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Book Review: Paul Coelho’s “Veronika Decides to Die”

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“Veronika Decides to Die” by Paul Coelho could just as easily have been called “Jessie Decides to Live.” 

In the novel, Veronika finds herself in a position in which she could just as easily live as die. She chooses the latter by overdose. However, she is unsuccessful and wakes up in a mental hospital to find out that she irreparably damaged her heart. The doctors say that necrosis has set in and will grow to kill her in one week’s time. 

Veronika, like many of us, lived a life of repressing her feelings, ignoring parts of herself. It was only in the mental hospital that she felt free to be herself and get in touch with her soul. In society, her fear of the judgment of others oppressed her. 

When she let go of those fears, beautiful things happened — she allowed herself to love. On the brink of death, she became content with her fate and the possibility that the sole purpose for her existence may have been to help another human pursue their passion. 

Veronika and I had much more in common than I anticipated. I committed an act of violence in my youth; I hurt people and it cost me my life. Being told I would die in prison ate at my soul. I had to find reasons to exist and, somehow, rekindle the fire inside to wake up each morning and brave the world. 

The author reminded me of the importance of questions like, “Where is my soul? Am I present in this moment, living in the past, or pining over the future and missed opportunities?” 

I often live in these other times. When I do, I’m not living the best life because I’m not present.

To ground myself, I have to stop, place my feet on the floor, place my hands on my legs, notice the heat and my breath. I ask myself, “What do I smell? Name it. What do I taste? Taste it. What do I hear? Say it.”

Then I just breathe. It brings my soul to the moment. 

Veronika’s repression acted as a cage, but when she finally processed those repressed feelings, she began to grow again. She was able to play the piano better than ever before. She was able to free herself in the asylum because she was no longer bound by the customs of society. This is a lot like being sentenced to die in prison. 

As a kid, I got bullied a lot, so when I finally got up the courage to fight back, I saw it as an accomplishment. However, now as an adult, I see it as an accomplishment when I walk away from a fight. When you remove all worry of what others may think, you are free to find yourself and you may even be surprised at what you find and how happy you can be.

There is a passage in the book that touched me deeply. Mari, a character in the asylum, says, “Where is my soul, that I might play the music of my own life with such enthusiasm?” I think those words should act as a compass for all of our lives. 

Mari also says they are all happy in the asylum because they avoid “all knowledge of what lies beyond the wall of the aquarium.” 

Prison is my aquarium. Here, we all become institutionalized, feeling safe in our deprivation. There are less variables to contend with and fewer decisions to make for ourselves, we become like driverless cars on the path of life. 

While pleading her case for release from asylum, Mari says: “I am 65 and fully aware of the limitations age can bring … I’m going to Bosnia, there are people waiting for me there. Although they don’t yet know me and I don’t know them. But I am sure I can be useful, and the danger of adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort.” 

I don’t qualify for parole. I am in my 40s and I’m set to die here. I am excluded from programs that give young adult offenders and the elderly a chance to earn parole because of the nature of the burglary I committed in my youth. 

But I still hold out hope. If I get parole, I know I will have the same courage as Mari to venture out into the world because there are people waiting for me too. They don’t yet know me, and I don’t know them, but I am sure I can be useful.

Disclaimer : The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Jessie Milo

Jessie Milo is a writer, artist and poet incarcerated in California. He is a volunteer for InitiateJustice.org and an advocate for mental health.

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VERONIKA DECIDES TO DIE

by Paulo Coelho & translated by Margaret Jull Costa ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2000

Imagine peering into the very heart of the mystical rose in Dante’s Paradise and finding the neon injunction: “TODAY IS THE...

A touching, if overexplicit, fable about learning to live in the face of death.

As he confides in an early chapter, Coelho himself ( The Fifth Mountain, 1998, etc.) was apparently institutionalized simply because his adolescent behavior baffled his parents. Here, he returns to the world of mental hospitals indirectly via Veronika, a Ljubljana librarian who—tired of the fact that, at 24, she already finds every day like every other and can’t imagine any future but increasing boredom, decay, and death—takes an overdose of sleeping pills. She awakens in Villette, Slovenia’s notorious lunatic asylum, to learn that she’s damaged her heart irreparably and has only a week to live. Initially rebelling against her keepers’ solicitous rules and regulations (``I'm not here to preserve my life, but to lose it,” she reminds a nurse), she finds first her curiosity and then, gradually, her passions aroused by her fellow patients. Serbian Zedka Mendel, lacking a necessary brain chemical, endures megadoses of insulin that send her into comas. Mari, a lawyer who committed herself because she was suffering from panic attacks, has been asymptomatic for years but, divorced and forced into retirement, has nothing left to return to. Eduard, a “schizophrenic” whose case seems most like Coelho’s, is an ambassador’s son who ended up in Villette after rejecting a diplomatic career to paint. Regrettably, however, Coelho, preaching the need to live your own life in the face of death and social regimentation, can’t resist capping these often poignant stories with sanity-is-the-true-madness insights out of R.D. Laing and prosy homiletics (“It’s what you are, not what others make of you”) that seem to have been cribbed from a high-school health textbook.

Pub Date: May 7, 2000

ISBN: 0-06-019612-2

Page Count: 224

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2000

LITERARY FICTION

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Characters flip between bottomless self-regard and pitiless self-loathing while, as late as the second-to-last chapter, yet...

Four Chicago sisters anchor a sharp, sly family story of feminine guile and guilt.

Newcomer Lombardo brews all seven deadly sins into a fun and brimming tale of an unapologetically bougie couple and their unruly daughters. In the opening scene, Liza Sorenson, daughter No. 3, flirts with a groomsman at her sister’s wedding. “There’s four of you?” he asked. “What’s that like?” Her retort: “It’s a vast hormonal hellscape. A marathon of instability and hair products.” Thus begins a story bristling with a particular kind of female intel. When Wendy, the oldest, sets her sights on a mate, she “made sure she left her mark throughout his house—soy milk in the fridge, box of tampons under the sink, surreptitious spritzes of her Bulgari musk on the sheets.” Turbulent Wendy is the novel’s best character, exuding a delectable bratty-ness. The parents—Marilyn, all pluck and busy optimism, and David, a genial family doctor—strike their offspring as impossibly happy. Lombardo levels this vision by interspersing chapters of the Sorenson parents’ early lean times with chapters about their daughters’ wobbly forays into adulthood. The central story unfurls over a single event-choked year, begun by Wendy, who unlatches a closed adoption and springs on her family the boy her stuffy married sister, Violet, gave away 15 years earlier. (The sisters improbably kept David and Marilyn clueless with a phony study-abroad scheme.) Into this churn, Lombardo adds cancer, infidelity, a heart attack, another unplanned pregnancy, a stillbirth, and an office crush for David. Meanwhile, youngest daughter Grace perpetrates a whopper, and “every day the lie was growing like mold, furring her judgment.” The writing here is silky, if occasionally overwrought. Still, the deft touches—a neighborhood fundraiser for a Little Free Library, a Twilight character as erotic touchstone—delight. The class calibrations are divine even as the utter apolitical whiteness of the Sorenson world becomes hard to fathom.

Pub Date: June 25, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-385-54425-2

Page Count: 544

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: March 3, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2019

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by Mark Z. Danielewski ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2000

The story's very ambiguity steadily feeds its mysteriousness and power, and Danielewski's mastery of postmodernist and...

An amazingly intricate and ambitious first novel - ten years in the making - that puts an engrossing new spin on the traditional haunted-house tale.

Texts within texts, preceded by intriguing introductory material and followed by 150 pages of appendices and related "documents" and photographs, tell the story of a mysterious old house in a Virginia suburb inhabited by esteemed photographer-filmmaker Will Navidson, his companion Karen Green (an ex-fashion model), and their young children Daisy and Chad.  The record of their experiences therein is preserved in Will's film The Davidson Record - which is the subject of an unpublished manuscript left behind by a (possibly insane) old man, Frank Zampano - which falls into the possession of Johnny Truant, a drifter who has survived an abusive childhood and the perverse possessiveness of his mad mother (who is institutionalized).  As Johnny reads Zampano's manuscript, he adds his own (autobiographical) annotations to the scholarly ones that already adorn and clutter the text (a trick perhaps influenced by David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest ) - and begins experiencing panic attacks and episodes of disorientation that echo with ominous precision the content of Davidson's film (their house's interior proves, "impossibly," to be larger than its exterior; previously unnoticed doors and corridors extend inward inexplicably, and swallow up or traumatize all who dare to "explore" their recesses).  Danielewski skillfully manipulates the reader's expectations and fears, employing ingeniously skewed typography, and throwing out hints that the house's apparent malevolence may be related to the history of the Jamestown colony, or to Davidson's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a dying Vietnamese child stalked by a waiting vulture.  Or, as "some critics [have suggested,] the house's mutations reflect the psychology of anyone who enters it."

