O Alquimista de Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is more than just a novel. Although it was originally in Portuguese, the extent of Coelho’s prose crosses languages. Holding a Guinness record for the most translated novel by a living author, the story is so beautiful, compelling and simple all at once. It is a guide to religion through the teachings of an old king from Salem, the teachings of a crystal merchant from Tangier and the teachings of an alchemist from the Sahara Desert. From the beginning of the book, the reader is enthralled in the majestic yet simple language that Coelho uses. Santiago is a simple shepherd crossing the lands of Andalusia with his herd. During the long nights, he continues to have a recurring dream about a great treasure near the pyramids of Egypt. At first, he is not too focused on the dream but after a gypsy tells him to go looking for the treasure, he thinks differently. Many in the past have said that The Alchemist was too simple and repetitive to be considered a classic. That repetitive nature is what teaches the reader to follow their dreams above all other thoughts. Coelho reiterates that through different teachers, but all three advisers make a major contribution to the overall story. A book worth reading, not just because it’s a good story but also because it’s a meaningful tale that can help the reader spiritually.
