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The Alchemist

By Paulo Coelho, Alan R. Clarke (Translator)

(827)

| Paperback | 9780722532935

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Book Description

Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sense a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers kneContinue

Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sense a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalucian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.

Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists--men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."

62 Reviews

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  • 8 people find this helpful

    A book of all time. NO matter how old you are, whenever you read it once more in details, you will find yourself getting more and more from it .

    I do recommend everyone who get this book to read it again in different stages of your life. There is always unexpected help from the book that you ... (continue)

    A book of all time. NO matter how old you are, whenever you read it once more in details, you will find yourself getting more and more from it .

    I do recommend everyone who get this book to read it again in different stages of your life. There is always unexpected help from the book that you will gain from.

    Is this helpful?

    Seungyiiii said on May 19, 2007 | 1 feedback

  • 5 people find this helpful

    Can't believe it has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide. Sometimes it is even boring.

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    Albe said on Jan 7, 2008 | 1 feedback

  • 4 people find this helpful

    The Author tries to teach a lesson about life

    Although it's a good book to read trough quickly. And the story is written quite understandable, I'm not really enthousiast about it.

    During the reading I constantly had the feeling I was reading some sort of bible story. The main character in the book is on a journey to find his ultimate trea ... (continue)

    Although it's a good book to read trough quickly. And the story is written quite understandable, I'm not really enthousiast about it.

    During the reading I constantly had the feeling I was reading some sort of bible story. The main character in the book is on a journey to find his ultimate treasure.. During this journey he discovers some wisedoms about life.
    Seems that the writer wanted to teach the reader about life, omens en persistence to reach your goals in life.

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    Ozute said on Sep 3, 2006 | Add your feedback

  • Loved this book because it tries to get at what is important in life. Almost every line opens up a discussion in my head.

    It tended to get a little silly and cheesy, especially at the end. Arbitrary would be a good word.

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    audioreader said on May 22, 2012 | Add your feedback

  • Recommend for those people who want to learn English or want to get used to English.
    Also the one who is pursuing dreams, exploring future, self and needs some support.
    It's translated in simple words but with significant meanings.

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    breakbowl said on Apr 14, 2012 | Add your feedback

  • Really weird but cool book! Plenty of little anecdotes that really make you think about your purpose in life.

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    Rice Cooker said on Apr 13, 2012 about the Audio CD edition | Add your feedback

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9780722532935 Paperback $12.86 $10.55 The Book Depository
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+ 31 copies tradable: 2 in USA →
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