The Alchemist (Perennial Classics) Paperback – Deckle Edge, 15 April 2014

This is a really lovely copy of one of my favourite books. A wonderful story about personal destiny and fulfilment. I really love the cover of this book especially the gold metallic part. I would say this would make a lovely gift for anyone for almost any occassion. There is a reason that this story has captivated readers all over the world. Simply a must read!

A heart warming read great for a bit of soul searcching

Great read and interesting story, deeper meanings are easier to understand although I don’t think it’ll change your life, maybe a perspective change for some if they’re lost in life, quite short so easy to get through, still recommend

Excellent value items are in good condition highly recommend this service and its cause

As expected, love this author

Rating: 3 starsCategory: Fantasy, InspirationalSynopsis: Santiago the shepherd boy has a recurring dream about a treasure awaiting him at the Pyramids of Egypt. Leaving his flock and the life he knows behind, he sets out on an adventure to seek out this mysterious treasure. However, the people he meets along the way will teach him lessons far more valuable than any wealth or riches. The Alchemist is an inspirational tale about following your dreams.Review:First ImpressionsOften I will skip through author introductions, but I am so glad that I read Paulo Coelho’s introduction to The Alchemist. It was amazing to hear how the book has journeyed from selling only one copy in its first month to becoming the most translated book in the world! Such a story of perseverance enhances the message of optimism and following your dreams. In the introduction, it is clear that Coelho has a very special way of viewing the world and I knew that I was going to be inspired.Even if my neighbour doesn’t understand my religion or understand my politics, he can understand my story. If he can understand my story, then he’s never too far from me.InspirationEveryone will find an inspirational message in The Alchemist that speaks to them on some level. For me, this was the fable told by the alchemist about a boy who goes on a pilgrimage to visit a wealthy man who knows the secret of happiness. When he arrives, he is given a spoon with three drops of oil and tells him to walk around the palace grounds. However, the boy is so intent on not spilling the oil that he does not enjoy the magnificent opulence and views of the palace.The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.However, as the book progressed I started to find the philosophical messages a little heavy-handed. Though beautifully written and poignant, they began to interfere with the flow of the story for me. There are certainly elements of a self-help book in The Alchemist so I would suggest reading it if you are specifically looking to be inspired, rather than simply getting lost in a story for fiction’s sake.PlotI expected The Alchemist to be a bit obscure and an intellectually challenging read. In fact, I found reading it a relaxing experience. Although it often waxes philosophical, the story is easy to follow and absorb. It gave me a warm, comforting feeling, so perhaps would be a wonderful read when in need of a bit of a pick-me-up. I particularly liked the ending, which was unexpected yet satisfyingly complete.The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Inspirational QuoteCharactersThe variety of people Santiago meets on his quest makes the novel feel almost like a collection of stories coming together to form the whole. Nevertheless, it is definitely a plot-centric book, with the characters existing mainly to further the plot and Coelho’s wider message. There is a deep sadness in how Santiago meets so many people who have settled in unfulfilled lives and given up on their dreams.The Alchemist is a beautifully written story that has a timeless, mythical quality. It is easy to see how it has captivated people around the world; the book would be a perfect companion for anyone looking to change their outlook on life and reach for their dreams.Favourite quote:You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it is better to listen to what it has to say.Read if: you would like to be inspired to follow your dreams by an adventure story unlike any other.

Wonderful read

The Alchemist has been hailed as a modern classic inspiring people across generations with its allegorical fable and thought provoking lessons. The story follows the adventure of a young shepherd called Santiago who spurred on by a recurring dream sets out on a journey of discovery, meeting with success and failure along the way, but above all else learning important life lessons in the process. Throughout the book we follow Santiago as he goes in search of his 'Personal Legend'. I believe it is this element of striving for personal discovery and enlightenment that has resonated with so many people across the globe.If you are looking for a thought-provoking novel which will inspire you to better yourself and seek out your own personal journey of discovery then this is definitely the book for you. This book is a fable and is told as such. If however you are looking for an elegantly crafted piece of literature, then I fear you may be left slightly disappointed.This book is first and foremost a fable, not a novel, and the writing style very much reflects that. It reads more like a child's fairytale rather than a literary epic. Having heard so much about this book before having read it I was expecting a rolling wave of literary beauty, but for me this book fell a little short. That is not to detract from the beauty of the story, but for all the five star reviews and heaps of praise for me the writing style was a let down.As a fable/fariytale it really does tick all the boxes, but due to this writing style the characterisations are extremely one dimensional and the prose very linear. I was waiting to be transported into the world the writer described to gaze in awe and wonder at the world he conjured, but for me this just did not happen. In the same vein as a fable the narrative felt somehow distanced from me because the lessons were the main focus.Although the story follows Santiago's story, by the end of the book I did not feel I had learnt that much about him. I had learnt an awful lot about what he had learnt, but very little about him as a character. Maybe this was the author's intention, merely to inspire thought and teach us a lesson. I can't help thinking though he could have done the same thing through a more epically magical piece of literature.This book is enjoyable, and it will certainly make you think, but if you want stunningly beautiful prose and intriguing characterisations then like me you may find it a little wanting.