A review by booksoversecondbreakfast
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

Reading this book was like reading a classic story of old. It read similarly to 1001 Arabian Nights, Old Testament Biblical scripture, and Aesop's fables. It was very fantastical and felt like something I'd enjoy reading to a child as a bedtime story. I listened to the audiobook, and it reminded me of watching A Princess Bride for the first time. It's a comforting kind of story - the kind that makes you dream of what could be. It truly is a more modern-day fable, and in that regard, I can see why people love this book.

The philosophical ideas taught in this book ranged from gnosticism to prosperity gospel to humanism - none of which align with my personal beliefs, so at times I really felt conflicted about this book. I've heard that some people classify this book as a self-help book, and that honestl  really surprised me. I have trouble seeing past this book being a fictional magical-realism story, but I can see how people sharing philosophical beliefs with those in this book might see it more as a self-help book. I gave this book a shot and really enjoyed it for the first two-thirds of the book, but towards the end, it just seemed more and more like a pipedream, and the story felt less and less grounded.

All in all, I didn't mind the read, but I also didn't love it. It was overall fairly enjoyable, but I just don't think the story was for me. 2.75/5 stars.
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