. I am not saying that I didn't like this book. I am saying that I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to. This book was recommended to me by several people and is on the top of multiple trending charts for Amazon, Scribd, Barnes and Noble, and more.
This book does have many great themes and ideas that are present in many works of fantasy and adventure. Following ones dreams is something that everyone can resonate with. This is why I believe this book has touched so many over the past 30 years. As I said above, I believe that I would have enjoyed this book more had my expectations been leveled.
This book continues to be at the top of the charts, has sold 65 million copies worldwide, and has translated into 80 languages. It is no secret that this book is beloved by literally millions of people. I would recommend this book to anybody who like the themes shown in many fantasy novels. This book is an easy read. At 208 pages, it is shorter than many in its genre. While this wasn't the best book I have read this year, the theme of following one's "personal legend" is one that I thoroughly enjoy and love being reminded of.
"To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation."
Rating - 3.5/5
Currently Reading - The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien / The History of the Hobbit (part 1) by John D. Rateliff
Комментарии