Der Alchimist
by Paulo Coelho
- First published 1988
- 176 pages
- German
- Classic
Santiago has the same dream twice: a treasure waiting for him beside the Egyptian pyramids. He is an Andalusian shepherd boy who knows his flock, the dry hills of home and the taste of dust on the wind, and he could keep that small safe life. Instead he sells his sheep and sails from Spain to the crowded markets of Tangier and on toward a desert that speaks in omens. An old man who calls himself a king shows him what it means to follow his Personal Legend, and far ahead waits a mysterious alchemist. The path demands he listen to his heart and leave everything familiar behind. The desert will test whether his dream is worth the price.
- Genres
- Fiction › Speculative fiction › FantasyFiction › Historical fictionFiction › Contemporary fictionFiction › Religious fictionFiction › Speculative fiction › Fantasy › Historical fantasy
- Themes
- Art & creativity › Books & readingIdentity & belonging › Self-discovery Travel & journeys Religion & faith
- Mood
- Adventurous Inspiring
- Tropes
- Quest Treasure hunt
What readers say
3.92
3.8M ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Loved as inspiring fable about following dreams, hated as simplistic and preachy. Short, easy read.
- Praised
- Ideas Plot Emotional impact Writing
- Best for
- Fans of uplifting spiritual fablesReaders at a life crossroadsLovers of simple quest stories
Readers compare it to
Misogyny
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Diogenes, 1999
- ISBN
- 9783257061260
- Language
- German
Original edition O Alquimista Originally published in 1988 · Portuguese









