The Alchemist
Rating: 4.5/5
Author: Paulo Coelho
Publisher: Harper One
Publishing Date: 15 April, 2014
Language: English
Genre: Adventure, fantasy
ISBN: 9780062315007
Pages: 182 pages
Cost: Rs.199 (Paperback) Rs.75 (Kindle Edition)
Description:
Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel, The Alchemist has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story is dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom.
The Alchemist 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 near the Pyramids. Along the way, he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist - all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest.
No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. 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 transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.
Review:
This piece of literature is about pursuing our destiny, but dreams do not always pull us along; they speak persistently but quietly; in whispers and so it is very important to search within and not seek outside: the answers one is looking for!
It takes courage, sheer hard work, persistence, commitment, sustained discipline, sacrifices to achieve your dreams. The book informs us that the universe is listening to you and your aspirations.
Quotes like “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation”, and “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”, really comforts and pushes you to continue on the path of your dreams. Throughout the shepherd’s journey, he learns different lessons like “Love is not to be found in someone else but in ourselves; we simply awaken it. But in order to do that, we need the other person.”
Although it is a must read for everyone, the book will resonate more with individuals who are currently pursuing their dream. It is not much about the story but the philosophy behind it. After all, the question that arises after one finishes the novel is how well the reader could absorb the lesson weaved into the tale. The whole purpose of the novel is to dive inside and find yourself, of course, with the help of Santiago.
Milestones of Book:
- NBDB National Book Award Nominee for Translation (2015)
- Grand Prix des lectrices de Elle for roman (1995)
- Premio Grinzane Cavour for Narrativa Straniera (1996)
- Corine Internationaler Buchpreis for Belletristik (2002)
Adaptations:
- In 1994, a comic adaptation was published by Alexandre Jubran. HarperOne, a HarperCollins imprint, produced an illustrated version of the novel, with paintings by the French artist Mœbius.
- The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel was published in 2010, adapted by Derek Ruiz and with artwork by Daniel Sampere.
- In 2002, a theatrical adaptation of The Alchemist was produced and performed in London.
- In 2009 an Indian adaptation of the novel was staged by Ashvin Gidwani Productions.
- In music, The Alchemist has inspired numerous bands of the same name. In 1997 RCA Red Seal released The Alchemist's Symphony by composer and conductor Walter Taieb with the support of Paulo Coelho, who wrote an original text for the CD booklet.
- In September 2009, an orchestral performance was conducted at the Ansche Chesed Synagogue in New York. Inspired by The Alchemist, "an orchestral performance" was composed by One World Symphony for composer and conductor Sung Jin Hong's wedding.
About the Author:
The Brazilian author Paulo Coelho is considered one of the most influential authors of our times. His books have sold more than 165 million copies worldwide, have been released in 170 countries and been translated into 80 languages.
The Alchemist was first released by Rocco, an obscure Brazilian publishing house. In the following year, COELHO published 'The Alchemist', slow initial sales convinced his first publisher to drop the novel, but it went on to become one of the bestselling Brazilian books of all time.
