The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has two layers: the icing, but a thin veneer, albeit a quite interesting one, is the story of a boy who wanted to see the world. Underneath, it describes “The Secret”: that the whole universe conspires to help you achieve your dreams. There is also a passing reference to “The Power of Now”: that the present is all there is.

This book provokes the reader to think, and I’ve come to think, after reading this book, that dreams are overrated. First, not everyone is born knowing exactly what they want, which is the crucial first step. For most people, discovering one’s direction (upon which both heart and mind agree) is the hard part. Second, what’s the big deal? If you’re hungry, eat; if you want something badly enough, go for it with all you’ve got.

If you’ve read Ayn’s Rand The Fountainhead, you won’t be very impressed by The Alchemist. The storyline is thin, the protagonist unconvincing, the philosophical message unsubstantial. I suppose, however, for those who are already contemplating their life meaning, it could be that cataclysmic “call to action”, and give a “life-enhancing impact” (according to The Times), which is laudable.

7 March 2010 | Book review | Comments