Alchemist is one of the most popular novels in the last twenty years. Paulo Coelho told the reader a story about the necessary pursuit of happiness, which impressed thousands of his fans from around the world. Back in 1988, this work was released for the first time, after which it was successfully reprinted many more times.
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist: Summary of the Novel
At the center of the story is the shepherd Santiago, who passionately dreams of finding treasure of unimaginable value. The life course foreseen for him promises many new discoveries, one of which is self-knowledge. He learns to listen to himself, his thoughts, desires, and most importantly - to his heart. At one point, Santiago realizes that his dream does not belong only to him - it is part of the Soul of the Universe. It is noteworthy that the summary of Paulo Coelho’s book “The Alchemist” is not able to convey to the reader a gradual awareness by the shepherd of the continuous connection between the need to realize human desires and spirituality.
Santiago was just a modest shepherd whose desires were quite modest - all he needed in this life was free will for him and his sheep, some wine and a fascinating book that he would carry in his bag. But
fate foresaw him a different path in the form of unforeseen wanderings in search of priceless treasures hidden in the foundation of the
Egyptian pyramids. When Santiago meets the wise King Melchizedek, pushing the shepherd to more decisive action, the shepherd goes in search of. The next day, he sells his sheep and leaves his native places, following the dream of his whole life - the young man leaves for Africa.
Do not forget that Paulo Coelho’s novel “The Alchemist” is a book that is one of the most important literary phenomena of the 20th century. First of all, because the history of the shepherd Santiago is a kind of spiritual confession that can be used in everyday human life by any rationally thinking person, regardless of his social status.
The next episode of the book that hit the world is the arrival of Santiago in Africa. Already here, the main character understands that his life path will not be as easy as it seemed to him earlier. On the first day, the poor shepherd was robbed, and, left all alone, he was not able to even speak with someone, because he did not know the Arabic language. After such events, the shepherd was completely at a loss, and was about to return back, away from his dream. But he remembered the conversation with the sage Melchizedek, the king of Salim, who had met him in his homeland, and his doubts gradually began to dissipate. It is worth noting that the book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is a short guide to the realization of one’s own desires, in other words, Santiago’s life is a guide that does not allow a person to fade prematurely before reaching his goal, his dream.
Having settled in a trading shop, the shepherd earns enough money to buy a new herd of sheep. Santiago has thoughts about returning home, but at the last moment, he decides to risk all his money and go to realize his dream - to seek a treasure.
In the desert, Santiago meets a traveler of English origin, who tells him about the secrets of alchemy, as well as about the alchemist known in these places. New acquaintances spend a lot of time together talking about spiritual nature, but soon they hear the news of an approaching tribal war.
Among the most significant events of the book by Paulo Coelho “The Alchemist”, a brief summary can highlight the main points of the plot design: arrival in an oasis, knowledge of the true feeling of love, a vision of the upcoming battle and an important conversation with the alchemist who is able to lead Santiago to treasures.
Santiago’s further adventures turned out to be a real test for him, both spiritual and a test of faith. An incredible magical movement that saved his life and the alchemist, once again proves the existence of the Soul of the Universe, which is able to do great things.
At the end of the book, the reader will find many discoveries for himself that can turn over his whole current view of the universe. Paulo Coelho’s book “The Alchemist” (a short summary, unfortunately, cannot emphasize all the subtleties and deep meaning of this work) is capable of awakening the reader to thoughts that, perhaps, in ordinary life could not have attracted due attention.