The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel [Hardcover]

Paulo Coelho (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 23, 2010

“It was an old dream of mine to have The Alchemist as a graphic novel. This version exceeds my expectations and is a beautiful manifestation of what I originally imagined while crafting this story.”  —Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho’s classic novel of self-discovery transcends the written word in this stunning new graphic novel adaptation. Artist Daniel Sampere’s evocative illustration brings readers alongside Andalusian shepherd Santiago as he journeys from country to country learning the truths of life and experience. The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel is perfect for everyone who has found inspiration in Coelho’s many allegorical novels, such as The Pilgrimage, The Valkyries, By the River Pedra, and others, and is an ideal introduction for readers new to the magic of Coelho’s powerful vision.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Brazilian novelist Coelho�s 1988 myth-laden story of the shepherd who follows his �Personal Legend� in spite of assorted travails is rendered into a richly colored and faithful sequential-art version. With Santiago, we see the glories, the mysteries, and the threats along his way from the Andalusian pasture to foreign cities to Egypt; experience his devotion to reading and his attraction to mysterious women; and watch as he reads omens with the help of magical stones and other artifacts given to him by the various wise men he meets. Although the landscapes, city crowds, and animals are gorgeously rendered, the faces can be jarring�even in his youth, Santiago (and everyone else) has dark lines awkwardly scattered on his cheeks and forehead in lieu of expressive changes. Because facial close-ups are essential to our seeing Santiago and to what Santiago sees, this is disconcerting, but otherwise, this adaptation provides a long-popular novel an interesting new life. --Francisca Goldsmith

Review

“The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel reinterprets Paulo Coelho’s international best-seller with dramatic illustrations, offering readers a fresh take on the magical tale of a shepherd’s journey.” (O, the Oprah Magazine )

“The bright, vivid, sometimes even sexy (is that weird to say?) illustrations bring new life to the classic story and remind us why it’s one of the best-selling books of all time.” (marieclaire.com )

“A beautifully done story with gorgeous illustrations. What’s truly important about the story comes shining through in the dialogue as well as the images; the most important thing is to strive to accomplish your dreams. A beautiful story, well worth the time to read.” (There's a Book )

“The look is glossy and warm, with handsomely chiseled heroes and buxom women. Coelho himself was the model for the King of Salem, one of the characters who helps guide the shepherd boy.” (Los Angeles Times )

“This modern classic, a celebrity...translates perfectly to the graphic-novel genre, enlivening the story of Santiago’s search for treasure from Spain to Tangier and across the Egyptian desert.” (USA Today )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (November 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062024329
• ISBN-13: 978-0062024329
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Fantasy

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Companion piece December 27, 2010

By Eric Nagel

Format:Hardcover

I read The Alchemist earlier this year, and when I saw the news about the Graphic Novel edition, I was excited. I received this version as a gift Christmas morning, and finished it before dinner. It's a nice collectible version, but if you're looking to get more out of the story, or you're only going to read one or the other, go with the original version of The Alchemist. Personally, these two will sit side-by-side on my bookshelf - each has its own place & purpose.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars An abridged "graphic novel." October 22, 2012

By L. Da Vinci VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I ordered this book as a present for a niece. I was under the impression that the entire text of the book would be there, with illustrations of the characters in each page. The artwork is great, reminiscent of "Prince Valiant", but the backbone of any book, especially THIS book is the text. Not all the text appears in this graphic novel. It should be advertised as a "Graphic Novel of an abridged "The Alchemist" ". The page for this listing does not mention the book is abridged; only the author briefly at the beginning of the novel alludes to its abridgment. A big disappointment.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Better to read the plain book. August 27, 2012

By Nicole B

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read Coelho's book before trying this graphic novel. In comparison, I found the graphics distracting; I was less able to imagine the characters while reading as I was forced to look at the artists rendition of their faces, which was different than I had pictured them. The artist is talented, so not for any lack of skill, but it was just too much.

Overall, if you're looking to become acquainted with The Alchemist, I would suggest reading the first book, not the graphic novel.