Alchemist is all about knowing the universal language that we consciously or unconsciously use in our communication. The book has a fine philosophical touch in describing, understanding the universal language and getting one with the universe. The boy understands that everything should be written and has been put by one hand, that is the reason he is able to understand his sheep and it understands him vice-a-versa.
He always follows his heart and prefers to be a Shephard in want of travel. The story then on is a perfect recipe, telling how all the things are linked up like a network that never fails. He happens to see a dream repeatedly and wants to pursue it - pursue the worldy treasure as extravagant as any ever found- the want is nothing but the want of the universe.
He starts his journey with the advise of a king who tells him about the language of the omens and about the beginners luck. He tells him that ''the secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon'' - "A shepherd may like to travel, but he shoud never forget about his sheep".
He learns lot of things along his travel - He understands that making decision was only the begining of things. Luck and coincidence , its with those words that the universal language is written. He is deceited and faces bad luck during his travel but the Andalusian boy believes in himself and is determined to make his own decisions.
Time tells him that those are nothing but the decisions of the nature and he could have never gone wrong as he listens to his heart and follows the omens with oneness.
He has very beautiful and romantic encounter along his way to the pyramids where his treasure is supposed to be with his love Fatima, who encourages him to pursue his dream.
Slowly he starts understanding the omens more and more and this helps him in meeting an Alchemist - The one who has the Philosopher''s Stone and the Elixir of life - the one whose age is known to be 200 years- living in the oasis of the desert. This meeting and company of the Alchemist helps him to realize his dream and turn to pureness - Gold - The Alchemist.
He helps him understand that in Alchemy lead, copper and iron have their destines to fulfil before you see Gold. Anyone who interferes with destiny of another will never be able to discover his own.
The climax of the story is excellant, as he happen to be in a near death situation at the pyramids and then nature helps him know that his treasure is at the place where he got the dream - the old church at Sycamore lands his starting point.