Book review: The Alchemist

 

The Alchemist is written by a Brazilion writer 'Paulo Coelho'. (Born in August 1947) In his early stage of life, he wanted to pursue a career in journalism but later on his focus got shifted towards writing. However, he faced a bundle of hardships but with his determination he sailed through the sea and wrote some of the best selling books that have touched hearts of people everywhere. 



The protagonist of the book is a young boy named 'Santiago' who chose to be a shepherd rather than being a priest because he was passionate about travelling. He was happy and content with his sheeps until he saw an unusual dream. He went to an old gypsy woman who was oneirocribe. The woman asked the boy to visit the pyramids of Egypt as according to his dream he would find this treasure there.


Within a irresolute mind he began his clueless journey of finding the treasure and met few interesting and meaningful people who helped him to change his perspective about life and reach his treasure. He nut an old king who taught him about omens and destiny. The old stated the principles of conspiring universe including the principles of favourablility. 

Later Santiago worked at a merchant shop and learnt that happiness is in little things and accepting changes is the sign of growth. He helped the merchant in growing his business and worked there for quite a span of time. Thereafter, he began travelling to the pyramids of Egypt. 


In the caravan, he met with an English man who helped him in understanding the art of 'Alchemy'. 

Santiago also crosses his path with the love of his life - the desert woman 'Fatima'. 

And then he met 'The Alchemist' who made him realise his strengths and thus helped him in hitting the final nail on the head. 


The book inculcate that dreams are meant to be pursued and not to be abandoned. Paulo quotes "When you want something with all your heart, that's when you are closest to the soul of the world. It's always a positive force. " Everything which happened in Santiago's life got him closer to his treasure. The book also teaches us that while chasing a dream hurdles are only to test the learnings of an individual and one should be persistent in following the dream despite of hardships. 


Caulho also quoted an important point about love that : Love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny and if it is as pure as matter always makes the person better. 


However, the book consists of a number of metaphors which might be arduous to understand for basic readers. Also, the epilogue might be a bit disappointing as the treasure turned out to be materialistic. There are chances that the reader may expect the treasure to be most spiritual and aesthetic. Except for the fact the book cultivates a new and positive thought process about dreams and the journey to follow them. 


In the end, 'The Alchemist ' is a great book for anyone of all ages. People who find personal development books a bit boring may have a feast while reading this book as a story is quite  alluring.



                                                                                                                 ~Aanchal Tyagi


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