This is the story of Santiago, a simple shepherd boy in the Andalusian mountains in Spain. He dreams of travelling the world
in search of an elusive treaure, a treasure that no one has ever found. He follows his dream taking the risk of leaving his secure life of a shepherd boy to travel out of his country. On his journey he meets several people has varied experiences from being roobed of all his belongings to being helped in times of danger. Everytime he believes there is a message the universe is giving him. Some call it nature, some call it the supreme power and some simply call it the gut feeling.
Santiago's journey takes him to Egypt where he meets the alchemist, the one who will lead him to the treasure. Coelho beautifully uses the term 'alchemist' both as a metaphor as well as in its literal sense as he explains Santiago's travels. Here is a well-written story that goes much deeper in meaning. Coelho's brilliant way of combining spirituality with day-to-day experiences is evident in this book.