The Alchemist - BoundCovers

Alicia reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Fun little read, but...

3 stars

I'm not sure I agree with the overall message of the book. I find it's more like it doesn't matter how much you want something, if the universe decides it's not for you, it's not. I don't think we have as much control over our reality as the story is trying to say we do. Sometimes life is just about getting through storms the best we can, and learning to let go. While there are some alright quotes, the rest came off as preachy or was full of clichés.

David Swinstead reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I liked it. I didn't love it but I liked it.

3 stars

Content warning Spoilers yes. Don't click if you haven't read.

There's a lot of inspirational stuff about following our dreams and never giving up.

And a lot of stuff about learning what true happiness is.

But then it's a bit too pseudo-religious for my liking.

And then in the final 30ish pages all at once several things happened that I thought ruined the whole book: - the alchemist really does turn lead into gold, after it seeming for many pages that it was all just a metaphor - the boy really does talk to God and turn himself into the wind, after (again) seeming like it would all stay grounded in reality and it would only happen figuratively - he found actual treasure at the end! I thought the whole point was that treasure is in us already, its in the connection to the universe and in fining love and purpose.... Coelho make it seem like that's the lesson but then right at the end it turns out, no, the treasure is gold. Not love.

Stephanie Jane reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

An uplifting tale

4 stars

The Alchemist celebrated its 25th anniversary last year so I am definitely late to the party in only just having picked up a copy to read. The fable of Santiago's quest, retold from a tale in One Thousand And One Nights, has become a contemporary classic and is now available translated into at least eighty languages. It's easy to see why! This uplifting tale is recounted in deftly composed prose and, for me, reading it felt like stepping back in time to eras of oral community storytelling. The Alchemist layers deep philosophical thinking over a simple narrative with which I think we could all identify so the reader has the choice of how they wish to encounter the work. Yesterday I read The Alchemist as a straightforward mystical adventure story. Today I am thinking over its themes and how its calming spirituality might fit my life.

Rik reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Read this at just the right time

5 stars

I have read many critical reviews of this book and I can absolutely see the reasons why so many people dislike it. For me, however, the book came at just the right time of my life, and it had a huge impact on me.

You see, The Alchemist is about following your dream. In my case, I felt stuck in a life that didn't suit me at all, unable to move. This book comes with a certain naivety that is liberating. The kind that says, it doesn't matter, just go for it. Yes that sounds like a recipe for disaster for some people, especially since some events in the books might seem to have a rather dubious meaning. But for me it was a lifesaver. And most of the more rational books that I read as well did no remotely have the same effect. The book might suggest to stop …

I have read many critical reviews of this book and I can absolutely see the reasons why so many people dislike it. For me, however, the book came at just the right time of my life, and it had a huge impact on me.

You see, The Alchemist is about following your dream. In my case, I felt stuck in a life that didn't suit me at all, unable to move. This book comes with a certain naivety that is liberating. The kind that says, it doesn't matter, just go for it. Yes that sounds like a recipe for disaster for some people, especially since some events in the books might seem to have a rather dubious meaning. But for me it was a lifesaver. And most of the more rational books that I read as well did no remotely have the same effect. The book might suggest to stop thinking sometimes, and that might be just what you need.

You critics are all right, but I will recommend this book to anyone.

Manu reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Review of 'The Alchemist' on 'Storygraph'

5 stars

Well, I cant write a review in few words on this book. Its an outstanding one. I dont think most readers will find it understanding. Its more of a spiritual world. Want to re-read some day!