A review by aliiq
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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.