Nick Pateras | The Alchemist
BOOK REVIEW
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Curious and delicate, a raw series of lessons within a tale of adventure
Recommended to me by a friend, I was surprised – and initially even slightly disappointed – with Coelho’s writing style throughout his now world-famous The Alchemist. I found the absence of common literary detail to deprive the story of any significant visual imagery or emotional thrust, which had me struggling to connect with his courageous and thoughtful protagonist, Santiago (almost always referred to simply as ‘the boy’). However, once I embraced the bare, stripped-down narrative I began to fully appreciate the novel’s strikingly profound nature. In metaphorically handling many deeper emotional issues, Coelho conveys the importance of following one’s dreams and acknowledging your heart’s ability to communicate.
"One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving."
Admittedly I didn’t take much from the religiosity of the story but still enjoyed pausing to think about the author’s intentions with each twist in the fable. Interestingly, I found the Q&A with Coelho on particular philosophical issues at the back of the book more enlightening in some ways than the story itself.
I would recommend this read to anyone who wants a refreshing break from the typically fastidious storytelling of traditional novelists and who can enjoy a spiritual meaning. This novel’s deeper substance reminded me very much of Saint-Exupery’s Le Petit Prince and because of its short length at just 167 pages, makes for a powerful, thought-provoking weekend read.
- NP, Feb. 2013