This is a fable. It was written by a Brazilian author in 1988, and has something of a cult following. A friend recommended it.
It’s a story that’s also intended as self-improvement (I think…?).
It’s about an ancient Spanish shepherd who travels into Africa to find his destiny. He has a dream about treasure, and goes looking for it in Egypt.
(Fun coincidence: I read this while in Barcelona for business. On that same trip, I drove up to Andorra, so I spent some time traveling the Spanish countryside.)
It’s fairly episodic. The boy encounters people all along the way (including, towards the end, and alchemist, though I can’t figure out why he rated the title of the book – he didn’t seem like a major character). He has adventures and setbacks, but keeps pressing forward.
The book isn’t written in a modern style. It’s written as if it was produced 100 years earlier.
Honestly, I didn’t really get it. The story doesn’t seem to have a point, other than something really hackneyed like, “follow your dreams” or “the real treasure was the people we met along the way” or…something.
I managed to get the illustrated hardcover version, which is lovely. Wonderful color paintings and heavy paper.
Book Info
Author
Paulo Coelho
Year
Pages
208
Acquired
I have read this book. According to my records, I completed it on February 20, 2024.
A hardcover copy of this book is currently in my home library.
I had to stop reading this. I gave it fully 100 pages, but just couldn’t figure it out. I don’t know what the point of the book is. It’s some kind of metaphysical treatise about…something. Given the title, I assume the writer was trying to explain how we develop some higher level of awareness, but...
This is a province on the southern tip of Spain. The cities of Seville and Cordoba are located here. The region has a strong Muslim history, and is the location of The Great Mosque/Cathedral of Córdoba.