Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho


Ok, so I'm slow on the uptake. I know this book has been around for years, but I've only just discovered it, and it's incredible author. Maybe there's a reason for that? It did seem to pop up just when I needed it. Synchronicity? Of course. What a little gem it turned out to be too!

This is the story of Santiago, a young shepherd boy who is on a journey from Spain to Egypt to find his personal treasure. Along the way, Santiago meets many wise people, the old king, the crystal seller, the charismatic thief, a beautiful woman and of course, the Alchemist. All of these characters play a part in helping Santiago achieve his dream. Or so he believes. His journey is one of learning through experience and acceptance, and that was the joy of the story for me - the blossoming of wisdom in a young and impressionable soul. Each mystical, and somewhat fanciful character, could well be someone in our own lives. Someone who unwittingly is helping us on our own journey of discovery, whether we realise it or not.

This beautifully simple story is full of symbolic characters and secrets, wonderful imagery and poetic words, and is ultimately a story of optimism. It's a fairytale for grown-ups, and should be read by everyone who is searching for that elusive 'pot of gold'. It's a story for the heart, and mine accepted it totally.

In the words of the author, "when you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true"....

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