Scan barcode
yolie's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. Over the years its reputation had me steer clear of it as a book I would not enjoy or that it was for ‘others’.
Upon reading the book I found many passages that were beautiful to read and inspiring to learn from. The entire story is a parable and if questions and conversations surrounding faith and purpose are not your cup of tea - I would advise you to avoid this book.
If however you need something to inspire you, to give you a renewed sense of purpose this might be the book for you.3
Upon reading the book I found many passages that were beautiful to read and inspiring to learn from. The entire story is a parable and if questions and conversations surrounding faith and purpose are not your cup of tea - I would advise you to avoid this book.
If however you need something to inspire you, to give you a renewed sense of purpose this might be the book for you.3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Slavery, and Colonisation
joshmacaroni's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Alcohol, War, and Classism
icarusandthesun's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
seldom have i read such a wise and thoughtful book. it undoubtedly is 'a fable about following your dream'. it's adventurous and romantic and so peaceful. absolutely enticing!
the message about following your heart and 'personal legend' was a little repetitive, which made the last third of the book somewhat boring, but the ending was quite satisfying nevertheless.
the message about following your heart and 'personal legend' was a little repetitive, which made the last third of the book somewhat boring, but the ending was quite satisfying nevertheless.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
_gabi_'s review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
james1star's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I’m gonna do a short review for a relatively short book. So here goes…
The writing style in Coelho’s The Alchemist is very good and descriptive yet also doesn’t give too much detail if that makes sense?? I did enjoy this book I guess but it’s certainly not one of my favourites. Despite being short I did feel it quite repetitive and certainly some parts could be removed (not the best for a book of under 180 pages) but it didn’t really take that much from it. The storyline is okay, we follow a Shepard boy called Santiago from Spain who has a passion for travelling, he has a recurring dream of treasures found near Egypt’s pyramids, consults a gypsy, meets with a king who encourages him to make the journey so he does so going through Tangier and across the Sahara meeting with many people including an Alchemist - I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to spoil anything. The main theme is to follow your destiny because if you don’t listen to it, your heart, the world, omens, ‘god’ and other spiritual ideals you may lose the opportunity to realise / materialise your destiny. Which is pleasant and uplifting but I’m just a bit ehh on the whole topic. If religious and spiritual content is what you like then you’d properly enjoy it more than I did. Also the ending, albeit a twist and impactful to some, kinda irked me. Also how animals are referenced and treated I didn’t jam with.
In short: I enjoyed the writing and some messages but was just a bit ehh for me - solid 3 stars.
The writing style in Coelho’s The Alchemist is very good and descriptive yet also doesn’t give too much detail if that makes sense?? I did enjoy this book I guess but it’s certainly not one of my favourites. Despite being short I did feel it quite repetitive and certainly some parts could be removed (not the best for a book of under 180 pages) but it didn’t really take that much from it. The storyline is okay, we follow a Shepard boy called Santiago from Spain who has a passion for travelling, he has a recurring dream of treasures found near Egypt’s pyramids, consults a gypsy, meets with a king who encourages him to make the journey so he does so going through Tangier and across the Sahara meeting with many people including an Alchemist - I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to spoil anything. The main theme is to follow your destiny because if you don’t listen to it, your heart, the world, omens, ‘god’ and other spiritual ideals you may lose the opportunity to realise / materialise your destiny. Which is pleasant and uplifting but I’m just a bit ehh on the whole topic. If religious and spiritual content is what you like then you’d properly enjoy it more than I did. Also the ending, albeit a twist and impactful to some, kinda irked me. Also how animals are referenced and treated I didn’t jam with.
In short: I enjoyed the writing and some messages but was just a bit ehh for me - solid 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail