Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

*This synopsis has been transcribed from the inner cover of the book, The Alchemist.

Fiction. Philosophy. Spirituality. Personal Development. Literature. Adventure. Fable.

The Alchemist is the story of a young Spanish shepherd who has a recurring dream about finding a great treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. After meeting with a woman who interprets dreams and a king who tells the shepherd, Santiago, that when someone really wants something, the whole universe conspires to help them achieve it, Santiago leaves his flock and home in search of his treasure.

Along the way, he is robbed, losing his savings and faith in his dream, which sees him take up work in a crystal shop to save enough money to return home and buy another flock of sheep. But when the time comes to return, he receives an omen, which proves a pivotal moment for the young shepherd as it allows him to change his mindset and view his situation from one of being only two hours away from home to one of two hours closer to his personal legend.

With his faith restored, Santiago ventures into the desert, finding an oasis, love, and an alchemist. The alchemist assists Santiago in reaching the pyramids and, ultimately, fulfilling his personal legend. And, without giving too much away about the book’s ending and where Santiago’s treasure lies, we will say that the ending is absolutely beautiful, imparting a lasting sentiment that every step of a journey is important to its end.

Final Thoughts:
This book left us feeling reinvigorated and ready to break out of the monotonous day-to-day cycle in which we can easily get lost. It caused us to ponder our dreams, make bolder choices from a place of faith over fear, and take action in the direction of our own personal legend/purpose.

What prevalent themes did you identify in the book?

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Can you name three feelings this book conjured in you?

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Was there a passage that deeply resonated with you? If so, what was it, and why?

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*You can download these questions as a print-friendly PDF here.

The Alchemist is currently available as an audiobook on Audible (4hr listen). It can also be purchased at major retailers, such as Booktopia and Dymocks, and is even available for $14 at Big W.