This simplistic tale of a young shepherd boy following his dream is more of a parable than a mere novel. But nevertheless, it’s a joy to read this one. An exotic allegory to everyman following his goals in life and putting destiny in the matter of choices, whether it’s worth pursuing the life’s treasures with endless struggles or stay in the confines of the ordinary and the security of basic needs. THE ALCHEMIST may lack the complexity of plot structure, may be too preachy, but it delivers a strong message to every single person in the world daring to dream, which I have no qualms about.


Santiago, the main protagonists, breaks free from his shepherding work and follows his dream – that is to retrieve the treasure hidden in the Pyramids of Egypt. As Spanish, he has to travel, sell his sheep, in order to risk his own self for something greater beyond the horizon, over the deserts of Egypt. Seeking his destiny put him face-to-face with a struggle; he needs to have a job in order to further his quest, so he admits himself into a glass shop, in which he spent years in it. And when he continued his journey, surmounting loads of obstacles, he finally discovered at the very end what the treasure is really worth and how they can be found within.


It’s forgivable that Coelho sticks with simplistic, unostentatious writing style. He comes up with a lush, provocative and affecting tale that would appeal to anybody, even the younger readers. It’s a short book to read, like reading a Biblical parable. Its positive message is spread all throughout. But it is Santiago’s humanly voice that reflects so much on the readers, letting us be reminded that we are all humans bereft with the power of assurance, and that we have to choose between what is right and what is easy, meaning not all right things are easy. In fact, most ‘right’ things are the difficult to do.


Coelho stirs a classic. It may not be perfect, with flaws and mishaps, but overall – its message simply stays a while after reading; that life is all about choices. THE ALCHEMIST, generally, is a mystical tale about the compelling wonder in following your dreams and the rightful importance of listening to your heart.




RATING: A-