Some stories stay with you, sitting in the back of your mind, waiting. They bide their time until you need a reminder of a life lesson, or you require that pep-talk letting you know that you are good enough. Maybe it is just a quote that gets you through a tough period in your life, or that reflective mirror that shows you just how much you have grown. For me, one such story is The Alchemist by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. I found this book in the large print section of the library where I work, plain white cover, bold black title font. It seemed nothing special, but at the time, many were talking about it and the important message contained within. Knowing as a librarian, the public expectations that you are familiar with the classics, and the literature deemed meaningful in the moment, I borrowed that book instead of reshelving it, and in the quiet of the evening, while my wife was at work and my young children asleep, I opened up the first page and began to read.
Now, I know that this review completely goes off script when compared with what I have done in the past, it goes askew of what David K. Montoya's guidelines were when he originally asked me to take on this section of The World of Myth magazine. This is not a Dark Myth Publications publication or is it published by any of the company's subsidiaries. But, after Dave snuck in a review of the wonderful children's story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, and me without a book to review for this month, I took it upon myself to share my thoughts on this title, The Alchemist, because of the way that it means different things to different people.
In its most basic form, The Alchemist relates the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who is inspired to travel the world and experience life in his search for a personal treasure, promised riches, the gift of wealth that to a young person of his occupation and communal stature would be a promise beyond his wildest dreams. I wonder how many of us are chasing that similar promise, that hope of discovering some story idea or a creative outlet that will lead to life changing fame, fortune, or just a change of circumstance? I for one don't do it for the money, and yet I still dream of someday becoming a fulltime author, paying the mortgage, bills, and living comfortably from any literary royalties. So, for me, Santiago's treasure, discovered after his leaving home and growing older and wiser through exploring the world, is a financial one. I still feel attached to this premise, and the story makes me believe that such a treasure is out there waiting to be earned and discovered both. To my friend, the one who recommended this story the most, the journey undertaken and the lessons learned along the way is the true treasure, realized (and therefore discovered) upon returning home and discovering just how much home has changed, and how much the traveller has been altered also. This friend of mine of course is, even at a time in his early adult years, a worldly explorer, and someone brave enough to venture beyond the touristic trails. For others, in general conversation, the treasure is family, or friendship, sometimes company, what is needed and what is most valued at that specific moment of their life.
It is a testament to the writing talents of Paulo Coelho that his story can translate so easily into all these things for all these people. For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing The Alchemist I thoroughly recommend that you give it a go. For the many of us who have already read Coelho's work I recommend that you take the opportunity to read it again. I am far more travelled now, and life has gifted me with grown children and fine friends. I still chase the golden dream of a writing career but am far more content with the life I am living. Perhaps I should take my own advice and hunt down a copy, retrace Santiago's steps and discover where The Alchemist will take me with older, more experienced eyes.
I take the opportunity also to not allocate stars for this title, this review, purely for the very reason that The Alchemist is a personal experience. It is the treasure trove that I promise will shower you with the gifts you need in the now, and the future. So, take the journey, and do so with an open mind. I promise you'll not regret it.