Over the past twenty years, Paolo Coelho's novel "The Alchemist" has become one of the most popular works. The author of this book told readers a story about the necessary search for happiness, which left an unforgettable impression on the writer's fans around the world. This work was first published in 1988, after which it was successfully reprinted many more times.
The main character of the novel "Alchemist" - Santiago
At the center of the story is the shepherd Santiago, passionately dreaming of finding a treasure of unimaginable value. The path outlined for him in life promises many new discoveries. Of these, the most important is the knowledge of oneself. Santiago learns to listen to himself, to his desires, thoughts, but most importantly, he learns to hear his heart. One day he realizes that his cherished dream does not belong only to him - it is an integral part of the Universal Soul.
Santiago was an ordinary shepherd, whose desires were very modest. After all, all he needed in life was free will for him, a small amount of wine and an interesting book that he could carry in his bag. However, fate foretold a different path for him in the form of wanderings in search of treasures that are hidden in the foundations of the Egyptian pyramids.
When the shepherd meets the wise ruler Melchizedek, who pushed him to more decisive actions, he goes in search. The very next day he sold his sheep, and then leaves his native land, following his cherished dream. The main character leaves for Africa.
Upon arrival in this country, Santiago realizes that his path in life will not be as easy as it seemed to him before. On the very first day he was robbed, and, finding himself completely alone, the young man could not even turn to anyone, since he did not know the Arabic language.
After the events that took place, the main character was completely at a loss. He was already ready to go back, almost giving up on his dream. But suddenly he remembered a conversation with the wise Melchizedek, who met him in his homeland, and his doubts gradually began to dissipate. After getting a job in a retail store, Santiago earns enough money to purchase a new flock of sheep. He begins to think about returning home, but at the last moment he still decides to risk everything he has earned and go in search of the coveted treasure.
In the desert, a shepherd meets a pilgrim of English descent, who told him about the innermost secrets and about an alchemist known in these places. New acquaintances spend a lot of time together talking about spiritual matters, but soon they learn about the approaching tribal war.
Further extraordinary adventures of the protagonist turn into a truly real test for him, and not only spiritual. The incomprehensible magical movement that saved the life of him and the alchemist, once again proves the existence of the Universal Soul, capable of doing great things.
Why is it worth reading the novel "The Alchemist"?
At the end of the book, you can find a large number of unexpected discoveries that can turn your whole idea of the universe upside down. Paulo Coelho's novel "The Alchemist" is able to awaken readers to thoughts that, probably, in ordinary life, could not attract special attention.
It should also be noted that this book is nothing more than a short guide to fulfilling your own desires. In other words, the story of Santiago's adventures is a kind of guide that does not allow a person to give up prematurely and fade away, not having time to reach his innermost goal, his passionate dream. The Alchemist is a book that inspires and makes you remember that a person does have wings.
