"The Alchemist" is one of the most reviewed books. The book starts with the beautiful prologue of Narcissus that certainly gives a deep feel to initiate the book at earliest. It is a story of a young Spanish shepherd boy who has chosen his profession due to his liking of wandering. He often dreams of a treasure lying under the pyramids of Egypt but when he is about to reach the exact location of the treasure, he wakes up. On the journey of achieving his dreams (treasure) he meets some people who help direct him towards his destination. He learns to believe in "omen" and to feel the "soul of the world" - a term frequently used by Coelho, meaning to relate with the soul of nature. He starts his journey to Egypt from the Tarifa through the deserts of Sahara to the oasis of Al Faiyum. There he meets 200 year old wise man, an alchemist. He mentors Santiago to learn through out his journey of life and to achieve the actual treasure. This book is about following and achieving your dreams, and in this process the whole universe conspires for its happening. The beauty of Al Faiyum is described in the most alluring manner by mentioning oasis, horizon, campfires, 50,000 date palms, colorful tents, dunes, dark chilly nights and Arabic people. Nature is the supreme power but it has limitations too. Santiago's conversation with desert, wind and sun is the phenomenally written part of the book. This fantasy full episode to blend in with nature is absolutely soulful. An alchemist converts lead into gold which is something unrealistic yet the most relevant gesture to maintain the essence of the book. This is purely a quest genre philosophical book: focusing on fight with fears, being real and passionate.
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