[Review] The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

Title of Book: The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Translator: Alan R. Clarke
Publisher: HarperTorch
Publication Year: 2006
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 167

PAULO COELHO'S enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom points Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transformation power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.
-----------------------

The Alchemist is one of the renowned books published. Most people have read it or at least heard of it. It’s about the journey of a shepherd boy in search of a treasure in Egypt. This is actually my second attempt at reading the book and I finally manage to finish it this time. I first read the book back in high school and didn’t finish it. I used to wonder why I couldn’t finish the book when it’s so loved by many readers. Reading the second time with my current older self, I understand why.

Santiago’s journey is an allegory of how people pursue their dream. In this case, Santiago literally had a dream about a treasure buried in Egypt and he decided to get it. Along the way, he found many obstacles and got distracted. There were times when he had doubts and thought about choosing the practical instead. There were also times when he met people who help him and get him back on track. As what this book stated several times, when you set your mind to a specific goal the universe will conspire to help you reach it.

Finishing this book, I totally get why my teenage self couldn’t finish it back then. While I understand the good intent of this book, the moral of the story in this book is really obvious it appears to be preachy. A teenage me wouldn’t be able to stand that. Even back then I was already a cynical person, so reading this type of story made me cringe (in a typical rebellious teenage way). Reading it when I’m older also doesn’t change my opinion about this book. However, I feel that I perceive the story more maturely now.

I won’t deny that the lessons in this book are valuable; because they really are. I wish the writer slipped the lessons in to the story subtly. The way I read it, it’s like being told by parents or teachers that you should do this or that, or be patient, or focus and things would fall into place eventually, etc. I don’t like that, especially the younger me. It’s too in-your-face and perhaps that’s why I DNF the book back then. Another thing is, most of the times, in real life things are not that simple. This comes from the older me. People change, so do their dreams, goals, and priorities; and that’s okay. Your dreams can change and that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re giving up on them. You’re the one who knows yourself. As long as it makes you feel content and doesn’t bother other people, do what you think is right.

Though I don’t particularly like the storytelling aspect of this book, I do like the effect of this book on me. It makes me self reflect, evaluate my life, and make peace with how it is. All in all, do I recommend this book? Maybe for younger people who haven’t learnt many life lessons? Those who still have those hopeful naïve look in their eyes (just kidding). They might get so much more than me from this book.


No comments :

Post a Comment