You read a book as inspiring as The Alchemist at those times when you are feeling low. I got this book exactly when I needed it the most. This novel once again showed the influence that books have on people.
The Alchemist, a 1988 book by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, tells the tale of Santiago, a shepherd kid from Spain. He frequently has the same dream about jewels hidden in Egyptian pyramids. After encountering an old king who provides him with guidance and magic stones, he sets off on a trip to pursue his dream. From his small village, Santiago travels across the Mediterranean and Sahara.
He encounters a lot of wise people along the journey who share their wisdom with him. During his journey he found that his treasure not where he thought it would be but rather where he had started. That’s how life is; it’s amusing that sometimes we travel to various places in pursuit of happiness before realising that it’s right there in front of us.
Perfect word choices that are rich in wisdom and philosophy are used in the novel. The narrative is brilliant. I adore how the book uses the story of a boy to emphasise the value of spirituality, faith, and hope.
There are several hidden messages throughout this novel. Almost every lesson The Boy discovers on his journey is a lesson we can all apply to our own lives. It is a brief but charming story that leaves us with the impression that we are continuously picking up new insights into how to approach life.
It explains the mystique and the unpredictability of change and evolution, to appreciating life’s beauty and the technique for living in the moment. Since we all have dreams and occasionally just want to hear that they might come true, I believe this book has appeal for everyone.