A review by ms_ameerah
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I would have appreciated this book more in high school. 

What I liked:
- The motivation I received was to follow my intuition.
- The valuable insights that are embedded into the story. 

What I didn't like:
- The writing style, at times, would be very repetitive.
- This book was written in the 1980s, but I can't help but cringe at:
 - The blatant appeal to male fantasy/the characterization of women.
 Eg. Some elements of the hero's journey.
 Especially how Fatima is written, I could rant for days. 
- This is a fault of my own, but I can't help but read this book with a bit of skepticism and cynicism. 
Sidenote: (I will, however, not be deducting points for the lack of progressiveness)
 
Conclusion: 
I think that at times I might have taken this book too seriously, it is after all a fantasy telling of a monomyth. 
The ending made me think a lot about people (and myself) who miss opportunities because they/I'm too arrogant to pursue them.
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