I am overwhelmed and overjoyed by the concern shown by each of my readers for my blog or for the lack of it ! I also apologise for this long hiatus which stemmed out not because I was undergoing a period of the writer's hibernation and successive germination but because I was visiting different ailing relatives. But now I am back in Jampot, sitting in front of my p.c. and it feels like heaven to be able to write again. During my fortnight's tour to Koltata I finished reading Paulo Coelo's 'The Alchemist' and Jahnavi Baruah's 'Next Door'.
Things happen when they are destined to happen.
I had been contemplating to read 'The Alchemist' since a year. I knew from different media that this book of Coelho's was recorded in The Guinness Book Of World Records for being the most translated book by a living author. Like Santiago, the protagonist, I too have had interruptions between my desire to read the book and to actually read the book. But I only managed to buy a copy of this 1988 published bestseller on 7th May 2009, after a chance discussion with my very good writer-HR-professional-RJ- friend, whose books 'Mediocre But Arrogant' and 'Married but Available' are a current rage in all the leading bookstores of India and abroad.
So, is twenty years a long time to learn and enjoy something which more than a millon people have already learned and enjoyed ? I think not. For one, the book gives you direction. It gives you faith and reaffirms your confidence in yourself. It gives you the hope that " ...when you really want someting, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." It establishes a direct link between omens, signs, dreams and the Soul of the World, that is ones' deepest desires.
The hero's name Santiago, is used only once, which is a striking feature. In the entire story he is referred to as the boy. But Santiago, the name appears two more times : Santiago Matamoros the Saint and the alchemist who looks like the saint Matamoros. It is interesting therefore that a whole story can be narrated even without repeating the name once. What is however more fascinating is the journey of Santiago.
The journey of Santiago will metaphorically coincide with every man's journey, if he is a forsighted visionary and if he has a dogged and inflexible desire to translate his visions into reality. I have seen and met people - some my own, some not my own and some though not my own, with my very own predicaments. They give me the zing to live. I choose to write about them in the next blogs.
Meanwhile, let this piece just be the starter to my forthcoming writings. Let this be the 'I'mPresent, if you please' call in the attendance register of http://nicheofgems.blogspot.com/ !!!
5 comments:
Well u r back n how! I've read The Alchemist years ago,and was fascinated to it as well.It has umpteenth hidden meanings and many profound revelations.A must-read for every mortal being.
Thanx for using the pen, errrr the keyboard to write again. Pls minimise the gaps between your publishings.
The Alchemist is a well-loved,well-read and a well-known book of Paolo Coelho's,a marvel of a book actually.You,have done what many others have done-reviewd the book.But,it would have been a better review if u could just punch in the lines that speak a lot about life,destiny,fate and luck. This would add more flavour to it.Waiting for a reviewed version.No hard feelings.
I guess you've read the book and also researched a lot about its background. I never read Jahnavi Barua,but I came across one of Abhijit Bhaduri's books-Mediocre But Arrogant.I didnt find it too g8,just another Indian book by an Indian author.Sorry for the frankness but i believe in calling a spade, a spade.But something is very nice about the way you present your blog. Let me figure that out.......
Thnks zznikitazz fot your encouraging comments.
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