Review of "The Alchemist"

Paulo Coelho's masterpiece! 

(This article uses Amazon affiliate links. But, it doesn't mean that my opinion is biased. I am sharing my true thoughts about this novel)

The Alchemist, a postmodern novel, is a story of a person who is in pursuit of his dream and faces obstacles in achieving his dreams. Despite obstacles, he also met a lot of people who helped him in gaining his goal. 

If you are looking for a literary book on personal development, do add this book to your shelf! 

Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd, is the protagonist of our story. In the beginning, we saw that Santiago had a dream of a hidden treasure and wanted to achieve it. He was a free soul and wanted to follow his dreams. His father wanted him to be a priest in Church, but he wanted to travel the world. Choosing the life of a shepherd was his own choice because he wanted to pursue his dream. He was least bothered about his social status as his focus was on his desires and personality. And we saw that by choosing his heart's desire, he was able to learn about the world and God in a much better way. And in the end, achieved his dream, though in an absurd manner. 

What was absurd in it? 

Read it yourself to find out! 

Santiago, during his journey, realized that following dreams does cost you heavily, but not following them has much dire consequences. 

In it, Coelho also added a beautiful element. True love helps you in your personal development and in pursuing your dreams. 

If your lover or your lover doesn't push you in achieving your dreams and in your personality development, then it is not true love. 

It was my first English novel and taught me a lot. It gave me the inspiration to follow my dreams, no matter how absurd they may seem. Living your life and following your heart can make you a complete human being. The satisfaction which you can get from following your dreams can't be felt in social status and money. 

As it is a journey-based novel, it will take you to different countries and destinations. It starts in Spain and takes us to Egypt's pyramids. So, those who are lovers of traveling, do give this book a chance. 

In my opinion, The Alchemist is a Postmodern novel that has a lot of unrealistic elements to deliver its theme. These unrealistic and magical elements have made this novel a great reading of all times, and have made Paulo Coelho a great fiction writer. 

Some of my favorite quotes from this novel are:

"It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them."

"Its what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny."

"The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things are one."

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

"He never realized that people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of."

"God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you."

"The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon."

This novel gives you courage and fills you with optimism and energy to follow your dreams. It has a lot of great themes which are beautifully crafted in the plot line. 

"The Alchemist" title itself has a great theme in it. The alchemist is the one who turns metal into gold. When a person pursues his dreams, he is turning from metal into gold. In the process, he has to struggle to fight his fears, procrastination, weak points, and other social obstacles. Facing them bravely can only turn you into gold. 

It is a must-read for every youngster and entrepreneur who wants to follow his dreams. 

So, do add it to your bookshelf. And do share your reviews with me! I would love to read them. And the best ones will be published on my social media stories.