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The Alchemist Paperback – April 25, 1993

by Paulo Coelho (Author), Alan R. Clarke (Translator)

7,925 ratings

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho continues to change the lives of its readers forever. With more than two million copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has established itself as a modern classic, universally admired.

Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found.

The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories can, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.

Print length

197 pages
Language

English
Publisher

HarperOne
Publication date

April 25, 1993
Dimensions

5.31 x 0.52 x 8 inches
ISBN-10

9780061122415
ISBN-13

978-0061122415
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A wise and inspiring fable about the pilgrimage that life should be.” (M. Scott Peck)

“An adventure story full of magic and wisdom.” (Rudolfo Anaya, author of Bless Me, Ultima)

“A touching, inspiring fable.” (Indianapolis Star)

“A magical little volume.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

“[This] Brazilian wizard makes books disappear from stores.” (New York Times)

“[His] books have had a life-enchanting effect on millions of people.” (London Times)

“A beautiful story with a pointed message for every reader.” (Joseph Girzone, author of Joshua)

“As memorable and meaningful as Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince.” (Austin American-Statesman)

“A sweetly exotic tale for young and old alike.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A most tender and gentle story. It is a rare gem of a book.” (Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., co-author of Change Our Mind, Change Your Life)

“An entrepreneurial tale of universal wisdom we can apply to the business of our own lives.” (Spencer Johnson, M.D., co-author of The One-Minute Manager)

“A remarkable tale about the most magical of all journeys: the quest to fulfill one’s destiny.” (Anthony Robbins, author of Awaken the Giant Within)

From the Back Cover

"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky." Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams."

Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. The Alchemist is such a book. With over a million and a half copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has already established itself as a modern classic, universally admired. Paulo Coelho's charming fable, now available in English for the first time, will enchant and inspire an even wider audience of readers for generations to come.

The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist.

The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0061122416
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne; 1st edition (April 25, 1993)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 197 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780061122415
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061122415
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.52 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #25,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #7 in Caribbean & Latin American Literature
- #92 in Metaphysical & Visionary Fiction (Books)
- #634 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction

Customer Reviews:
7,925 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		77%
4 star		13%
3 star		6%
2 star		2%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Alexis

Now I see what all the hype was about...

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2016

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I purchased and began reading this book 2 years ago and, for whatever reason, I couldn't get into it. I found it incredibly dull and tedious and finally gave up halfway through.

A few weeks ago I took my mother to a dental appointment and opened my Kindle to see what I had available while I waited. I decided to give this book another try and started from the beginning, as I couldn't remember anything from what I read previously. I'm not sure what was different this time around, but I was completely engrossed and my 2 hour wait flew by! I continued to read whenever I found a chance and finished it within a few days. I now find myself constantly thinking of the story and relating it to my own life, as well as my friends and family.

It's a short and very simple story, but definitely worth reading!

587 people found this helpful

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Mary E. Nagel

Yuck

Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2017

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Didn't like it in the least. I know others have loved this book but what a crazy way to get to the message. There are far better books out there that accomplish the same thing with a story that flows better and not so weird. I think something is lost in the translation.

47 people found this helpful

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Steven H

Disappointed

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2019

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I bought the book after hearing some strongly positive comments about it. I was underwhelmed by it, though. Maybe for an older kid this might be a good read? I found it simplistic and not really all that interesting. It is supposed to be inspirational but I found it hallow and empty. Its founded on some magic-y premises. I frankly found it misguided at best, harmful at worst. I wouldn't recommend anyone read it for advice or inspiration. Do not recommend.

21 people found this helpful

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Happy Reviewer

Religion Lite

Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2019

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I kept hearing recommendations for this title, as a book for someone seeking a new outlook on life. And also it was one of the books on heavy discount a while back. So I picked up an ebook version and eventually got around to reading, without any real idea what I was in for. It’s the story of a Spanish shepherd boy, who has some mystical experiences and goes on a quest across North Africa to the pyramids.

As someone pretty involved in religion (Catholicism) this seemed very light and fluffy to me, if generally based on ideas and ideals I consider to be true. Everyone’s life has a purpose. God sees everything and is in control of it all. The world is a good and beautiful place, if perilous. Seeking to do God’s will in your life will bring you the greatest possible satisfaction. All this plays out in the simple story of the shepherd and his quest. But, it’s *very* simple. Doubts are minimal, obstacles are easily overcome, omens and miracles are abundant. This is not much like the real life most seekers face. So, while I think this might be a good book for a depressed agnostic wondering if their life has meaning... it’s going to need some follow up with some real sustenance afterward. If it was this easy, everyone would be pursuing their “Personal Legend” and nobody would have any doubts.

11 people found this helpful

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Aziz Dryden

Perfect read

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2020

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The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is an inspirational story of Santiago, a youthful Spanish shepherd in the rolling hills of Andalusia. The boy has deep attachment with his flock but realizing that they are devoid of aesthetic sense and appreciation for nature which he beholds, loves and admires, the course of his life changes. His parents' life is associated with struggle in a country which people from far away fantasize and romanticize but for them it's not a place of dream and charm.
Story starts with a dream followed by a series of adventures ultimately leads to resolution. His time is consumed in herding, reading and dreaming of travelling far-off places. He keeps getting same dream that there is treasure lying underneath the Egyptian pyramids. His encounter with a gypsy woman for consulting his dream gives story a new turn. He gets to know from her to follow omens. As the story moves the events get connected impeccably. Santiago's quest for treasure, soon his lucky encounter with old King who strengthens his beliefs about living his destiny, coming across mishaps and encounter with Fatima, a desert girl; all this leads him to personal legend that converges the idea of 'conspiring universe'. Personal legend is the key to living a successful and satisfying life as it is the destiny which one dreams of. He receives assistance from an alchemist who helps him understand his quest for accomplishing his dream. By time his belief grows and satisfaction nourishes as he is on right path. He comes to know "when you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it".
Story deals with an internal conflict between his love and personal dreams but this novel ends up showing love as a supporting tool for achieving his dream. This is a beautiful idea that true love can prove to be a great stimulus when time comes. According to Coelho dreams have a price but not living your dreams has even a bigger price. The idea of seeking dreams is marvelous. Pursuing your dream and commiting to it makes the whole universe conspiring to give you what you want.
One of the dangerous hindrance described in the novel is fear. The fear of failure which stops us living our destiny. Overcoming this is a great victory as Coelho quoted "tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of dreams because every second of the search is a second encounter with God and with eternity".
When Santiago is in desert he comes to know that he can turn base metals into gold. (Although the idea is not true in reality). It is also a bit overrated when alchemist turns lead into gold. It is not necessary that you agree each and every thing which Coelho has put into the novel. Instead your reason and rationale may oppose many things. But one has to have the ability to read between the lines. In spite of being very unreal it is a beautiful fable which has delighted millions around the world because of its thought provoking ideas of spirituality and destiny. Santiago while travelling understands the relation between man and nature. His quest and how he overcomes the obstacles of violence, confusion and despair is an encouraging pleasure for reader. The setting of novel is real but events are magical.
Some may find it a good piece to escape reality and some to understand reality. I highly recommend it to young readers as its conclusions directs it solves the purpose to make reader understand having faith in destiny which ultimately leads to achieving it.

5 people found this helpful

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Kirk D. Carver

Enigmatic translation

Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2017

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The story is simple - so much so that the reader expects something more complex and rewarding to be revealed at the conclusion. Unfortunately, nothing profound is revealed.

The prose has an attractive rhythm to it, and yet there is something not quite right. Syncopated jazz in a world of pop tune literature.

There may be something lost in the translation that might reward the reader of the book's native tongue. However, the translated version leaves this reader unsatisfied.

12 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

LindyLoo

lessons in Life

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2015

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We always regret not having followed our dreams - the things that we know we are good at - it's not enough to know in hindsight that we would have ended up happily anyway with simplicity - you actually have to go through all the trials to know you tried your hardest, even if it wasn't a success sometimes, at least you know you gave it your best. That's when you can accept peace. That and what I knew already, that the God of Love underpins it all. This is what I took out of the book.

One person found this helpful

S. Beattie

Legend

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2015

Verified Purchase

A gem of a book following the adventures of an Andalusian shepherd boy as he journeys from Spain via Tangiers then across the desert to Egypt in search of his personal legend On a deeper level it is also the story of a boy who learns about more about himself the language of the world and spirituality as he strives to find his treasure

3 people found this helpful

jenny norman

Soothing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2014

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I have never felt so calmed and soothed when reading as I did when reading this book.

Paulo Coelho has been able to reach into the human soul with his words and produced a work which brings enlightenment and peace.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering mental or spiritual turmoil, bereavement and loss. I will keep this book forever to refer to when feeling sad or lost.

4 people found this helpful

Heidi

Inspiring

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2014

Verified Purchase

I am not a religious person at all, and this is not the type of book I would normally read. Not that it bangs on about religion, but rather about faith and faith in oneself. However, being in a challenging situation at this point in my life, this book has indeed helped me and given me food for thought and I guess the courage to carry on fighting and looking to the future more positively. I can see why it has sold so many copies and why it is so popular. If you are going through some tough times, this is the one for you. Easy to read and understand and very very inspirational!

2 people found this helpful

Mac McCaskill

Pretentious Mumbo-Jumbo

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2014

Verified Purchase

On the one hand, it's an easy read. The Alchemist isn't a weighty tome, but on the other hand, it's got almost nothing to say. The story is a fable-like tale with almost no character development and much tosh. A boy, who on one page is too stupid not to give his purse of gold to a new "friend" to carry, on the next page has blinding insight into some aspect of alchemy/meaning of life.
If there is a message, it is "follow your dream", but it's wholly unconvincing.

2 people found this helpful

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