The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, written in only two weeks in 1987, is, on the face of it, a simple tale. But, like many of the simplest tales, it holds great meaning.
We follow an Andalusian shepherd boy called Santiago as he sets out on a journey to find hidden treasure after experiencing a recurring dream of treasure buried under the pyramids of Egypt. This quest becomes his “Personal Legend“ , which he must fulfill if he is to be true to himself. The novel sees him sail from Spain to Tangiers, and then cross the Sahara to Egypt. He experiences many setbacks, but also meets many people.
At its core, this is a story about following your heart. As “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”. The Alchemist himself tells Santiago that he must be wary of the world’s greatest lie. The lie where we start to tell ourselves that we are no longer in control of our lives. But if we listen to our hearts, our future has no option but to be bright.
“…at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.”
Although Call of the World is dedicated to travel, in my own interpretation of this novel I do not think that “Personal Legend” need always be interpreted in the literal sense of a physical journey overseas. It is the inner journey that is the true focus of this book. And each individual’s “Personal Legend” will be something very different and unique to them. (Like how certain minerals in the book have the personal legend to turn into gold).
I read somewhere recently that there are fewer books being written nowadays about going on adventures. And that this is especially true for children and young adults. Our world is turning increasingly inwards, and our books are starting to reflect this. But The Alchemist is both. For can one really exist without the other? It is having the courage to set out on his adventure that enables Santiago to have true peace in his heart. For it is the fear of failure that seems to be people’s greatest obstacle to happiness.
Buy The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho here.
Read my other book reviews here.
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