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Publisher: Pantheon

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2000

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Veronika Decides to Die | Paulo Coelho | Book Review

“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.” –       Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to Die

We all know Paulo Coelho doesn’t need an introduction. I’ve been planning to read all of his books, one by one, and recently I picked up another one of his bestsellers. In Veronika Decides to Die , the author of “The Alchemist” delves into the universal questions many of us ponder: What’s my purpose today? and why do I keep moving forward in life?

The plot of the book

The entire narrative of the story in the book centres around a young girl named “Veronika”. At just twenty-four, Veronika appears to possess everything one could desire: youth, beauty, numerous charming boyfriends, a rewarding job, and a caring family. Yet, something seems to be missing. There is something so significantly lacking that she is unable to do anything about it.

And so, after some contemplation, on one morning in November 1997, Veronika decides to end her life.

However, fate takes an unexpected turn, and Veronika is left in shock when she awakens at Villete , a nearby mental hospital. There, the staff reveals a startling truth: she has, to some extent, achieved her intended outcome. Although the overdose didn’t immediately claim her life, the medication inflicted such severe damage to her heart that she now has only days left to live.

The chief physician at the mental institution, Villette, Dr. Igor, theorizes that an excess of vitriol in the body leads to insanity, and decides to choose Veronika for an experimental procedure.

The narrative tracks Veronika’s remarkable week of self-discovery that unfolds. To her astonishment, Veronika becomes inexplicably attracted to the confines of Villete and its diverse patients, each offering a unique facet of the human experience.

During her time at the hospital, Veronika interacts with a diverse group of individuals. There’s Zedka, a married woman who once obsessively pursued a former boyfriend, only to fall into a deep sadness. Then, there’s Mari, who used to suffer from panic attacks but has made significant progress. Eduardo, on the other hand, ended up at the hospital because his father pressured him to pursue a career as a painter.

Veronika’s life takes a surprising turn when she falls in love with Eduardo. Through her interactions with the other patients, she learns valuable lessons about the meaning of life and is inspired to live passionately during her remaining days.

A Profound Revelation

The book’s central message is simple yet profound: “When you confront the reality of death, you recognize the splendour of each day you live.” For most of us, death remains a distant and abstract concept, causing us to overlook life’s value.

Through Veronika’s experience of facing her own mortality with just a week to live, the novel guides us to appreciate each day’s significance. She genuinely discovers life’s beauty and purpose as death looms.

Thanks to the author’s exceptional storytelling, readers are bound to arrive at this realization themselves. Witnessing Veronika reclaim her life with newfound positivity is undeniably gratifying.

My Take on the Overall Experience and the Author’s Writing

Coelho, in Veronika Decides to Die , delves into a fundamental truth about society: its tendency to be somewhat one-dimensional. When someone strays from the norm, they’re often labeled as “MAD ,” a term that carries significant weight throughout the book.

Through Veronika, the central character, and the supporting cast, Coelho artfully illustrates the diverse perspectives that can exist in the world, each with its own unique and authentic significance.

The author skilfully weaves a tapestry of diverse tales, each offering a unique lesson or journey, all underpinned by a recurring theme that justifies their presence in the book.

If you find yourself pondering the purpose of life and death , this book unquestionably guides you toward making ethical decisions in your everyday existence.

The author pays due diligence to every character in the narrative, furnishing them with a compelling backstory and employing strategic dialogue within Veronika’s story.

For those seeking a philosophical read amidst our technologically advanced world, this book is a genuinely enriching experience.

Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Veronika Decides to Die .

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About the Author

Manisha gurnani.

Manisha Gurnani loves to devour books as one would devour food. Though she enjoys books from all genres, her absolute favorites are fictional stories that never fail to take her on different adventures. She strongly belives in the power of literature in shaping our future, and is a self-confessed tea-holic. You can connect with her on Instagram at @mindboggling_reviewer.

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Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho – A critical review

I have never felt so gaslit by a book in my entire life than I did by The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (yes, I know this is a review about Veronika Decides to Die ; just hear me out). If you were to survey a random cross-section of every 25-40 year old and ask them their favorite book, I’d wager that 68% of them would say The Alchemist is their all-time favorite.

And I do. Not . Get it.

Why is this book so famous?! Why do so many people love it so much!? It’s a middling, plodding story of an unlikable protagonist going on a pointless journey. I even read it twice because it is so beloved that I assumed the problem must be me, not the book. But the second reading of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist years after the first reading confirmed my initial impression: I do not like this book.

But I further let myself be gaslit by the siren song of the inexplicably famous Brazilian author. When Veronika Decides to Die came up as a possible book for my Around the World in Books series (confusingly, despite Paulo Coelho being Brazilian, this book is set in Slovenia). I decided to give this author another go. Maybe he is a genius, and everyone is right, and I am wrong, and my dislike for The Alchemist was a fluke, and I would finally be privy to the unparalleled genius of Paulo Coelho.

Well…

A short summary of Veronika Decides to Die

Veronika is a seemingly typical, pretty, average 24-year-old who cannot shake the feeling that existence is tedious and long, so she decides at the beginning to end her life before things get worse. Her attempt is unsuccessful, but she had done irreparable damage to her heart in the process, and she wakes up from a coma in a mental institution, where she is given the sad news that she only has days to live. The rest of the book is about her coming to terms with her final days, finding a desire to live as long and as much as she can, and making peace with death.

What I liked about Veronika Decides to Die

I think almost every book has some redeeming qualities, and while I can confidently say I did not like this book, parts of it were pretty interesting.

The conversations around “normalcy” and insanity were decently interesting. I think the author does a fine job linking the concept of a shared sense of normality to its own madness. We all go through our days doing things that, objectively, don’t make sense in the name of “fitting in,” and this does, indeed, have its semblance of madness.

The author talks about how, without the pretense and pressures of polite society, mental hospital inpatients felt a certain level of inhibition and freedom that they never experienced in the outside world. I can see that and understand it. Suppose everybody already assumes you’re “crazy”. In that case, you are free to be uninhibited and authentically yourself in ways you cannot do on the outside when you’re accountable to social standards, protecting your reputation, and the other trappings of a functioning society.

Buuuuut… that’s about it.

What I didn’t like about Veronika Decides to Die

The characters.

Veronika is flat. One dimensional. She’s a pretty, vaguely sad girl that gets the sympathies of the masses. She’s written with the aggressive lack of nuance I’d expect from an older man who has never been a young woman. Interestingly enough, The others around her have a more robust sense of identity but aren’t necessarily much likable or relatable.

In fact, a lot of Veronika Decides to Die is about the other mental health hospital patients, but they’re so flat that I can barely remember them, and I just finished the book.

The reductionist language around mental health

Veronika Decides to Die is supposedly based on the author’s experience in and around the mental health system and his hospitalizations. While I would never discredit somebody else’s experiences, it does not mirror my own whatsoever, having worked in mental health for over a decade. Paulo Coelho’s approach to suicide, depression, mental health, and anxiety is so wild to me and felt nonsensical. Maybe that was the point, and this mental hospital was intended to be a carnival funhouse mirror look at psychiatry, but that’s a very generous interpretation.

I get that the book was written in 1998, but I feel like even then, there were plenty of resources to read up on the mental illnesses being discussed. For example, there’s a schizophrenic character who develops almost immediate onset schizophrenia, and then he’s miraculously cured of it at an opportune time. That’s not how any of this works.

The weird sexual parts

Yeah, there’s some weird sexual parts.

Authors should never, ever, ever put themselves in their books

There’s this super weird part of Veronika Decides to Die where the main character meets the author of this entirely fictional book, and it is so cringe that I literally cannot. I don’t know why this was considered a good idea. It’s odd and feels pretty egotistical for the author to insert themselves so randomly in their own book and for what feels like no reason at all.

Veronika Decides to Die is not based on a true story, so I have no idea why Paulo Coelho is in this book.

