I heard about
a Brazilian author by the name of Paulo Coelho from a Hungarian friend one evening
in Budapest whilst drinking my last Soproni and smoking the last of my cheap
cigarettes before the return to Ireland. The name slipped my mind however for a
few months at least. One day whilst googling critically acclaimed authors
looking for inspiration his name crept up again, and luckily I found a copy of
his most well known book "The Alchemist" at a local charity shop.
The story
centers around a young shepherd boy from Spain who's name I don't believe was
revealed instead he was merely addressed as "the boy" through out the
book. He embarks on a journey of discovery after experiencing a dream about a
treasure he believed was nearby the Pyramids of Giza. Putting all his trust in
this dream he sells his sheep and heads across the Mediterranean for Africa in
search of material treasure and along the way finds love and acquires great wisdom from such
characters as a Gypsie, a King, Merchants and an Alchemist. The entire story centers around the books quote that "When you want something, all the
universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" but along the way
the boy faces obstacles and learns that "The secret of
life though is to fall seven times and to get up eight times".
The time
period in which the books is set is never revealed but my guess would be the
19th century. Omens and forms of magic (such as speaking to the earths elements) play a major part in the plot so if you lack an imagination you may find this book frustrating. In fact it is in essence a simple book which can be read in a day or two. While I enjoyed it, I did fail to see at first how it deserved the great reputation. I can recommend not approaching the book with too high expectations because it is afterwards that you realise how the story has stuck with you and seems to have provided a life lesson on striving to reach goals.
Character Development 6/10
By far the books weakest attribute. Nothing is really know of any of the characters in this book, little is know of the main character either other then that he is a Shepherd. If the book had been longer maybe the characters could have been developed further.
Dialogue/Monologue 9/10
The books strongest asset, clever dialogue between the boy and the various people he meets along his journey is what makes the book most engaging as we witness his growing maturity through his words with strangers.
Memorable Quotes or Scenes 8/10
The book contains many memorable quotes especially from the king and the alchemist. There is an especially memorable scene where the boy speaks to the sun and wind in order to help achieve his goal.
"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure"
Engagement 8/10
The book was very engaging and I read through it very fast unwilling to put it down, however it is too short to capture your imagination for more then a day or two.
Impact 8/10
The book can clearly have a huge influence on the lives of people who are afraid to chase their dreams. It definetly leaves a lasting impact but maybe not as much as other more dense books.
Overall Rating is a 7.8 out of 10, definitely worth reading and a good place to start with Paulo Coelho books.
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