The Alchemist

Good Morning Some thoughts become universal quotes and some books become best sellers and sometimes classics. Most of the time, accidentally. Today's subject is one such book. A 177 page story, narrating a boy's journey, less adventurous than his thoughts! I'm writing about the book before completing reading it. M G Warrier The Alchemist I'm yet to read "The Alchemist"(1988) by Paulo Coelho. I have a copy of the English edition (Harper Collins Publishers, 1998 : Twelfth impression 2001) now on my table. The book is available @Amazon.in : https://amzn.in/d/0ePnKMMC Book description : "An international bestseller Over 80 million copies sold worldwideA PBS Great American Read Top 100 pickA special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho.Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.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 far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams." Santiago's parents had wanted him to become a priest, and thereby a source of pride for a simple farm family. Santiago studied Latin, Spanish and Theology. But since childhood he wanted to know the world and this was much more important to him than knowing God and learning about man's sins. One afternoon on a visit to his family, Santiago had summoned up the courage to tell his father that he didn't want to become a priest. That he wanted to travel. Father explained to him that "The people who come here have a lot of money to spend, so they can afford to travel," "Amongst us, the only ones who travel are the shepherds." "Well, then I'll be a shepherd!" His father said no more. The next day, he gave his son a pouch that held three ancient Spanish gold coins. "I found these one day in thefields. I wanted them to be part of your inheritance. But use them to buy your flock. Take to the fields, and someday you'll learn that our countryside is the best, and our women the most beautiful." And he gave the boy his blessing. SUMMARY The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is an allegorical novel about Santiago, Melchizedek, and Fatima. It follows an Andalusian shepherd boy who journeys from Spain to the Egyptian pyramids in search of a hidden treasure and his life's purpose. The Journey Begins in Spain The Dream: Santiago dreams of a child telling him to find treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. The Advice: A gypsy woman and a mysterious old man named Melchizedek (King of Salem) tell him to sell his sheep and go. Adventures in Africa The Setback: Santiago arrives in Tangier, Morocco, and is quickly robbed of all his money. The Crystal Shop: He works for a crystal merchant for a year, makes good money, and learns about taking risks. The Desert Caravan: He joins a desert group heading to Egypt, meeting an Englishman studying alchemy. Love and the Alchemist Fatima: At the Al-Fayoum oasis, Santiago falls in love with a local woman named Fatima. The Mentor: He meets a powerful 200-year-old alchemist who teaches him to listen to his heart and understand the soul of the world. Turning to Wind: Captured by desert tribesmen, Santiago uses his connection to the universe to turn into a sandstorm before they are released. The Real Treasure The Pyramids: Santiago reaches the pyramids and digs, but finds no gold initially. The Climax: Beat up by robbers, one attacker mentions his own dream about a treasure buried under a church in Spain. The Return: Santiago realizes his true treasure was back where he started, goes home to Spain, and digs up his gold under the sycamore tree.