The Alchemist
As seen:
By Paulo Coelho
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1 review
A global phenomenon, The Alchemist has been read and loved by over 62 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.
Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. This is such a book – a beautiful parable about learning to listen to your heart, read the omens strewn along life’s path and, above all, follow your dreams. Santiago, a young shepherd living in the hills of Andalucia, feels that there is more to life than his humble home and his flock. One day he finds the courage to follow his dreams into distant lands, each step galvanised by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own. The people he meets along the way, the things he sees and the wisdom he learns are life-changing. With Paulo Coelho’s visionary blend of spirituality, magical realism and folklore, The Alchemist is a story with the power to inspire nations and change people’s lives. TweetReviews
I was given The Alchemist by a friend who was quite critical of the story. They, as an avid reader of philosophy, felt that the Free Will versus Fate was not fully realised and that this clouded the ‘message’ of the book. So when I began to read the story I wasn’t expecting great things, however I really enjoyed it.
The Alchemist is a ‘global’ phenomenon and I can see why as the story of Santiago’s journey does (if you are not overly critical) give you some inspiration into following your dreams. It reminded me a little of The Shamanic Prophecy in style and it was an easy read which left me feeling hopeful.
Everyone will take a different message from it so just enjoy it and make your own mind up. Although it won’t change your life it may make you think differently and strive for more and there is nothing wrong with that!
