Reviews

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

aliiq's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

2.0

After a long time sitting on my ‘to-read’ list, I finally got around to 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, not through the pages of a book but through an audiobook narrated by Jeremy Irons, whose profound voice was perhaps the only reason I managed to finish it.

The book, published 36 years ago and holding a decent rating on Goodreads, tells the story of a shepherd boy who, guided by omens and a prophetic king, embarks on a quest across Africa to find a hidden treasure. Along the way, he meets various characters, including a wise alchemist, faces life-threatening challenges, and learns important life lessons. Eventually, he discovers a deeper universal truth, finding his treasure and transforming in the process.

Despite its popularity, 'The Alchemist' didn't resonate with me. It felt overly preachy and philosophical, more like a fable than a novel, which might be due to its translation from Portuguese. While it might have been enlightening back in the day, it feels a bit dated now. I’m glad to have crossed it off my list, but overall, it was underwhelming.

hola_soypau's review against another edition

hopeful informative lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

4.25

hoshaway's review against another edition

3.0

Sweet but not that special. I don't think it really accomplishes the kind of depth it wants to, but it's an easy read and there are some decently valuable ideas throughout.

jmclarkson's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed and was inspired by this beautiful story. I only gave it a four because I thought it was moving along quickly and it really blended the parable/lesson with an exciting plot until about three-fourths of the way through where I felt it dragged a bit with the boy (also odd he didn't have a name) and the alchemist in the desert. Great read - flew through it!

qtippin_ont's review against another edition

3.0

A thought provoking book that is worth taking your time to let sit within. Been picked up numerous times & left with a different read each session. Worth the read, worth reflection. Solid book

sally625's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A

4.5

Want to read throughout multiple stages of my life

holly42069's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

3.75

Super inspiring but as it was translated, I felt the language was not the best to follow (mature)
Storyline was cute with the dramatic ending
Great little read - not for a slump 

geokl7's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Very thought provoking but hard to get through.

hannahgunther's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

A beautifully woven journey that helps the boy and readers discover the importance of life and what treasures it has to offer. The themes of spiritually and religion will resonate with readers from virtually all faith traditions.

mrreadsbooks's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

1.0