Alchemy – turning ordinary books into gold
September 15th 2007 07:27
Image: aquabooks.ca
So, in all honesty, I would have to say that I was disappointed with The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. From what I had heard and read, this was going to be a gem of a book. All reviews and write ups that had come my way were glowing and positive.
So what am I missing? I would like someone to enlighten me – as this book did not!
OK … I believe I recognised the parables and the life lessons learnt by Santiago during his journey – patience, faith, love, courage. Even the ‘personal legend’ message was not too hard to grapple with. But I’m sorry, it was not enough for me. The simple narrative and structure of the story left me ho-humming all the way through. And although the basic idea of life itself being a journey worth taking is an inspiring one, (and I am a firm believer in this allegory) in fiction terms, the content was too elementary.
I have read my fair share of self-enlightenment titles, and if you need to go there try M. Scott Peck (A Road Less Travelled), C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity), or Viktor E. Frankl and his Man’s Search for Meaning. Although non-fiction, these authors know how to write and put forth enough brain food to really get you thinking.
Image: penguin
Image: beacon.org
Image: fantasticfiction.com
I’m not saying you can’t discover yourself in fiction – a well written fiction story can be a real revelation, but if you have gathered a good many years on this earth as I have, and learnt most of the basics already, you can probably safely give The Alchemist a miss. Hand it to a teenager you know and try something more like Cervantes’ Don Quixote or just about any Steinbeck or David Malouf. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a masterpiece, and even Tim Winton has plenty of wisdom to impart on the receptive reader.
And if at times, life seems to be a little on the tedious side and you start to wonder what the hell it’s all for – read Robert Hastings essay The Station. My daughter had this printed up for me and framed a few years ago and if I find myself slipping into believing my life is not a gift, I read it through and learn to cherish it all once more. Now that is alchemy!
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Comment by katyzzz
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Health Focus
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I understand your point, an excellent post by the way. Probably you did not like the alchemist, as you say, because it is too juvenile for your already existing knowledge, a bit like Pilgrim's Progress.
It's good to have the names of other books. I don't read much nowadays, tend more to skim, due to the vast amount of knowldege one needs to acquire. This is a pity, really.
katyzzz
Comment by Joanne
Open Book
You're right about Pilgrim's Progress - I haven't thought about that book in years, but I remember when reading it that I thought ... 'all this has already been said'. I imagine at the time of writing though, it was quite unique and confronting.
As for not enough time to read, I second that! But how do we gain knowledge without it? Personally I sacrifice TV, second rate movies (which seem to be numerous today) and extra sleep, but never an eveing out with friends, time with my family, concert/ theatre or any number of outdoor activities. After all, it's no good just reading about life ... you have to live it too!
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I have been meaning to pick up this book for months now. I see it every time I go into the bookstore... and every time I walk out with something other than that one.
A pity that you did not enjoy it. Perhaps, as Katyzzz says, you are a little further along your spiritual journey to find anything useful in it. Thanks for the other titles they will be added to my list.... and when I go to the library today I will get this one out FIRST!
Ash
Comment by Joanne
Open Book
If you have always meant to read The Alchemist, by all means do it - at least then you'll know where you are. Hope the other titles help to move you along.
Joanne