Paulo
Coelho

Paulo Coelho was born on August 24, 1947, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From a young age, he exhibited a penchant for writing, but his non-conventional aspirations often put him at odds with his conservative family. This tension led to Coelho being committed to mental institutions multiple times during his teenage years. However, these adversities only fueled his passion for self-expression and later became significant themes in his literary works.

In his early career, Coelho dabbled in songwriting and even penned lyrics for some of Brazil's iconic pop-rock performers. But it was his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain that became a transformative experience for him. This journey inspired his breakthrough novel, "The Alchemist," published in 1988. The story of Santiago, a shepherd who dreams of discovering a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids, has since been translated into over 80 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide, making it one of the most translated books in history.

Throughout his career, Coelho has continued to explore themes of spirituality, destiny, and the human quest for meaning. His other notable works include "Brida," "The Valkyries," and "The Zahir." Drawing from his personal experiences and spiritual journey, Coelho's writing style combines introspection with allegorical storytelling, resonating with readers from various cultural and religious backgrounds. He remains an influential figure in contemporary literature, continually inspiring readers to pursue their own Personal Legends.