Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian novelist best known for *The Alchemist* (1988), a fable about following one's dreams that became one of the best-selling books in history.
His works blend spirituality, mysticism, and simple prose, attracting devoted readers and dismissive critics in equal measure.
Coelho's name has become shorthand for a certain genre of inspirational fiction: It's very Paulo Coelho—all about the universe conspiring to help you.
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- transmutationComplete change of form
- goldElement seventy-nine
- elixir of lifeLegendary immortality concoction
Santiago · Melchizedek · symbolism · transformation · magnum opus · allegory · metaphor · spiritual journey
Writer of prose narratives
- BrazilianOf or from Brazil
- writerCreator of texts
- storytellingRecounting events aloud
- narrativeAccount of events
The Alchemist · prose · fiction · literature · publishing · literary · characters · plot
Religious journey to shrine
- soulInnermost animating essence
- faithTrust without proof
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
- mysticismPursuit of divine union
enlightenment · omens · universe · destiny · self-discovery · transformation · wisdom · meditation
Ranking first in sales
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
- phenomenonExtraordinary observable occurrence
- popularWidely admired by many
- successFavorable outcome attained
breakthrough · classic · influential · iconic · acclaimed · famous · notable · translated
Impetus toward a goal
- dreamsInvoluntary sleep visions
- aspirationStrong desire for achievement
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- courageFortitude facing danger
hope · destiny · purpose · self-belief · empowerment · passion · determination · visionary
The Alchemist
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- transmutationComplete change of form
- goldElement seventy-nine
elixir of life · Santiago · Melchizedek · symbolism · transformation · magnum opus · allegory · metaphor · spiritual journey
novelist
Writer of prose narratives
- BrazilianOf or from Brazil
- writerCreator of texts
- storytellingRecounting events aloud
The Alchemist · narrative · prose · fiction · literature · publishing · literary · characters · plot · creativity
pilgrimage
Religious journey to shrine
- soulInnermost animating essence
- faithTrust without proof
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
mysticism · enlightenment · omens · universe · destiny · self-discovery · transformation · wisdom · meditation · sacred
chart-topping
Ranking first in sales
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
- phenomenonExtraordinary observable occurrence
- popularWidely admired by many
success · breakthrough · classic · influential · iconic · acclaimed · famous · notable · translated · international
motivation
Impetus toward a goal
- dreamsInvoluntary sleep visions
- aspirationStrong desire for achievement
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
courage · hope · destiny · purpose · self-belief · empowerment · passion · determination · visionary · life lessons
Paulo CoelhoCormac McCarthy
Albert Camus · Samuel Beckett · Thomas Hardy · Fyodor Dostoevsky · Franz Kafka
Paulo CoelhoJames Joyce
Thomas Pynchon · David Foster Wallace · Virginia Woolf · Marcel Proust · Cormac McCarthy
Paulo CoelhoPhilip Pullman
Bertrand Russell · Jean-Paul Sartre · Mark Twain · George Orwell · Voltaire