The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Alchemist
Book Review: A Powerful Parable
Summary: 4 Stars
More parable than novel, "The Alchemist" uses the story of young shepherd Santiago's search for his Personal Legend as an allegory for everyman's struggle to break from the comfortable confines of conformity and pursue his life dreams. Along the way, of course, our young everyman is beset by all manner of setbacks, testing his resolve and forcing him to become attuned to the Soul of the World in order to survive. By paying attention to the details in the world around him, which serve as omens guiding him towards his goal, young Santiago becomes an alchemist in his own right, spinning unfavorable circumstances into riches.
Aside from the ubiquitous theme about the power of perseverance, my favorite part of the book was its glorification of simplicity. Like the pared-down manner in which the story is presented, Santiago's rare ability to get in touch with the Soul of the World comes not from the procedures described in arcane tomes pursued by traditional alchemists, but rather from a simple honesty and observance of the workings of the world. While the lack of character or plot complexity precludes this minimalist work from being considered a great novel, it will be a satisfying read for those seeking inspiration of the purest sort.
-Kevin Joseph, author of "The Champion Maker"
Book Review: A REAL PAGE TURNER
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book in a day. It was one of the very few books that I couldn't stop reading. The alagory of the text and the meaning of each plot turn was splendid. What an outstanding book.Book Review: A Self-Help Book Disguised as a Novel
Summary: 2 Stars
After reading so much praise for The Alchemist, I decided, "Eh, the cover's nice; it's a bestseller. It could be good." However, after dragging myself through Santiago's journey, I ask myself: is that all?
The Alchemist starts off with one simple notion: "Believe in your dreams," and sadly by the end, the idea is not very much developed from its starting point. Of course, Coelho adds much of his new age beliefs into it, such as one's "Personal Legends" or destinies, as well as the idea that the universe speaks one language and that all is one and the same, including God. Yet, again, readers are left with "so what?" What is new here? What is innovative? Surely, it is not the writing style, which while imitates biblical parables, is far from experimental or inventive. But perhaps that is what Coelho is trying to point out: the universal human nature to have dreams, and the possibility of actually following our dreams to fruition. Of course this is Coehlo's motivation in the novel, as is evident in the way he drills the message into his audience, in the way Ayn Rand drilled her philosophy into her fictional works.
This is not a master work, nor is it entertaining, nor new. It is a self-help book disguised as a novel, whose only perk is its positive message. Perhaps try another Coehlo book?
Book Review: A Simple & Enjoyable Reading
Summary: 4 Stars
If I had to pick up a book after reading Joseph Campbell's book, "The Power of Myth," this book was definitely a good follow-up. While still entranced by Campbell's storytelling and passion for ancient myths, this book entranced me as well. I finished this book in a day (which is literally impossible for me these days), so it should tell you that this is a simple read.
This book was also lent to me by my dad who did not care for this book at all (he read this after finishing "Kiterunner" which he did enjoy), but he wanted me to read it. The story is beautiful, simple and short. I have not heard the hype of this book nor did I know what it was about.
The seemingly simple story of a shepherd leaving all he owns behind to explore the great world resounds with me. The idea of Soul of the World resounds with me also. Following your personal dream and living life to the fullest. These all are lessons that I keep forgetting in the normal day-to-day drudge of daily life. This is a simple story that keeps reminding the reader that there is more to life than just what is here in front of one's eyes. This is a story of listening to your heart and moving forward to find the dreams of youth again.
While this is not the best book I have ever read, it is a pretty good story that is pretty much duplicated by many other stories floating around. I almost gave it a three-star but decided it was good enough for a four-star simply because I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of reading this book, which I rarely get these days.
7/25/08
Book Review: A Simple Fable Yet a Lifetime of Thought
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a story so enchanting and beautifully written that it took just a day for my first read-through. Its thought-provoking and soul-searching complexities require not only a second (and third) read, but most definitely will have a place in my annual reading cycle.