The Alchemist (revised)

Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1993. 197 pp. $13.95. (Front Pages, Introduction, Prologue, Part One, Part Two, Epilogue, A Reader's Guide, Map of Santiago's Journey, An Interview with Paulo Coelho, From Chapter One of The Witch of Portobello, About the Author.)

Upon realizing his own book's fame throughout the world, Paul Coelho, the author of The Alchemist, answered a universal question that often plagues many of us. He writes, "What is a personal calling? It is God's blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our legend. However, we don't all have the courage to confront our own dream." In The Alchemist, Coelho relates the story of a young shepherd boy who is trying to follow his personal legend and find the treasure that awaits him. On his long journey to his treasure, he comes across valuable waymarks that compose the trail. He learns more about the voice of the universe and how all things will work for your good when you are in pursuit of your own personal legend. He also realizes what is truly valuable in life and how to prioritize events so that one can reach goals. Coelho writes Santiago's journey with vivid language that keeps you turning the pages until the very end!

Santiago, the main character, can personify anyone on the search for their personal legend. Coelho puts Santiago in a variety of different situations and struggles that the average person can identify with. There are many mentors along the path that also help Santiago continue with his quest to find his treasure, exemplifying the idea that with help, even the most lowly figures in society can make something grand of their lives. the book also taught that "the journey" is worth taking. Along the way, Santiago is robbed, disgraced, and even beaten before he finds his treasure. This rang true in my life as I often feel like the trials are too hard to overcome and the roadblocks are too many to surpass on my quest of becoming like Christ. However, Coelho teaches that without the adversity we would could never realize our potential. Sometimes the treasure we seek can even be right in front of us, but we still have to undergo temptation and sacrifice before we ourselves are ready to receive it.

Coelho used the elements of mystery and suspense to convey a sense of urgency as well as endurance. His writing pushed the reader onward to see if Santiago would truly create a lasting personal legend. However, Coelo added a depth to the writing by adding meaningful characters that had failed in their quests. Writing about the successes and failures of individuals that I could see in myself caused me to pause and reflect on how I was doing in my own personal quest of being like Christ. The theme of a journey toward a personal goal was easily transmitted because Santiago was on a journey toward a treasure himself. The theme was also apparent in Coelho's writing because he used so many instances in the story where Santiago either got held up or pushed on by a force that could only be described to our audience as the Holy Ghost. These constant reminders of movement, or the lack thereof, really made me feel like I was either making progress or being stagnant myself.

I would recommend The Alchemist to anyone who needs a reminder of what life is all about. Self discovery and personal resolution sit at the heart of this story of a boy who really represents each of us. It is a good read for someone who has run into hard times as well as for anyone who has no idea what their personal quest should even be. I think that the best way to read The Alchemist is with pencil in hand and no fear to stop and just think on things for a while before continuing. The Alchemist speaks to the heart and then teaches you to understand what is being said back.