77 pages 2 hours read

Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a novel about Santiago, a shepherd from Andalusia, who dreams of finding hidden treasure near the pyramids in Egypt. Guided by omens and a fascinating cast of characters, including a gypsy, an old king, an Englishman, and a powerful alchemist, Santiago embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, eventually realizing his own Personal Legend.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist receives praise for its inspiring narrative and profound themes of destiny and personal legend. Readers appreciate its simplicity and philosophical depth. However, some criticize it for being overly simplistic and predictable. Overall, it remains a beloved, motivational tale for many.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Alchemist?

Ideal for introspective readers and fans of self-discovery narratives, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho appeals to those who enjoyed Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse or The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This reader appreciates philosophical themes, allegorical storytelling, and the search for personal legends.

Recommended

Reading Age

14+years

Lexile Level

910L

Book Details

Genre

Action / Adventure

Latin American Literature

Inspirational

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Topics

Philosophy

Religion / Spirituality