The best-selling book, The Alchemist was published in 1988. It was supported by nearly hundred million readers. What do you think is the reason for the success? What do you think the current readers are seeking?
Regarding my success, I really don’t know why my characters are so popular in different parts of the world and in different cultures.
I don’t have a ready-made formula to apply when I embark on a new book, but I’m always controlled by many elements: discipline, compassion and a sincere eagerness to understand myself.
When I start a new book, I try to approach myself from a different angle. In The Alchemist, for example, I was trying to explain to myself what writing meant to me. The way I found to do this was through a metaphor.
In Eleven Minutes, I started with the question of why sexuality is considered one of the major issues in life. But I had my doubts. And that’s why the hero asks if it’s true that the world could revolve around 11 minutes. I talked a lot about sexual relations in the novel, but in the end I doubt if the world really revolves around sex.
In The Zahir, on the other hand, there is a kind of a snapshot of my present moment as a famous writer. The novel is full of comments on what it means to be rich and famous, on the nature of marriage and the responsibilities of the writer.
In my latest book, The Witch of Portobello I wanted to explore the feminine side of divinity, I wanted to plunge into the heart of the Great Mother.
Sincere compassion and understanding feel good in a world where there are plenty of ‘invitations’ to live superficially and remain numb! There is much going on, and these issues affect us. So thank you for being open and sharing in a simple, truthful, way. The more I learn and understand about myself, the better I understand others and the world. Thank You, Love to All, Jane xo
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It is easier for people to understand “metaphor” I believe. It takes you back to your childhood, you become a child again and it allows you to get in touch with your soul. A fairy tale in the making..
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I believe in the nature’s mind and I think that’s the most powerful sword is called Eternity. We are just a small part of this marvellous logic, but we are not ready yet to accept it and we can not understand it. Not now and not in this way. We are still just a baby-in-arms and our time is a question of advance. The Alchemist found that our life is a value, wisdom and unique no matter how long it will exist, the most important thing is in our faith, heartiness and blessed breath.
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A minha pergunta é: o que aconteceu com o alquimista, ele descobriu como transformar chumbo em ouro?
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I’ve read Alchemist and the thing that fascinates is the journey undertaken to find one’s desire..personal legend. It was my first introduction to Paulo Coelho.
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people always need someone to rely on…that is their greatest weakness. As for “The Alchemist” it was a very different book for its’ time and i think that is why people showed such interest in it becouse nothing like that was written ever before
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Maybe they are searching for God, the light…
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As the Bible is to Christians, the Koran to Muslims and so on and so forth… Paulo’s works are my constant companions and help to keep me on my path… because as you said dear Tania… it is important that we perceive things as they really are and not to allow ourselves to be brainwashed by society, governments & the politically subsidized, commercially oriented, “Sensationalist” Media!
There is no doubt… Paulo Coelho has helped me to find myself… for which I am truly grateful. I have made a gift of “The Alchemist” at least 20 times and other Coelho books also on numerous occasions… this doesn’t make me fanatic… it simply shows my gratitude and my need to share lessons that have helped me and share feelings that please me…
Thank you dear Paulo!
Love, & inspiration, Paul
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Dances With Crayons Reply:
July 6th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Thank you Paul, I love how you conveyed your message and agree, finding affirmation and encouragement in Paulo’s books, making gifts to others as well. Because I find joy in discovery, have left copies in airports and other places too, praying that the books are found by just the right someone at the right time (it’s fun to do!). Although there are still several books I have yet to read. Love, Jane : )
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I think the alchemist reached so many people due to fact , when people are searching for their dreams -person legend it does not cross any boundaries -all people everywhere in the world ,every country can relate to this its one thing everyone has in common - dreams - but also it was an interesting story -the ups and downs ,learning ,love it had everything in it ..But I also love 11 minutes to for how you addressed everything ,sexuality and also for the understanding on why people do what they do -and what happens to them like Maria ,.I think readers are seeking lots of things like the real truth in life ..not just how society assumes things but how it really is …But also you have to have the talent like Paulo to be able relay it so well ..Blessings Tania
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why you have this success ? Because the spirits and the world energy is supporting your work. Your function is to open the door..in the meaning to open something in the heart and the soul of the reader with your books..that’ why you have this success because this useful for the invisible word.. the earth need this…
many greetings Sandra
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In my opinion,the key you used to open so many hearts of so different people is complex,first of all you not discriminate .Than you have great tallent,courage to say things that people do believe but sometime fear to speak loudly.The stories are original,even when they are using myths or stories.The construction of the plot keeps people interest awake,the end might turn things up side down.I like the lyrism in some parts of the novel,and the strong faith that is possible to notice in your books.The thing that is rare and I love in your books,is the great respect towards women,and towards “The feminine side of divinity”.I must add the sensation of courage and self confidence one aquires by reading your books,and last but not least,the mistery of some scenes.
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