Literary · Adventure
The Alchemist
Bestseller: about 150 million copies (estimate)A young Andalusian shepherd has a recurring dream about treasure near the Egyptian pyramids and sets off across the desert to find it, meeting a series of guides and teachers along the way.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1988
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 181
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a quick, uplifting parable about following your dreams that you can finish in an afternoon.
Skip this if you prefer subtle writing, since the messages here are stated plainly and repeated.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Alchemist
- What is The Alchemist about?
- A young Andalusian shepherd has a recurring dream about treasure near the Egyptian pyramids and sets off across the desert to find it, meeting a series of guides and teachers along the way.
- Who should read The Alchemist?
- Read it if you want a quick, uplifting parable about following your dreams that you can finish in an afternoon. Skip it if you prefer subtle writing, since the messages here are stated plainly and repeated.
- How long and how fast is The Alchemist?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 181 pages, first published in 1988.
- Does The Alchemist have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Alchemist for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Alchemist; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Alchemist?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Siddhartha, Life of Pi, The Midnight Library.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Alchemist
-
Siddhartha
A deeper and more austere search for meaning, written in the same spare, fable-like voice.
-
Life of Pi Another story about a young man testing his faith and resilience on a long, strange journey.
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The Midnight Library A modern, accessible book that also asks what it means to choose a life that feels like yours.
Literary
