PLEASE NOTE: This is a key takeaways and analysis of the book and NOT the original book.

Start Publishing Notes' Summary, Analysis, and Review of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist includes a summary of the book, review, analysis and key takeaways, and detailed "About the Author" section.

PREVIEW: Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist concerns Santiago, a young shepherd boy who resides in Andalusia, a mountainous region in the south of Spain. Santiago, who had given up a path of priesthood in order to enjoy the nomadic life of a shepherd, has recently been having recurring dreams. The dream first occurred to him while he and his sheep took respite in an abandoned church in the countryside. Sleeping under the sycamore growing through the church's ruined roof, the boy's dream sees him visited by a little girl who guides him toward the Egyptian pyramids. The little girl tells him that if he goes to the pyramids, he will find a hidden treasure there. Having the dream twice, Santiago figures that it must be of some importance. While en route to trade sheep's wool with a merchant he stops in the town of Tarifa, hoping to speak with a woman who is said to be able to interpret dreams. Upon finding her, Santiago is discomforted to learn she is a Gypsy woman; having never met one before, he is somewhat unsettled by the unfamiliar furnishings of her room, as well as the unsavory stories he heard about Gypsies growing up. But upon glimpsing the Sacred Heart of Jesus in her home, he is put at ease.