The Significance of Dreams in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
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Paulo Coelho’s latest novel The Alchemist is a story that will entrance you. With lovely charm and ever-present themes, The Alchemist is a story of hope and following your dreams. A modern classic that you should read.
The Synopsis
The Alchemist is a story that combines magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonders. Melding it into an inspiring tale of self-discovery.
Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different and more satisfying than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, following our dreams.
The Alchemist Review
I listened to The Alchemist on audio, as the tale was “available now” on Libby. Hoping that the story was immerse me in the world as the majority of audiobooks do. Prior to reading, I heard great things about the story (everyone RAVES about The Alchemist). But at the end of the story, as the last sentence ran its course, you’re left well feeling underwhelmed.
This story was originally written in Portuguese and often when things are translated they don’t convert over as smoothly. With words that mean something else in the original text, completely different from English.
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
The protagonist Santiago is a shepherd. One of modest means that is content with his life until he crosses paths with a King who teaches the boy the value of reading the signs of the universe. Even in our dreams.
Santiagos then goes on a journey. One that is hidden to him, but following the signs (however long they may take to appear) should lead him to his destination. Traveling across the country, borders, and lands, brings him to both trickery, thievery, and noble ones. And although he sometimes falters, Santiago learns the value of sticking to your course, hard work, honor, and bravery.
Within the whole story, the most interesting part was his relationship with a crystal merchant he comes across. And in turn, Santiago teaches the merchant of expanding himself. Creating goals for you to accomplish. Taking you higher than you could have ever imagined.
But beyond this, it wasn’t the literary themes that gave me pause. It was the lack of depth. Not in the sense of character development. Throughout the story, Santiago is growing and evolving in the best ways possible. But in the sense of world-building and creating an engaging story that makes you want to keep listening.
In addition, the message was basic. It was one that we all know and understand at our core. If you want something to happen you have to want it. Go for it, and create the path to discovery. Not allowing things and or people to deter you from what you seek.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
The positives are the story is beautifully written, creating a story that is almost fable-like in its approach. With that, there are many things you can learn from The Alchemist and Santiago’s story. It is actually true that so many of us want the easy way of completing a project. When it gets really tough and the chips are really low. But just on the other side of your next step is the goal you have been trying to accomplish. If only we would have had a little more patience we would get there.
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”
At the core of the story, it is about doing what’s right and being rewarded for your persistence. And although the story is often simple and a little too childlike in some places. Giving it an average rating of 2.5 stars. I do think that you should pick it up and determine the answers for yourself.
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