The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

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.

Reviewed by ibeforem on

3 of 5 stars

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I thought this was a sweet fable, but not exactly life-changing, as so many other reviews would have you believe. Maybe it’s because the lesson you’re supposed to take from it, essentially “Pay attention and follow your heart”, is nothing new. It really isn’t any more complicated than that.

I did think it was well-written, if repetitive at times, and I was interested in Santiago’s journey. But all-in-all, nothing about it surprised me. I’m glad I finally read it.

"I’m like everyone else–I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen, not what actually does."

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 2 June, 2011: Finished reading
  • 2 June, 2011: Reviewed