Book Reviews – The Alchemist (Graphic Novel) and The Alchemist (Novel) by Paulo Coelho

Book Review – The Alchemist (Graphic Novel) by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
Illustrations by Daniel Sampere
Hardcover
208 pages
Publisher: Harperone
Publication Date: November 15th, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0062024329

     The Alchemist (Graphic Novel) by Paulo Coelho and illustrated by Daniel Sampere is a visual study in life’s lessons expressed as a fable and tells the story of a boy named Santiago who has the imagination and resolution to follow his “Personal Legend.” While Coelho’s story is compelling and spiritual Dan Sampere’s art and design brings it to life. Each of Santiago’s guides are beautifully drawn (one in the likeness of Coelho himself)  and help enhance the lessons being taught. The Alchemist embraces a number of important messages, lessons that have been told and re-told in literature countless times. However, that does not make this particular story any less valid (or enjoyable) then those that have come before it. In fact, the art enhances every aspect of the story. As a matter of fact, the story depicted in graphic novel form tells the story better, I think, than the novel. Where a thousand words might suffice in fiction, ten words and an image need to deliver the same message graphically. That paring down helps highlight the many morals the protagonist encounters in his journey. Coelho points out the emotions encountered when something urgent is desired and how, for some, that need often manifests its way in a universal realignment to point us in the direction of that goal. Coelho explains how a true hunger and passion for something can, and often is, rewarded by success and that every one of us has a “Personal Legend” inside us waiting to blossom. The story reminds us that those who love us encourage and inspire us in so many ways to follow our dreams, to pursue our ambitions, and how simply reaching for our goals will take us to places we might never expect.

     File with: Parables, philosophy, life lessons, and spirituality.

4 ½ stars out of 5

The Alternative One
Southeast Wisconsin

 

Book Review - The Alchemist (Novel) by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
Hardcover
Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco
Publication Date: 1st edition - April 16, 1993
ISBN-13: 978-0062502179
192 pages

     One fourth spiritual poetry, one fourth platitudes, one fourth desert myth, and one fourth the philosophy of decency The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a study of life expressed as a myth or fable. It’s the story of a young boy named Santiago who has the imagination and resolution to go out and search for his own “Personal Legend.” Santiago stumbles a time or two but finds a series of guides that serve as moral compasses throughout his adventures. In one way or another they push him toward his goals, help him to retain his courage, and assist him in correctly reading the life omens he encounters. His endeavors eventually lead him to understand his own heart and inner desires. In varying degrees The Alchemist reminded me of some of the great spiritual writings of the past. It is the ghost of Kahlil Gibran and Rumi speaking to us, and like its predecessors, The Alchemist embraces a number of incredibly important messages, lessons that have been told and re-told in literature countless times. However, that does not make this particular story any less valid (or enjoyable) then those that have come before it. While the graphic novel is, in my opinion, more impactful visually the novel left me filled with the desire to go out and fulfill my own “Personal Legend.” Where images were more visually enticing the novel became a more emotional experience. Both are, in my opinion, worth the time spent reading. Coelho successfully points out the emotional roller coaster encountered when something urgent is desired and how, for some, that desire often manifests its way in a universal realignment to point us in the direction of that goal. (Though many of us refuse to hear or follow that call.) Coelho explains how a true hunger and passion for something can, and often is, rewarded by success and that every one of us has a “Personal Legend” inside us waiting to “become” or to manifest itself in a way we can recognize. (Usually its not how we see it in our heads when we set our goals.) The story reminds us that those who love us encourage and inspire us in many ways to follow our dreams, to pursue our ambitions, and that how simply reaching for our goals will take us to places we could never have expected to go without taking that first step.

     File with: Poetry, Spirituality, Parable, and damn fine literature!

4 ½ stars out of 5

The Alternative One
Southeast Wisconsin

Additional Reading:

Paulo Coelho’s Official Website

Paulo Coelho’s Wiki Page

Paulo Coelho’s Blog

The Alchemist Preview

The Alchemist YouTube Trailer