A modern classic which was first published in 1988 in Portuguese, which has since been translated into seventy–one languages, making it the most translated book by a living author. It has sold more than sixty-five million copies in more than one hundred and fifty countries, making it one of the best selling books in history.
The Alchemist is not a complicated story, just a fable with a message about overcoming difficulties to enable you to follow your dreams. It is the story of Santiago a young shepherd from Andalusia who dreams of travelling the world in search of treasures. In his travels to Tangiers and Egypt he meets people with wisdom to impart, including an Englishman from whose books Santiago first learns about alchemists. Later he actually meets an alchemist who teaches him that the reason we remain unfulfilled in our lives is caused by the fear of failure.
This novel appeals to so many people as its outlook is so optimistic, telling us everything is possible if we really want it to happen. Everyone wants to think that the things we aspire to in this life, but never thought attainable may just be so after all. Therein I think lies the secret of the success of this best selling novel.
This video I found on YouTube is an excellent introduction to the book without any spoilers.
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
Paul Coelho
Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 24th 1947 more information about his life can be found either on Wikipedia or his Official Website Paul Coelho.
What an interesting man this author is, while researching him I discovered some facts about him that made me realise what a well admired personality he is.
1. He is a Peace Messenger for the UN
2. He has over 5 million Facebook fans.
3. He has 1,678,557 followers on Twitter and follows just 90 people, including Lady Gaga.
4. The Paulo Coelho Institute gives help to the underprivileged and ostracized members of Brazilian society, mainly children and the elderly.
Information for this post is with thanks to the following websites.