Book Review:”THE ALCHEMIST” by Paulo Coelho (Pages 183)

Abdulqadir Omer Jama, Horndiplomat Columnist covering Book Review

This book is one of the bestselling books in this century. It is a story about a shepherd boy by the name of Santiago, who starts a marathon journey from Spain to the Pyramids at Giza on the outskirt of Cairo, Egypt, in search of fortune (TREASURE) to realize his “Personal Legend.” It is translated into more than 70 languages and sold 65 million books worldwide.

Santiago, the main character of this story, is a humble shepherd who likes to go round the world along with his sheep. He starts his marathon journey from Spain. His mind is occupied with a recurring dream of a hidden treasure in a place which is far from his hometown.

During the preparation of his risky voyage to the Pyramids of Egypt, he meets a strange wise man who claims to be a king from a far-off land. Santiago immediately feels things are worse as soon as he arrives in Africa. He sells his shepherd to continue the dreams of his “Personal Legend.” He comes across a multitude of mind-boggling problems on his way to Cairo by joining his caravan along with an Englishman. In the oasis, he meets a beautiful Arab girl named Fatima and he immediately falls in love with her. He is attacked by robbers in the desert and survived a number of unlawful killings. He also entangles in tribal wars of Arab Bedouin.

He finally reaches Pyramids at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt with no hope of finding any treasure over there; however, he is advised to go back to where he originally starts his journey where a treasure was buried.

Returning back to his home, Santiago digs a hole at the base of the tree and finds a trunk full of gold – enough for him and Fatima to live happily for a long time.

The Central theme of the story:

This book is of a great importance to Somali youngsters who often make daring exploits – all the way from the sub-Saharan deserts on to the high seas for the purpose of securing better opportunities whereas, on the other hand, these opportunities may be hidden or lying untapped beneath the surface at the departing points of one’s country of origin. You can find everything in your country without making daring exploits.

I would recommend that everybody should read this inspiring story, and fully understand the underlying significance of this story. It sheds light on everyone’s future.

Many thanks,

Abdulqadir Omer Jama, Horndiplomat Columnist covering Book Reviews

Email: janaale59@gmail.com  Tel. 252 63 4424183

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