Paulo Coelho is from Brazil and the book was originally written in Portuguese. It was a simple allegory, published locally, and did not do well. Several years later an English-speaking person visiting Brazil, offered to purchase the rights to the book and translate it into English. He also made suggestions to make the story longer. Gradually the book became famous all over the world.

Even though it is a very simple book, I like The Alchemist because the character works toward his goal and does not give up. Modern-day books with similar themes, such as The Secret by Rhonda Byrne seem to suggest you just have to want your goal bad enough and it will come to you without having to work for it.