Book Review: “The Alchemist” – A Heartfelt Journey to Finding Yourself

Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” isn’t just a book; it’s like a warm conversation with a wise friend. It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who follows his dream of finding treasure in Egypt. But the real treasure? It’s what he discovers about himself along the way.

The magic of this book lies in its simplicity. Coelho writes in a way that feels almost like a fable, making big ideas about life feel easy to understand. The story reminds you to listen to your heart, even when it’s scary, and to trust that the universe is guiding you.

Santiago meets all sorts of people on his journey – a crystal merchant stuck in his routine, an Englishman searching for ancient knowledge, and Fatima, the woman who teaches him about true love. They all show him different sides of life and help him understand what really matters.

“The Alchemist” isn’t perfect. Some people find it too simple or predictable. But for me, it was a reminder to pay attention to the little signs in life and to have the courage to chase my own dreams. It’s about realizing that your “Personal Legend” – that thing you’re meant to do – is worth fighting for, even if it means leaving your comfort zone.

What I loved most was the idea that everything is connected. The book shows how our choices affect the world around us and how we’re all part of something bigger. It’s a comforting thought in a world that often feels chaotic.

“The Alchemist” isn’t a complicated read, but it’s a powerful one. If you’re feeling lost or unsure about your path, this book might just give you the nudge you need to start your own adventure. It’s a reminder that the treasure we’re searching for is often closer than we think – it’s inside ourselves.

Student : Om Santosh Bagde
College : Sinhgad College of Engineering
“Dreams are meant to be followed,
Life is meant to be lived, Some Books are meant to be Read loved and passed on.” The Alchemist is one of those books.
According to me, “The Alchemist” By Paulo Coelha is more than just a Story it’s the awakening of Wisdom. The world is Filled with dreams, it’s a story of Santiago young shepherd in search of treasure find the different purposes and personalities and at the end Santiago, the protagonist, discovers the treasure he has been searching in buried near Sycamore tree at the various spot where he had original vision in the abandoned orthodox church. The journey failed with lesson and challenges, taught him that the real treasure lies not in material wealth, but in the personal growth, wisdom, better relations which we get through life. Santiago realises that the journey itself though experience with people like the Englishman, and The Alchemist. The pursuit of his ‘personal legend’ were the real treasure ads king of Salem said to Santiago , “ whenever you are, or whatever you are, whatever is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because the desire originated in the soul of universe. It’s your mission on earth.” This is what the central idea of alchemist book that writer wants to tell us for Santiago’s journey symbolises the pursuit of one’s passion and courage 2 follow the idea that everyone in universe is connected just like gravitation and when you align yourself with that purpose, the universe helps to achieve it. Santiago’s journey demonstrates that it’s not the destination matter put the journey which help us to face challenges along the way. The power of listening to your heart helps to recognising that true wisdom comes from within often it’s not equivalent logic and reason every person Santiago meet they help him to review “himself to the depth of soul which shatters.”
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.” This is the quote from book which profoundly affects me. The thought we adopted from society is not always wholesome or always the piece of wisdom, sometimes the truth from our inner voice is what it needed. According to me this book consists of many sensible things which makes your impression on me as well as the society.
This book is about absolute magic, dreams, and the treasure we seek elsewhere and then find on our doorsteps. The story inspires us a shepherd boy from the Spanish province of Andalusia who dreams of travelling the world in search of treasure has desirable as any ever found. From his home he journeys to the exotic markets of South Africa and then into the Egyptian desert, where a fateful encounter with the alchemist awaits him….
The writer narrates this book story in very simple language and youth some of the lavishing words which makes it even better.
For me this is not only the review of book but also the life enhancing impact on me. I always recommend everyone to read this book so you find real magic. Endnote for this is that “ miracles only happened if you believe in miracles”, as Paulo said….