The Alchemist

A Fable About Following Your Dream

By: Paulo Coelho

Narrated by: Jeremy Irons

Length: 4 hrs

Publisher's summary

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)

The Alchemist

Great story. You don't have to be religious to learn a life lesson from this book. I believe if you can read a book, be entertained and want to be a better person afterwards it is an amazing talent.

Just beautiful

this book is one of my fevorite its just so beautiful i can't describe it

i absloutly loved it ,and the wisdom of all the charcters , and the things that you can learn from it
and my fevorite thing about the book , is the accurite islam references and the journey
jeremy irons is amazing reader , i'm going to look him up and i'll some of the books he narrated

love this book.... last read it 15 years ago...

the second time just as good as the first and like the first... it was perfect timing. thank you Universe.

Great inspirational story with excellent narration

I have read this book several times before I bought this audio book. It's a great inpirational story. And with the excellent narration, it makes this audio book even more impressive. One of the best in my collection.

The hero's journey perfected!

This is a book that I now have to buy and have in my house (multiple copies) to give away to other people. I plan on reading this to my children. It is a very powerful allegory that people at all different places in their life and from all different walks of life can find precious wisdom and truth. I don't remember the name of the man who reads this book but I do recognize that he is the same voice actor who did the voice of scar in the lion King.

Magical Classic

I read this book 20 years ago when I was 19. It's still great and more relevant through a more experienced lens.

Pleasant reading

Beautiful book with a lot of life lessons and "philosophical" even religious teachings. Reading is clear and reader transmits emotions.

Enjoyed on my long drive home.

I read this book years ago and loved it. Decided to listen to it while driving home from Oklahoma. Made the miles fly by.

Follow your DREAM by listening to your HEART!!

Highly inspirational, motivational, and interesting enough to become a multi-listening experience rendering your time as enjoyable!

Personal legend

This is a book once given to me during a trying time in my life. I recommend it to anyone who needs a sign.