The Alchemist

Paulo Coehlo

Intensely philosophical, The Alchemist details the journey of a young Shepard to find his own personal treasure. At a time of personal romantic uncertainty, a story detailing fate-altering decisions fell upon attentive ears.

Although the beautiful metaphor of undiscovered treasure and personal ultimate goal carries the short story wonderfully, the physical manifestation of the treasure in the final act undercut the metaphor of journey and personal experience, resulting in a slightly underwhelming finish.

The axiom (a noun which I’m inventing to refer to the part of the story for which the text was written) was a beautifully personal sentimental piece from the author. He bares his soul fully in the religious allusions, creating a super refined and poignant statement about his own personal journey, as well as making an easily relatable reflective piece for the reader.

The short, sharpe and focused prose carry the reader through the story at a wonderful pace. All in all, this book was an absolute joy to read, even if I questioned the addition of a physical manifestation of the treasure.