Aidan Reads reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Review of 'The Alchemist' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
2.5, It had its inspiring moments but overall was full of farce.
Paperback, 190 pages
French language
Published Aug. 1, 2007 by J'Ai Lu.
3 stars
(8 reviews)
Santiago, un jeune berger andalou, part à la recherche d'un trésor enfoui au pied des Pyramides. Lorsqu'il rencontre l'Alchimiste dans le désert, celui-ci apprend à écouter son cœur, à lire les signes du destin et, par-dessus tout, à aller au bout de son rêve. Merveilleux conte philosophique destiné à l'enfant qui sommeille en chaque étre, ce livre a déjà marqué une génération de lecteurs.
Nathan John Cooper reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Timeless Story
3 stars
There's just something about this story that feels so timeless, classical, and eternal. Everything is so allegorical, metaphorical, symbolic, and polysemic and I can't help but feel this is the kind-of book that should be re-visited serveral times throughout one's life. The only thing that brings it down somewhat, for me, is the occasionally confusing writing style. I'm sure this is most likely my fault and that I wasn't paying enough attention but there was a few times where the author jumped into a past story with little indication. The result of this was an overflow of confusion as to where the characters were and what they were doing.
Rik reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Read this at just the right time
5 stars
I have read many critical reviews of this book and I can absolutely see the reasons why so many people dislike it. For me, however, the book came at just the right time of my life, and it had a huge impact on me.
You see, The Alchemist is about following your dream. In my case, I felt stuck in a life that didn't suit me at all, unable to move. This book comes with a certain naivety that is liberating. The kind that says, it doesn't matter, just go for it. Yes that sounds like a recipe for disaster for some people, especially since some events in the books might seem to have a rather dubious meaning. But for me it was a lifesaver. And most of the more rational books that I read as well did no remotely have the same effect. The book might suggest to stop …
I have read many critical reviews of this book and I can absolutely see the reasons why so many people dislike it. For me, however, the book came at just the right time of my life, and it had a huge impact on me.
You see, The Alchemist is about following your dream. In my case, I felt stuck in a life that didn't suit me at all, unable to move. This book comes with a certain naivety that is liberating. The kind that says, it doesn't matter, just go for it. Yes that sounds like a recipe for disaster for some people, especially since some events in the books might seem to have a rather dubious meaning. But for me it was a lifesaver. And most of the more rational books that I read as well did no remotely have the same effect. The book might suggest to stop thinking sometimes, and that might be just what you need.
You critics are all right, but I will recommend this book to anyone.
Steven Deobald reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Review of 'The Alchemist' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
I enjoyed The Alchemist. It's cute.
However, I must admit it felt the entire way through like reading the masterpiece of a highly competent 10-year-old. "The boy did this, then the boy did this, then the boy felt like this...." It's not a book I would recommend to anyone; being beaten over the head with allegory after allegory and pseudo-spirituality isn't my idea of time well spent.
Manu reviewed The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Review of 'The Alchemist' on 'Storygraph'
5 stars
Well, I cant write a review in few words on this book. Its an outstanding one. I dont think most readers will find it understanding. Its more of a spiritual world. Want to re-read some day!
Subjects
- Inspiration & Personal Growth
- New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit