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The Alchemist

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Book by Whitten, Leslie H

317 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

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About the author

Leslie H. Whitten Jr.

12 books8 followers

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5 stars
2 (4%)
4 stars
3 (6%)
3 stars
19 (44%)
2 stars
14 (32%)
1 star
5 (11%)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Brice.
168 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2019
How this book ever landed under the horror description by Zebra is almost as confusing as the blurb on its back. If one reads that blurb they're likely to think they'll be reading a tale of witchcraft and black magic in Washington. However, what little black magic is included in this tale is minor, at best, and used as a very small part of a subplot.
I can't say I hated THE ALCHEMIST, I read it quickly and enjoyed it, I just felt cheated as, instead of a horror story, I got a political thriller set in early '80s Washington with a romantic subplot. It's not poorly written and the story is believable and engaging, it's just.... not horror.
And that cover! It has nothing to do with what waits inside.
So.... it's a decent reminder of the whole judging a book by its cover adage.
Profile Image for Brian Steele.
Author 40 books90 followers
November 27, 2010
I couldn't finish this. While I understand that it MAY be important to the ongoing plot, I simply couldn't get past the blatant racism. Or the misogynistic sexism. Or the utterly unsympathetic lead character. I believe this is the ONLY book I've ever given 1 Star to on Goodreads.
Profile Image for angelofmine1974.
1,964 reviews19 followers
June 15, 2025
No stars DNF

This is not a horror book... i repeat this is not a horror book. Made it to page 35 and had to stop when I realized it wasn't a horror book and just a plain bad written drama crime story.

For the rest of my review, visit my Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/DMZuD7hcFc8

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Arin.
116 reviews2 followers
Read
October 13, 2023
Follows an insecure political nobody through racial issues and his sexual escapades. Couldn't finish it, was too bored.
381 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2025
This should not be called a horror book. Other a few parts with weird parties and goings on; it seems to be a book about a man searching for the meaning of his life.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews