THE ALCHEMIST: A Review and Reading Guide.
AUTHOR: PAULO COELHO
What one has to say about the most translated book after ‘The Bible’ and one of the most widely read book in the world?
“And when you want something in life, all the universe
conspires in helping you achieve it.”
This famous line
from ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho reverberates through the ears and minds of
a huge no. of people in the world and is a life changer for many.
Originally
written in Portuguese by the Brazilian-born author, the book though initially
unsuccessful has sold more than 65 million copies in 56 different languages
achieving the status of a modern classic. If you haven’t read it, go grab a
copy or lend one but, after reading this in full.
The Alchemist is
set in places with deserts ‘and’ meadows. The protagonist is a sheepherder in Andalusia
in Spain, Santiago who travels to Africa and then on to the distant pyramids in
Egypt, all following a recurring dream that he has.
The Alchemist is
set in in regions and settings not very familiar but still recognizable to all
the people in the world.
The Alchemist is
all about how far and hard someone could go to realize his/her destiny, to
follow his/her dreams. It teaches lessons for life and gives many details for
one to realize one’s destiny and encourages everyone to have the audacity to
follow their dreams (not only literally). The story tells about the
protagonist’s struggle with himself, the people, the desert and etc. etc. on
his way to go after his dreams.
The story is set
in the later part of the medieval period in around 15th – 17th
century. It is not ancient, to remind you.
“Anything on the face of earth gives an understanding of the
world. You don’t have to understand the desert; all you have to do is
contemplate a single grain of sand, and you will see in it, the marvels of
creation.”
The alchemist is
full of thoughts, advices and statements. It is a life guide which teaches by
telling us the story of the exploits of life of a small sheep herder, Santiago.
This book or novel
is called an enchanting fable. The
journey of Santiago is described in simplicity and inspires wisdom in every
nook of the story or the book.
The protagonist
an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago travels from his homeland in Spain to
the Egyptian deserts in search of a treasure in the pyramids about which he had
recurring dreams. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself
the king of Salem, both of whom, tell him to follow his dreams and destiny.
When he reaches
Africa , he is cheated of his money, ‘money’ he gathered by selling his
livelihood, his sheeps for the journey. Dejected, he begins working in a shop
and almost gives up on his dream but, he goes on to the pyramids. He meets the
Alchemist who like the king gives him support, hope and helps him realize his
destiny. He meets his love but yet sets out for the pyramids guided by the Alchemist.
Is he going to
get his treasure in the pyramids? Will he return back? Or will he face
disappointment? These answers can only
be found after you read the book. The book just doesn’t tell a story it gives a
teaching.
The book is
written in simple language though the original writing is a bit affected by the
translation. It is written in third person narrative and not in the easy to
read autobiographical narrative.
Though simple,
the book is a must two time read, in my opinion to help understand it better
and to imbibe the qualities which spread out from it.
The Alchemist as
described is a moving and enchanting fable which tells to follow one’s dreams
overcoming the obstacles. The book is a teaching and an inspiration. The book
in my opinion can be used as a guide, a philosopher and a teacher. A provoking
and compelling read. The book doesn’t fail to impress.
Overall, the
book is one of its kind, a wonderful modern classic, a fable and a must read.
What really counts is the message given by it.
P.S- Any
suggestions, reviews, your point of view or criticism is welcome in the
comments below and will be held in regard. You can also mail me at hrishikeshkayshap@gmail.com
P.P.S- Coming up
next is ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ authored by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
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