The Alchemist

The Alchemist: Author: Paulo Coelho Language: Arabic Publication date: 2013 Book format: Paperback Publisher: Al-Matbou'at for Distribution and Publishing Number of pages: 197 Book category: Short stories and Novels Description: "It is the second novel written by Paulo Coelho, which achieved remarkable global success, making its author one of the most famous international writers. The novel tells the story of a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago, who went in search of his dream represented by a treasure buried near the pyramids of Egypt. His journey began in Spain when he met the honest King Melki, who told him about the treasure. He crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, passing through Morocco, until he reached Egypt. Throughout the journey, he was guided by spiritual signs. On his way to find his dream treasure, many events occur, each one turning into an obstacle that almost prevents him from continuing his journey, until he finds the means to overcome this obstacle. He is robbed twice, works in a glass shop, accompanies an Englishman, searches for his personal legend, witnesses wars between tribes, until he meets the alchemist, who knows great secrets and urges him to continue toward his treasure. At the same time, he meets Fatima, his great love; inside him, a conflict brews between staying with his beloved and continuing the journey in search of the treasure. Thus, the idea of the novel can be summarized in a sentence the king told Santiago: If you desire something, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it. In this novel, Coelho revisits the theme of a journey rooted in ancient times, begun by all those who searched for what makes life more beautiful: the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life. Does gold become a pretext for searching for other treasures? And is our personal legend our discovery of our right to happiness?"