Book review: ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho

 Aisha Hamad AlMidfa

The sensational piece of Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, became one of many of the books Coelho has published and has been widely attributed as inspirational. The book is a work of fiction that embarks on Santiago’s journey, who is the main character that the reader roots for. Santiago is a shepherd from Andalusia who is referred to as “another dreamer” which foreshadows the undertones that drive the journey he pursues.

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The journey that fills the pages of the enticing book demonstrate personal growth that we the readers feel as Santiago meets prominent people on his journey that teach him a bit about the meaning of life.

As the name pertains, alchemy, itself is symbolic as it reinforces the transformation that everyone such as Santiago has to go through in life. Santiago early on realizes that his life is meant to be lived in a way to achieve his ‘personal legend’ and not to be distracted by the notion of ‘fate’.

The personal legend manifests in one’s life as: “It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on earth.” says one of five of the influential individuals, Santiago meets along the way.

The book is memorable as it leaves the reader grasping every bit of knowledge Coelho elicits on the pages, the book would be left with endless merits of the words of wisdom and alchemy that many souls long for.

Aisha is an intern with Gulf Today. She covers the Emirati community, Culture, and food.