Book review:  The Alchemist Paulo Coelho

My introduction to reading began with novels and over time evolved to African literature, research based books, biographies, political books and everything in between. As an avid reader, over the years I have found genres that speak to my soul. Not to say that I am not open to reading any novels, I am especially when they find me. So, as with ‘’The Alchemist’’ this beauty found me. I have said  before and I will reiterate it again, that books find you. Like people, books find you when you are ready to read them. 

I personally believe that ‘’The Alchemist’’ found me. For years, I have known about ‘’The Alchemist’’. There was a time in my life when I attempted to purchase the book. Every time I would make means to purchase the book there was just something in my way. I have had to let go and let it find me. Yes, Paulo Coelho’s work found me and my soul was ready to receive it. 

It was on the 01st January 2025, when I visited my big sister and I saw the book in her dining area. I reached out to grab the book and mentioned to her in passing that I wanted to read it. She then mentioned that it was her January read. I let it go and walked away. A couple of minutes after my autistic nephew the (light of my life)  handed me the book. I decided to take the book without my big sister’s permission. In my defense, my nephew handed it to me.

I am grateful that I finally read this wholesome book. I now understand why it took so long to find me. My younger self would not have related to the message sent by the book. Let me be the first to give you a heads up when you read it:

1.Release every negative thought about yourself and be ready to refill your soul with hope. 

2 .Every now and then breathe. 

I read it in a day and finished it. 

Before, I can even begin my review of the book. I want to touch a little on the author. Paulo is a brilliant writer and in my view a spiritual human being. He did not just pen ‘’The Alchemist’’ for readers to purchase his material. I believe that a message of hope was revealed to him. Sending a message of hope requires wisdom, patience and faith. His character traits fit and exceed the expectation. He not only awakens your faith but he confronts your inner man. His wisdom tests your ability to think deeply about yourself. I think I have said a mouthful, enough for you to buy the book if not reread it. 

The Alchemist is a spiritual read 

‘’The Alchemist’’ is a spiritual read. The Alchemist is also a parable according to me. It is a book that is written to test the existence of faith. It is a book that teaches you that the ultimate goal is to believe in yourself and your dreams. The book ignites your inner child to revisit their dreams and go after them. It also unconsciously reminds you of your capabilities and pushes you to confront yourself. The truth is that everything begins with you. You are what you have been waiting for your whole life. 

What I love most about the book is the author’s unconscious command of transformation in your life. You see this when he doesn’t make mention of the shepherd boy’s name. I think he was very intentional about it. I believe Paulo is speaking directly to the reader. He unintentionally wants you to associate with the story by attaching your name. I found myself in the story and became the boy going to find gold. 

Every encounter shared about the boy, I lived it through and for most of the book I was anxious. I was anxious because in reality we face adversity and it is how we rise from adversity that makes us. Therefore, it was very easy to identify with the message because in chasing your dreams there will be hurdles. Again, a dream revealed to you more than twice is worth the pursuit. The period it takes to accomplish the dream does not mean that it won’t be fulfilled. What this means is that you have to develop character traits that will sustain your mental health and keep your dream alive.

These character traits are faith, love, wisdom, patience, good judgement, listening to your heart and having an open mind. The beauty of it is that over time with adversity these traits are developed. We just have to remain accountable to ourselves by exercising them when storms arise in our lives. The ultimate message that I take from reading Paulo’s work is that ’the universe or God based on your belief, ‘’when you want something the whole universe conspires to help you’’. 

Don’t you think it’s time for you to take a shot at your dreams in 2025?

You are the alchemist!

A wholesome and enriching read.

Book 1 of 2025.

Phiwe Mncwabe is storyteller, blogger and voice in Africa.

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