The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

Other authorsAlan R. Clarke (Translator)

Paperback, 1999

Status

Available

Call number

869.342

Genres

Collection

Accelerated Reader

Publication

HarperCollins (1999), 184 pages

Description

An Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasures found within.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Widsith

The problem with this book is not just that it's bad, which it certainly is, but that there are so many people out there who want to corner you at parties and tell you how it's totally changed their lives. In a way you might as well read it just so you can see how feeble-minded they must be to get

any kind of philosophical nourishment out of this inexhaustible stream of clichés. The profound lessons you'll learn from this book amount to nothing more than several variations on the theme of "only the very ugly is truly beautiful, only the very stupid are really intelligent, only black is white, only up is down" etc etc.

The writing is too simple to be really bad, but it's the content that gets you. By the end of the book you'll want to track down the philosopher's stone yourself and carefully beat Coelho to death with it.

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LibraryThing member anandrajan

Horrible. I want the three hours of my life back.

LibraryThing member snat

***spoilers and bitterness ahead--be forewarned**

I'm not sure that I can capture my utter disdain for this book in words, but I'll give it a shot. I read this book about three years ago and just had to re-read it for book club. It was a steaming pile of crap then and, guess what?, it's a steaming

pile of crap now. The main reason I hate this book: it's trite inspirational literature (there's an oxymoron) dressed up as an adventure quest. You go into it thinking that it's going to be about a boy's quest for treasure. If you read the back, there are words like "Pyramids," "Gypsy," "alchemist." Turns out, this is just The Purpose Driven Life dressed up with a little fable. It's Hallmark Hall of Fame territory set in an exotic locale. Which pisses me off to no end as I normally try to dodge that sort of thing, but here it is masquerading as the type of book I normally like. It's cliche, didactic, and poorly written.

Just as with Aesop's Fables, there's a moral to the story. And Coelho keeps backing up and running over it just to make sure that we get it (and he capitalizes important key words necessary to understanding it, lest we overlook their significance). If there's one thing Paulo Coelho can do, it's flog a dead horse.

Essentially, boy thinks he's happy in life. He's a shepherd who gets to travel the world, has all of his needs met, and owns a book which he can always trade for another book when he goes to market. What more can a boy need? Boy is then told by a mysterious stranger that he's not happy at all. Why not? He has failed to recognize his Personal Legend. Everyone has a Personal Legend, which is life's plan for you. However, most of us give up on our Personal Legend in childhood. If you are fortunate enough to hang onto and pursue your Personal Legend, then The Soul of the World will help you obtain it. All of nature conspires to bring you luck and good fortune so that you can fulfill your destiny, whether it's to be a shepherd on a quest for treasure at the pyramids, a butcher, a baker, a candlestick maker, or, one would assume, a prostitute, drug dealer, or porn star. Hey, we're all fate's bitch in The Alchemist. But I digress. Boy seeks out his Personal Legend and finds it's a long, hard road to obtaining what you want in life. But with faith, perseverance, and just a little goshdarnit good luck, the boy learns to speak the Language of the World and tap into The Soul of the World and fulfills his Personal Legend. And what does he learn? That what he sought was back home, the place he started from. Oh, silly boy.

So, in summation, here is what you should learn from The Alchemist:
1) Dream. And, while you're at it, dream BIG
2) Follow your bliss
3) Don't be surprised if you find obstacles in your way, but you will
overcome
4) It's good to travel and encounter people from other cultures
5) What we most often seek is right in front of us, but sometimes we
have to leave home to realize it
To all of these important life lessons, I can only say, "Well, no shit, Sherlock." If Coelho knew anything about alchemy, he would have been able to transform this crap into gold. Alas, it's still crap.

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LibraryThing member CasualFriday

I can't write a fair review of an "inspirational" book, because I'm not a fan of the genre. I suppose theses tales are *supposed* to be filled with cardboard characters that represent Ideas.

To the extent that I pondered the ideas herein, I didn't agree with them. I detest the notion that all

people are in complete control of their own destiny, as if any failure is their personal responsibility. And I'm infuriated by the notion that only men need to purse their Personal Legend; that woman's role is to love, and wait for, their men.

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LibraryThing member queensheherezade

I have to agree with kerrycarter76, LLthestorygirl and jayne_charles. I read this book over a year ago and found it rather forgettable. Full of saccharine metaphors and annoyingly wistful passages containing Santiago's various conversations with the wind and the sun etc etc. "Language of the

World"?? "Soul of the World"??? "Personal Legend"?? Oh, pa-lease!! I had high hopes considering that so many heads of state and A-list celebrities reviewed the story as "life changing". Moral of the story: The Alchemist is over-rated and if heads of state and celebrities ever say they love a book, run fast in the opposite direction!

