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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
Too much religious superstition and platitudes for my taste. If any good comes out of its reading it is that you should always follow your dreams. There is nothing that separates you from fill-in-the-blank superstars/legends. Nothing.
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I found this book very interesting and at no point did I find myself being bored of the what I was reading. It’s a story of a Spanish Shepard named Santiago as he is led on a journey through Northern Africa in order to achieve his destiny. The book covers themes of love, determination and perseverance. It explores the message that you should not settle for what is safe, that your dream or your destiny is something that takes effort and time, that each obstacle is a sign that you are getting closer. The book also teaches you that yes, you strive for this end goal but it’s the journey which you feel more pleasure from. Santiago on his journey finds himself spiritual and physically, he realises that the gift of omens and language that he has been given pales in that of love. It’s a beautiful character arc of a man who once given a push in the right direction became the man who he had suppressed for so many years. I think the book teaches a valuable life lesson, which is to help those as you wish one may help you, as the endowment of your help is nothing in comparison to the fruits they will reap. Overall, the book was fun and explored significant moral and philosophical issues of nature and human connection. It introduces the reader to many thoughts and feelings which may be new to them as well as exploring important themes for character development. The books lacks tempo at points, with Coelho sometimes repeating messages through the monologue of Santiago and his connection with nature, on top of this, I found the ending to fall slightly flat, as I would have liked to explore the journey back to the sycamore tree and possible a return to his home village (to see his parents) before then going back to Fatima. I would suggest this book for everyone who wants to challenge their own mindset on what they actually want in life, but I would say this reading is necessary for all young people, as it teaches you that you should never settle for a life of content safety, just because you fear failure.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
The Alchemist is a quick and fun magical realism story. I enjoyed the different thought provoking questions the main character asks and is asked. It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did I flew through it.
I did listen to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. I will definitely read another book by Paul Coelho.
I did listen to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. I will definitely read another book by Paul Coelho.
Content Warnings
Minor: Xenophobia, Murder, War
