Author : Paulo Coelho
Genre : Contemporary Fiction
Publisher : HarperCollins
Book Blurb – Paulo Coelho’s enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring 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 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.
Book’s Epigram – ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho is the international bestseller. This book has been liked across the world for the spiritual thought which was knitted in the form of a story. The story of the book is not too big, its rather simple and straight, yet very impactful. The story is about a shepherd who is living a wanderer life with his flock of sheep. He is a keen observer and keep learning the things that nature and his sheep teaches him silently. He finds himself blessed accompanying his flock. He sees a treasure in his dream a few times which is lying under the Pyramids and then he starts following it. During the way he come across many difficulties that he overcomes. How he found the treasure and during this struggle all that he learns is all about the story. The book focuses on omens and alchemy of nature and things that affect each of us. We all need to perceive them and search for our treasure in our lifetime for sure. The book indeed communicates a strong message through its story.
My Critique – There are many books available in the market that focus and talk about spirituality. Their storyline and messages are so loud that repetitive that they bore us. Here, there is nothing as such, as the consequences in the character’s life says it all. Whatever life does to us, we analyze about it after the time is over whether it was for the good or bad. Hence, we should always endure our journey. There are many life learning small lessons in the book that can help to anyone. We get the messages from mother nature in the form of omens at times that we never pay attention to. The nature is so significant that we can depend on it for every single action that we perform. The book is really inspiring and, in a way, reflects that all journeys are circular that brings us back to where we started. At the same time, it shows that this very journey is also important to understand the uselessness and usefulness of life. In short, I loved the book.
Rating : 4.5/5
Best Buy: Amazon – Paperback at Rs.189/–
