One of Liz's favourite books! Written in just two weeks and first published in Portuguese in 1988, The Alchemist follows Andalusian shepherd boy Santiago in his journey to the pyramids of Egypt, after having a recurring dream of finding a treasure there.

"I think this is a beautifully inspiring and metaphorical book about following your heart"

The book's central theme is of finding one's destiny, although according to The New York Times, The Alchemist is "more self-help than literature."

The advice given to Santiago is that "when you really want something to happen, the whole universe will conspire so that your wish comes true" is the core of the novel's philosophy and a motif that plays heavily throughout.

Read more reviews and sign up to our newsletter here