A review by richellegoodrich
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

5.0

This is a creative, insightful story that mixes in a bit of fairy tale. The book starts off introducing a simple shepherd boy who dreams of treasure buried somewhere in a far-off land. His adventures take him to unexpected places, weaving realism with fantasy. He meets interesting people as his journey presents him with choices and trials faced by most members of the human race. Yet the story allows for events that are indeed magical. The book invites you to ponder deep questions about life, agency, and the benefits (or perhaps purpose) of experience. It touches on religious beliefs and universal truths. I very much enjoyed the adventure; it was fun and absorbing.