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Description
This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. What starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis
Summary
The story follows a Spanish shepherd boy named Santiago whose dream was always to travel and see different people and cultures. Since he was a boy, he was used to being a shepherd and taking care of his sheep; but still, his desire never went away . Santiago goes to an old gypsy woman to... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Cast of Characters/Important People
- Santiago: The protagonist of the The Alchemist. Born in a small town in Andalusia, Santiago attends the seminary as a boy but longs to travel the world.
- Melchizedek: The king of Salem, a mysterious far-off land. Melchizedek appears to Santiago in the town square of Tarifa, where he tells Santiago about the Soul of the World and his Personal Legend for the first time.
- The Englishman: He is trying to become a great alchemist and is traveling to Al-Fayoum to study with a famous alchemist who is rumored to be over 200 years old and to have the ability to turn any metal into gold. Santiago learns much about alchemy from the Englishman, who lends Santiago his books while they travel across the Sahara.
- Fatima: A beautiful girl who lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis. Santiago falls in love with her at the well there.
- The Alchemist: Very powerful alchemist who lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis in Egypt.
- The Shopkeeper: The shopkeeper, while generally afraid to take risks, is a very kind man and understands Santiago's quest - sometimes more than Santiago himself.
Memorable Quotes
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“"its all written"”
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“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.”
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“Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.”
First Sentence
The boy's name was Santiago.
Table of Contents
Glossary
- Language of the Universe: Omens, coincidences and dreams are the means by which the universe seeks to communicate. By remaining open to these omens, Santiago is able to learn more about the world and about himself.
- Levanter: The name of the wind that blows off of Africa into Spain. So called because it comes from "the Levant." It is related to the conquest of Spain by the Moors. Santiago thinks that it brings the scent of exotic women and adventure.
- Sacristy: Room where the vestments of the church are kept.
Authors & Contributors
- Paulo Coelho (Author)
Awards
- Guinness World Record (Most translated book by a living author)
- Nielsen Gold Book Award (UK) (2004)
- Best Fiction Corine International Award (Germany) (2002)
Popular Tags
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