The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Magical Realism
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £12.99–£20.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3672
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780061741241
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 2009-10-13
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

The Alchemist is a modern classic that has enchanted millions of readers worldwide. It tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a journey from Spain to Egypt in search of a hidden treasure. Along the way, he meets an alchemist who teaches him about the importance of following one's dreams and the wisdom of listening to one's heart. The book has sold over a million and a half copies and continues to inspire readers with its timeless message./n/nPaulo Coelho's charming fable is not just a story about finding material wealth but about discovering the true treasures within ourselves. The Alchemist has established itself as a beloved and universally admired work, now available in English for the first time in this special anniversary edition. Its enchanting narrative and profound lessons make it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own life journey.

Reviews
samannelizabeth.wordpress.com · Samanne Elizabeth · 2025-10-20
enjoyable 4.50

This book exceeded their expectations with its lovely story and profound messages. They enjoyed it more than anticipated.

Samanne Elizabeth went into The Alchemist with no particular expectations and was pleasantly surprised. They found the story to be lovely and the messages within it profound. The book's simplicity belied its depth, making it a more enjoyable read than they had initially thought. They appreciated the journey and the insights it provided, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    This was a lovely little book. I really didn't know what to expect and I enjoyed this story much more than I thought I would.

    The messages within the story are profound and thought-provoking.

    The journey is beautifully narrated and offers valuable insights into life and self-discovery.

lukeharkness.com · Luke Harkness · 2025-10-20
insightful 4.00

This is a short but meaningful tale that offers valuable life lessons. The plot, while simple, is engaging and thought-provoking.

Luke Harkness found The Alchemist to be a concise yet impactful read. They appreciated the continuous flow of important life lessons throughout the story. The plot, though straightforward, was engaging and thought-provoking, making it a rewarding read. The reviewer enjoyed the journey of self-discovery and the insights into how to approach life's challenges.

Quick quotes

    It's a short but sweet tale that feels like we're constantly learning something important about how to look at life.

    The plot itself is quite engaging and thought-provoking.

    The journey of self-discovery is beautifully narrated and offers valuable insights.

the starving artist · Devontre Varro Flaherty · 2023-01-10
disappointing 2.50

The reviewer wished for a more compelling story with deeper characters and higher stakes. They found the message and moral of the book to be somewhat lacking.

Devontre Varro Flaherty expresses a preference for a more engaging narrative with richer characters and higher stakes. They feel the book's message and moral lessons fall short of their expectations. While the story has its moments, they believe it could have been much more impactful with a stronger focus on storytelling. The reviewer also mentions that the book's philosophical elements, while present, do not fully resonate due to the lack of depth in the characters and plot.

Quick quotes

    I would have much preferred it if Coelho had just told me an amazing story with compelling characters, interesting settings, and big stakes.

    Putting the message and moral by side, I enjoyed the story...

    The book's philosophical elements are present, but they don't fully resonate due to the lack of depth in the characters and plot.

Medium · Faith Nyawira · 2015-02-25
enlightening 4.50

The book is described as fantastic with beautiful storytelling and impeccable word choice. It is filled with wisdom and philosophy.

Faith Nyawira praises The Alchemist for its fantastic storytelling and the beautiful choice of words. She finds the book to be filled with wisdom and philosophy, making it a rich and rewarding read. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the narrative and the profound insights it offers. Nyawira highlights how the book's philosophical elements are seamlessly integrated into the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. She concludes that The Alchemist is a timeless piece that continues to inspire and enlighten readers.

Quick quotes

    The Alchemist is a fantastic book and the storytelling is beautiful.

    The choice of words are impeccable, full of wisdom and philosophy.

    It's a timeless piece that continues to inspire and enlighten readers.

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