I have been reading “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho lately, and I must acknowledge, the book certainly has something about it.
The book has become so popular with critics and readers alike that it has achieved a kind of cult status. Here’s a brief share of my encounter with this masterpiece.
‘The Alchemist’ is a simple, inspiring, yet exhilarating novel that oozes sanguinity. It’s just what the doctor prescribed if you are at a point in your life where you don’t know what path to follow, and is a great read evenotherwise.
It is the kind of novel that tells you that everything is possible as long as you really want it to happen. It talks about dreams and the courage to achieve them. The heart of the novel’s philosophy is, "When you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it", and this message echoes throughout Coelho’s writing. (Even SRK in Om Shanti Om says so... I wonder if he took a cue from Coelho)
The Brazilian author takes us on journey with Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to acquire a distant treasure, after he dreams about it one night. Santiago’s incredible journey to the deserts of Egypt is strewn with meetings with fascinating people, like the crystal merchant who unwittingly teaches lessons for life, the Englishman, and eventually the alchemist.