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LibraryThing member Cecilturtle

Prechewed thoughts for uncreative people who need to hear what they want to hear

LibraryThing member Beezie

This book was given to me by a dear friend. So, I read it. I was left truly, deeply and utterly irritated.

LibraryThing member tjsjohanna

I have to admit, I found this a bit boring. It seemed a little superficial to me.

LibraryThing member kseniyat

I dislike almost everything about this book.

LibraryThing member CowPi

I discovered this book on the best-seller nonfiction shelf at the entrance to a book store. It was also filed in the Metaphysical Studies section. I wonder why it was not filed under fiction. I guess they file books under Metaphysical Studies if they have no idea how to categorize a book.

The book

is fiction, a fable, an allegory. For me, the best part of the book was the author's introduction with his list of four obstacles to following your dream, your "personal legend" as the author calls it--finding your purpose in life, or whatever you wish to call "your call."

It is a fast and easy read. The protagonist is easy to like and to hope for. I had wished there was more character development, but that is not the purpose of a fable or allegory. The trials faced were mostly predictable, except toward the end. And that is when things got too "new age" for me. I know that it is a fable/allegory, but the symbols and metaphors employed became too much of a distraction for me and they lost their connections to which they pointed. It lost all its magic for me at this point. I was especially disappointed in the treasure the protagonist finally found because the kind of treasure he found was such a sharp contrast to the stated purpose of the book.

I normally do not read best sellers. This book reinforced why I don't. It is an okay book, not great and life-changing as advertised.

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LibraryThing member HippieLunatic

The Alchemist reminded me much of The Little Prince.

Both are stories of journies and self-discovery. Both delve into what individuals can be made of, and what we can learn from each. [The Alchemist] has a stronger voice, more definitive steering, and a larger sense of authority in my opinion,

which has both its benefits and shortcomings.

The Alchemist is not a children's book, but it doesn't much feel like an adult work, either. It is stuck in that no-age land, meaning that most any reader can pick it up and appreciate it, but children need to be ready for more of the grown-up world, and adults need to be able to let go of their reality, no matter where in the scheme of beliefs it might fall.

Be prepared for a quick and enjoyable read, but I would argue that this is NOT a life-changing book. Unless, that is, your life needs a lot of help, and the book can do something at least.

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LibraryThing member Bbexlibris

A fable, a mystery, a hidden treasure...what is there to not like!? I actually listened to this on my way to and from picking berries (so far I have picked over 70 lbs., for our family and friends) I was immediately captivated by the tale of a boy, a Shepard who follows a dream of reached potential

to a land faraway and unknown. He leaves what he does now, and what is comfortable to reach what may not even really be there. I cannot resist the talk of omens, and personal legends, and magical stones and dreams, and love which so saturates the pages of this short novel.

Personally I enjoyed listening to it, it felt like an ancient tale told to me by a egyptian storyteller. I felt the beauty of the language and the force of the legend.

However if you are not into dreams, and somewhat mystical tales...sit this one out, because that is what it is. I wonder though, if those of you who are not would be won over by the smooth words of Coelho. It is always worth a try! I loved it, and completely recommend it :) I haven't ever read a Paulo Coelho book before, and now I am a Cohelo believer, I am interested in what other really good books he has written. Do you have any recommendations?

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LibraryThing member safetygirl

disturbs my feminist sensibilities. man goes off on life-changing journey while the little women waits patiently, indefinitely at home.

LibraryThing member thinkpinkDana

I haven't often enjoyed the traditional Latin American fable style of writing. I loathed 100 Years of Solitude (go on; shoot me now), and have struggled with the mini-genre of literature ever since , so I was somewhat trepiditious when I picked up The Alchemist to read (though I did find the fact

that it is 1/4 the size of Marquez's epic very comforting). I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. The premise of the book can be found in the quote above: Santiago must leave all he knows and go on a fabulous adventure to find his "treasure." The story itself is a spiritual allegory of a jouney we all must make to determine where our treasure lies, but it is so much more enjoyable to read of caravans across a wide desert, exotic beauty and forbidden love, and a level of magic and mystery that borders on fantasy, then to focus on the drudgery of our own lives. While many have called the book "life-changing," I, personally, can't go that far. But it was a fun, exciting read with an uncommon depth that was welcome and enjoyable. Not to mention, it gave me hope that even I can enjoy Latin American literature.

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LibraryThing member sublunarie

I was told a long time ago by someone that once meant a lot to me that I absolutely had to read this book because it would speak to me and change my life. Four years later, I finally picked it up. My life was not changed and it didn't really have much to say that I hadn't already heard. While the

tale was decent, and the message was pleasing, nothing about this book jumped out at me as anything incredible. Sometimes I find that deeper meaning piled upon deeper meaning just becomes a little too contrived for my taste.

