I had great expectations for this book, since I ordered it all the way from Sarajevo, Bosnia. I wanted to see what’s the fuzz about Coelho, and at the back of the books I read that this was Madonna’s favorite book. “Hmm, let’s see what’s this book about”, I said. Well, this novel is about symbols, signs and dreams, which bring us a scent of old days, especially Medieval and Arab atmosphere. In short, “The Alchemist” is about a boy called Santiago who has a dream and the willingness to pursue this dream. The boy is traveling, hoping to find a treasure, hidden somewhere near the pyramids in Egypt.

The writer states in this book that we should not avoid our destiny. He wants us to follow our dreams, find our happiness and joy. Of course, the novel tells us to never give up, be always optimistic.

It all sound pretty nice, but I cannot say I enjoyed reading this book, because of somewhat populist way of writing. It is too simple, too pretentious, but at the same time also too not-larger-than-life itself… The book has its fine moments, but there are not many. I guess, my disappointment is some of the reasons why I am writing this little review a couple months after I actually read the book…

2 stars out of 5.