Book Review�The Alchemist
Joel George
IX A
Roll No.11
01
Overview
Here I will discus some general features about the Author and his book.
About the Author
Name: Paulo Coelho de Souza
Nationality: Brazilian
Language: Portuguese
Age: 73 Years (24 August 1947)
Notable works: The Alchemist
Occupation: Novelist, Lyricist
Genre: Drama, Romance
The Book
9.Publication date: 1988
10.Published in English: 1993
11.Publisher: HarperTorch (English translation)
The Book
Theme: Pursuing our dreams and achieving personal legends, Strong Determination.
Characters
1.Santiago
The books central Character – an adventurous Spanish Shepherd boy from Andalusia.
2. The Alchemist
A 200 year old, extremely intelligent and skilful Alchemist.
3. Fatima
An innocent juvenile “Desert Woman, who lives at the Al – Fayoum Oasis.
5. Melchizedek
An old man who claims to be the King of Salem and possesses magical powers.
4. Crystal Merchant
A struggling Merchant who owns a crystal shop and also a kind-hearted Muslim.
6. English man
A very well –educated Englishman who wishes to widen his knowledge about alchemy.
8. Gypsy
9. Caravan Leader
10. Camel Driver
11. Merchant’s Daughter
12. Egyptian guards of pyramids
7. Tribe leader of Al-Fayoum
A strict and ruthless tribal chieftain.
02
Review
In this section I will review the book with a brief synopsis without spoilers.
Plot
The story revolves around a a Spanish shepherd boy named Santiago following his dream or personal legend after a recurring dream. The shepherd starts the journey with a dream about finding treasure in the Pyramids of Egypt all the way from his homeland Spain. He embarks on his journey to cross the Mediterranean and the Sahara.
Throughout his journey, he finds it difficult to keep going as he gets interrupted by obstacles and good life offers
In course of time he meets with people who helps to pursue his journey
While some try to push him down from pursuing his dreams. Ultimately he is guided by the universe and strong determination to fulfil his personal legend.
My thoughts
The Magnus Opus* of Paulo Coelho, stretching over just 163 pages is an extremely inspirational literary brilliance.
The story is very enchanting and shows that the journey to your destiny is as important as the destiny itself. Apart from some Arabic terms the story itself has normal literature and easy to read but the values *Magnus Opus – Master piece
and lessons it brings with it are priceless. Many insightful ideas about one’s own destiny, about rising above failure, about the unity of the universe, are all things Coelho pens into the comparatively simplistic diction of the text.
That is why today, The Alchemist has sold 65 million copies and has been on The New York Times bestseller list for more than 315 weeks and has been translated to 80 different languages.
My thoughts
The Alchemist.� page 146�page 18�page 22�
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve ; the fear of failure.”
“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”
“When you really want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Remarkable Quotes
This book is one that definitely has a place on your bookshelves irrespective of whether you are an avid reader or an occasional reader like me. It will truly inspire you to pursue your dreams and I strongly believe that “The Alchemist” is such a useful and enjoyable book that it appeals to people of all ages. As the story itself is about pursuing dreams and not giving up .Each one of us has a unique destiny and this book will be a guide for your personal legend.
Final Comments
Thank You