Book Review: 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho

After a wait of nine years, finally, I read this gem named ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho.

My reading journey began with two novels, when I was in 9th grade. The first one was Bram Stoker’s Dracula

and the other was Paulo Coelho’s The Witch of Portobello. Then I came across Coelho’s one of the greatest

works that is The Alchemist. 

My desire to read this book was otherworldly. I wanted this very book and struggled a lot to get it.

It might seem bizarre but I found this book nowhere. I searched libraries, bookstores, even asked some

of my friends but something was stopping me from reading it because either the novel was out of stock

or sometimes unavailable, or sometimes out of budget. Then, there came a time when I was a

non-reader for almost 5 years.

Fortunately, in January this year, I bought this book and I was jumping with joy, but I couldn’t read it due

to a busy schedule. I read it during lockdown (due to the pandemic) in June. One thing which was always

there in my heart was there is something special about this very novel. No other novel did this to me.

Getting a book to read is not a big deal but my story of The Alchemist was different and at the same time

unique. I realized there is a particular time to do things, and at a definite time things take place and

maybe reading this masterpiece was a part of that order. Maybe I was meant to read this book in June,

Maktub, it was already written. 

So this was the background story of my quest for getting The Alchemist (the book). This extraordinary

novel focuses on a shepherd named Santiago. Santiago travels around to find a long hidden treasure.

During his journey, he learns things unknown and meets many people and the alchemist. This encounter

with an alchemist changes his life. Will he find the treasure? Well, you have to find it yourself…

The story is all about dreaming and trying your best to realize it. There is struggle, longing, spirituality,

teaching and learning, motivation, finding love, hope and oneself, in the story. The beauty of the story is

that Santiago doesn’t go alone, he takes the reader with him. The reader learns everything Santiago

learns. Coelho gives essential messages of life through various short stories which are difficult to forget.

The Alchemist, however, gives a deeper understanding of things around us and gives you a chance to

realize your own self. The plot is beautifully placed. Every character is unique in itself. The story grabs

you from the very first word to the very last one. At several points, it provokes thoughts and gives you an

understanding of your own heart and self.

I have read several fictions but this one can be read infinite times. I would say, The Alchemist is truly a ‘masterwork’ and Paulo Coelho, the ‘alchemist’.

There is some magic in the story that even after a month of reading it, it is still alive in me. The short

stories with embedded meaning are rooted in my heart. It makes you believe in yourself, your dreams,

your capabilities. It is all about understanding yourself through your surroundings. 

If you need motivation in your life, if you want to realize your dream, if you are stuck somewhere, if you

want to know your power and if you want to ascend spiritually, then The Alchemist is awaiting you.

For me, this book is special and will always remain one. It is a treasure in itself. I would recommend this

novel to everyone. On the scale of 10 stars, I will give it a 10 (well, I want to give more but there’s a limit)

because it is incredible.

Here’s the scale of stars with the help of which I rate:

Story:                                                   ⭐

Plot:                                                     ⭐

Characters:                                          ⭐

Setting:                                                ⭐

Writing style:                                        ⭐

Narration:                                             ⭐

Attention grabbing:                               ⭐

Apprehension of story:                          ⭐

Suspense or makes you turn pages:     ⭐

Gives an important message:                ⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 10

This is my first ever book review that is also of my favorite book. I will be really happy to know if you liked this review or not. I’m looking forward to suggestions, so that I can improve my writing. Sending love and light to everyone!!!

#TheAlchemist #PauloCoelho #BookReview