Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - The Alchemist

Not the most enthralling or enjoyable read, but I certainly think it changed the way I will think about my life. Easily digestible philosophy and a quick read. Made me think and aided in my ongoing attempt to take control of my life and my happiness.

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marisa_n's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

--- Warning: spoilers and rage ahead ---

To all the lovely people that recommended The Alchemist, I'm sad to say I truly hated this book. Now, before you come for me with torches and pitchforks, hear me out.

One of the biggest themes of the book ("when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”) really rubbed me the wrong way. It reminds me of the modern "manifest your life" nonsense from self-help books. This messaging is harmful. It suggests that "successful" people (the rich, powerful, fulfilled, etc) have achieved their dreams through hard work, faith, and destiny. Moreover, it suggests that unsuccessful (and therefore unhappy) people only have themselves to blame, as they clearly just didn't want their dreams badly enough. This sentiment completely ignores privilege, luck, and other obstacles. Overall I thought the messaging was problematic, over-simplistic, and about as deep as a kitty pool. Moreover, the delivery was far too heavy-handed (the phrase "to beat a dead horse" comes to mind).

Another point of frustration was the love interest, Fatima. She was written as a placeholder so the main character could say he knew what love was--which was actually lust, but I digress. She was not written with any depth or ambition, unlike all of the male characters. In some ways, she reminded me of Penelope from Odyssey; she's written as a beautiful, loyal woman who waits patiently for the hero to return from his world travels. Meanwhile, inanimate objects (copper, lead, the sun, etc.) can speak and pursue their own personal legends. If minerals get to have their own personal legends, then for Pete's sake give Fatima some ambitions of her own.

Perhaps this book would be more appealing to someone with a different view on life. If you're someone that likes to say "everything happens for a reason" and "it's all a part of god's plan," then you might like this book. However, if those words make you want to flip a table (like me) then maybe skip this book.

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