The Alchemist (Book Review)

Title : The Alchemist
Author : Paulo Coelho
Genre : Quest, adventure, fantasy
Published : 1988 (English - 1993)
Rating: 4.4 /5

Synopsis:

It is the story of a shepherd boy from the Spanish province of Andalusia who dreams of travelling the world in search of a treasure as desirable as any ever found. From his home he journeys to the exotic markets of North Africa and then into the Egyptian desert, where the fateful encounter with the alchemist awaits him…
It is an unforgettable story about the essential wisdom of listening to our heart and, above all, following our dreams.

Review:

The Alchemist (Portuguese : O Alquimista) is a novel by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. This book has sold 65 million copies and also been translated into approximately 80 languages, setting the Guinness world record for the most translated book by any living author.

This book enthralled me in a way that I don’t even want to get away from this strangely astonishing yet so authentic world. This book is simply unputdownable and I coaxed myself to pause reading it to get some rest (by that time I had half finished it).

This story developed in a way that almost all people can relate to the messages conveyed by this brilliant author. I won’t reveal anything about this ravishing story (you must experience it yourself) yet I will let you know about few messages from it. Everyone believes the world's greatest lie.

“At a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.” 

Don’t ever fall for this lie. Dreams are made to be followed. It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary. The closer you get to the realization of your dream, the more difficult things become. You will be constantly subjected to test your persistence and courage. And don’t forget that persistence is the key. Remember that wherever your heart is, you will find your treasure there. Some people give up on their dreams to take care of their loved ones. They convince themselves that love is their priority; not their dreams.

“You must understand that love never keeps the man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons his pursuit, it’s because it wasn’t true love… the love that speaks the language of the world.”

You may be afraid that, by pursuing your dreams, you might lose everything you’ve won. But you will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say. That way you will never have to fear an unanticipated blow.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.”

Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own. So, don’t give up on your dreams for the sake of others.

“Life is a journey. Make sure you don’t miss a thing.”

Okay, I’m going to stop my fangirl rattling now.

I highly recommend this book to all the dreamers who are endeavouring their desires despite the defiance of others (or by the whole world). And of course to the fans of Paulo Coelho.

Happy reading!!!

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