Thoughts on the graphic edition of The Alchemist

Graphic edition of The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho was published two decades ago. Last year in the USA saw the publication of a graphic edition of The Alchemist.

I am lucky. My friend Elaine sent me a copy of the graphic edition. It actually arrived a little over a week ago, but I resisted the temptation of peeking. Even last night when it turned midnight I resisted the temptation. I finally looked at it this afternoon.

Many people identify with the characters in a book, visualise how they look. I do not, or rarely do. That is why when we see a film of a book we often do not like it, as it is not our interpretation.

That is how to see the graphic edition of The Alchemist. It is not The Alchemist. It is a visualisation, an interpretation, an adaptation.

For the moment I will say no more. I am going away in a few days and I will take it with me.

Yeah, was not the title a tease?

Accompaning the graphic edition of The Alchemist was a recording of The Alchemist Himself. This was broadcast by BBC Radio 4 last autumn and for some inexplicable reason was only held on-line by the BBC for a week. Elaine had sent it to me for Christmas, but the disc was blank!

The Alchemist Himself consists of readings of The Alchemist, interspersed with Paulo Coelho talking about himself and those who have read the book talking about how it has influenced their lives. It works very well.

One of those who talks about the impact on her life is my friend Elaine who sent me the presents!

What I found listening to the recording this evening was that the graphic edition of The Alchemist was an excellent compliment to the recording. The visual imagery illustrating the passages being read from the book.

Special thanks to Elaine for my birthday presents.

– A lovely example of Synchronicity

Tags: art, books, graphic art, literature, Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist