The Alchemist

A Fable About Following Your Dream

By: Paulo Coelho

Narrated by: Jeremy Irons

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its simplicity and wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an Alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a meditation on the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is art eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.©1988 Paulo Coelho (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"The story has the comic charm, dramatic tension and psychological intensity of a fairy tale, but it's full of specific wisdom as well, about becoming self-empowered, overcoming depression, and believing in dreams." (Publishers Weekly)

"It is short, but certainly packs a wallop. What makes the story even better is Jeremy Irons's unforgettable narration.... Irons's voice is crystal clear, and every word is given its own starring role in the text. He creates wondrous characters, male and female, that stay with us." (AudioFile)

Brilliant story

I am completely in love with this story. I actually plan to listen to it again very soon because I expect it to be something that you get something different from it each time you hear it. Many important thoughts and lessons are throughout the book, and it is a great story too with wonderful characters.

Very special... a keepsake.

This book is one that I will read (listen to) over and over. The lessons one learns from this book are very similar to those one understands when studying Law of Attraction. The principles are sound and the story is a wonderful one. Jeremy Irons does a fabulous narration. Some chide me for not "reading" books... but when one can have the treat of hearing a talented actor such as Jeremy Irons do a rendition of such a special book, it's a win win as far as I'm concerned. I am now anxious to read other books by Paulo Coelho!

A Meanigful Listen

Jeremy Irons does a wonderful job narrating this work. The story is an easy listen. It is packed with lots of meaning and there were times I wanted to stop the audio just to think about what was being said. Lessons on life, love and the way we see the world can be found in this wonderful story.

It Really Was Very Good

Any additional comments?

This one had me all over the place. I liked the book - I loved the book - I hated the book - the book was ok - I liked the book - the book was ok. But by its last words, I had to say that I do love the book. I disliked the constant use of the words, "personal legend", and the awful affectation that Jeremy Irons employs when pronouncing these words in particular.

Though my opinion mixed and spun throughout my listen, that very challenge made the book ever more engaging, ever more interesting. This book is neat, heavily symbolic, heavily allegorical, concise, beautiful, and mystifying. And though the story and words are simple, the philosophy and meaning are challenging. Still, I think almost everything about this book is widely accessible. A friend described it as a "modern myth", and I have to agree with him. It reads like a myth: something ancient and wise, unbelievable and fantastic yet applicable and meaningful. It seems that the author has gathered the unspoken wisdom of a generation and wrapped it into this tight, literary package.

Probably the finest story ever told

indescribable magic, I am left without words to praise his genius

Great Book... very insightful and thoughtful

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me think about what there was to understand about belief and faith.

Any additional comments?

It is worth the listen more than once.

Why did I wait so long to read this?

This book is delicate, beautiful, and gently thought provoking. Whether you are on a journey or right where you are supposed to be, this book will motivate you.

Best narrating voice ever!

Loved the book and how it was narrated! I am not a Christian but still found the message profound.

Even BETTER if an EXPERIENCE!!!

The theatrics of the different characters voices were nothing short of INTRIGUING. This was already one of, if not, MY FAVORITE BOOK of all time.

I believe in Omens/Signs of the universe. This story has so many lessons to take in. Thank you for the experience.

Jeremy Irons is perfect; Story is pure wisdom

A classic I had never read. I'm glad I waited until Jeremy Irons read it to me. Beautiful rendition of this story. The Boy uncovers the secrets of the universe. Bravo!