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LibraryThing member jolerie

Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd with dreams of travelling the world. He inadvertently crosses paths with a Gypsy woman who tells his fortunes and from that moment on, Santiago dreams of seeing the world takes on a very different meaning. Along the way, he will meet a king, a crystal merchant, an

Englishman, and an alchemist. Each person will impart their share of wisdom and life lessons and in the end, Santiago discovers the secret of life and but more importantly, his purpose and role in it.

The Alchemist is a book that I can see people absolutely loving, or thinking that it's complete trash - I fall neatly somewhere in between those two extremes. Santiago's journey to find the truth should be a theme that resonates with everyone, but the delivery of that sojourn was rather abstract that often times I found myself wandering what exactly was Coelho trying to say. The whole book read like a giant parable with the occasional biblical quote and character thrown in for added measure. In he end, the mish mash of theological sophistry was lost on me and I got lost in the quest along with Santiago. He eventually found his truth and purpose, but I am still left wandering in Coelho's desert of dreams and legends.

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LibraryThing member justifiedsinner

A New Age fable.

"Listen to the Words Of Wisdom, my son."
"How will I know them Father?
"Because they are written in Capital Letters, my son."

LibraryThing member rizeandshine

Review from a Christian perspective, based on the biblical themes and stories related in the book. Entertaining tale that reminds us to actively seek, discover and live the life that God has planned for us, being courageous and diligent in fulfilling this destiny and our dream. God will lead us on

this journey and we must listen to his instructions and follow his signs as he guides us on our way. Wisdom, courage, love and understanding may be gained along the path, which is fraught with obstacles. Most importantly, our heart has to be in the right place (with God) because, as the alchemist (and Jesus) says, "Where your treasure is, there also will be your heart".

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LibraryThing member JStandlee

Marvelously captivating in its storytelling. Jumbled and confused in it's concept of God, spirituality, and the human condition.

LibraryThing member fuzzy_patters

The Alchemist is about a boy in search of his perxonal legend, a treasure that is supposed to be buried near the pyramids of Egypt. Before leaving on his journey, the boy must leave the sheep he tends as a shepherd in Spain. This is the first of many great sacrifices that the boy must make, and we

learn through the story that each of us must be willing to make similar sacrifices in order to realize our own personal legends, which we are destined to fulfill.

Tthis was one of the main problems that I had with the book. I reject the notion that each of us are predestined to follow some sort of personal quest. This removes the free will that gives each of us our human dignity. Furthermore, in putting our quest before all others, as the boy does, we begin a narcissistic folly of turning our backs on serving our fellow man, which is repaid in turn through their serving us. I believe that leaving those who rely on you behind to chase your personal legend, as the boy does, would be a fool's errand that would leave you lonely with no one to share your treasure with.

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LibraryThing member Rosenstern

Don't run for this book because of the hype. Yes, a lot of people will tell you it's a quasi-existential book with a strong emphasis on "finding your self". Don't listen to those snobby bastards. The book follows a shepherd boy's travels as he attempts to find a treasure he dreamed about. I think

purely for the story, this book had everything a good book needs. An interesting character, who does develop, a cast of characters worth reading about and a flippin twist. Don't read it as a self help book.

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LibraryThing member danielle_burnette

This book tells the story of Santiago, a simple shepherd, who decides to pursue his Personal Legend after having a recurrent dream about finding treasure among the Egyptian pyramids. In order to pursue his Personal Legend (I love the idea of this, by the way), he must see past contentment with his

current life and overcome constant doubt that he can get past each challenge. He must learn to trust himself and his instincts. From the start, the story has a mythic quality, and the simple language (sparse description, introspection without any subtlety) aids this quality.

At the start, I was hooked. I really empathized with Santiago (don't we all have Personal Legends to pursue?), and I was curious to see what his treasure would be. I thought the treasure would be something epic and intangible.

Then about three-quarters of the way through the book, the alchemist appeared and the plot took a weird twist. The alchemist did not play the role I expected him to (especially given the title of the book), and I wondered a bit if he was even necessary to the story. The treasure was also not quite what I expected, which would have been fine except that I didn't feel Santiago's response matched the storyline or how his character had changed. I also felt that book became a little preachy when the alchemist appeared.

So, despite all the hype surrounding this novel, it didn't move me as much as I expected. But I do plan to try one of the author's other books in the future.

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LibraryThing member Antar

Reads like a third-rate Arabian fable. Full of mystical inspiring gibberish with crass poetical overtones. About as inspiring as a couple of Christmas carols and a mince pie.

LibraryThing member peggy.s

A short book about a shepherd following his Personal Legend to find his Treasure. A lot can be learned from some of his insights. I thought it was a very good book - and plan on re-reading it in the future to see what else I can learn from it.

LibraryThing member jayne_charles

The Emperor's New Clothes of literature! Written in simplistic language, rather like a fable, it purports to have a life changing message, but I thought it was dull and ultimately rather disappointing.

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