Apparently, this book was made into a movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar? You can see the Veronika Decides to Die trailer here .

Maybe it’s a translation issue. Perhaps I’m not the intended audience for Paulo Coelho’s genius. I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure this is my last Coelho novel for a while.

What are your thoughts on Paulo Coelho’s Veronika Decides to Die ? Did I totally miss the mark? Let me know!

If you’d like to buy the book, check it out here or see it on Goodreads .

This was the Slovenian book for my Around the World in Books series! Check out the others on my cool map !

Note: this review contains Amazon Affiliate links.

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One comment.

Hello Kate,

I recently came across your blog because of my interest in travel and books and Morocco. I look forward to reading your travel book recommendations and going on a deep dive into your blog posts. I love your writing style and enjoy reading your posts.

Like you, I also do not understand the love for The Alchemist. I remember the book being cited by so many people as their favorite. I was so disappointed when I read it many years ago. When I got to the end, I was wondering if I missed something? It was no Siddhartha. I am not surprised that this Veronika book is no better.

Anyway, I recently visited Morocco with my family and we have very wonderful memories. I understand that we were in a bubble, being in a private tour and being driven around the place. We avoided the touts and many unpleasant encounters some tourists have experienced. Having said that, I met many wonderful people who were sincerely hospitable and helpful despite working for very low wages. I love the food but you are right, they tasted the same after awhile because of the spices. Another thing I loved is the hammam experience and I still have to find an authentic one here in the U.S. Finally, I loved the architecture and the art: the tilework, wood carvings, the geometric patterns and colors.

We travel a lot and there are places that are OK to visit once. Morocco is a place I don’t mind visiting again some time in the future. It is very beautiful and rich with many natural resources. I will never forget that beautiful drive in the Atlas mountains and the coast. It is a pity that due to a confluence of many factors (cultural and structural), its people are not enjoying the country’s potential.

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In his brilliant novel about the aftermath of a young woman's suicide attempt, Paulo Coelho explores three perennial themes: conformity, madness, and death. Twenty-four-year-old Veronika lives in Slovenia, one of the republics created by the dissolution of Yugoslavia. She works as a librarian by day, and by night carries on like many single women ‹ dating men, occasionally sleeping with them, and returning to a single room she rents at a convent. It is a life, but not a very compelling one. So one day, Veronika decides to end it. Her failed attempt, and her inexplicable reasons for wanting to die, land her in a mental hospital, Vilette. 

Veronika's disappointment at having survived sucide is palpable. She imagines the rest of her life filled with disillusionment and monotomy, and vows not to leave Vilette alive. Much to her surprise, however, she learns that a fate she desires awaits her anyway: She is destined to die within a week's time, of a heart damage caused by her suicide attempt. Gradually, this knowledge changes Veronika's perception of death and life. 

In the meantime, Vilette's head psychiatrist attempts a fascinating but provocative experiment. Can you "shock" someone into wanting to live by convincing her that death is imminent? Like a doctor applying defibrillator paddles to a heart attack victim, Dr. Igor's "prognosis" jump-starts Veronika's new appreciation of the world around her. From within Vilette's controlled environment, she finally allows herself to express the emotions she has never allowed herself to feel: hate and love, anger and joy, disgust and pleasure. Veronika also finds herself being drawn into the lives of other patients who lead constrained but oddly satisfying lives. Eduard, Zedka, and Mari have been sent to Vilette because there doesn't seem to be any other place for them. Their families don't understand them, and they can't adjust to the social structure that doesn't tolerate their individuality. Each of these patients reflects on Veronika's situation in his or her own flash of epiphany, exposing new desire and fresh vision for life that lies outside the asylum's walls. 

Vilette is an asylum in the purest sense of the word: a place of protection, where one is shielded from danger. In this case the danger is society. Those who refuse to accept society's rules have two choices: succumb to the majority's perception that they are mad, or struggle against that majority and try to find their own way in the world. 

The protective walls of Vilette are liberating to its patients, allowing them to explore their "madness" without criticism or harm. What they discover is both natural and startling. A novel that starts out as contemplation on the expression of conformity and madness, turns into a dazzling exploration of the unconscious choices we make each day between living and dying, despair and liberation.

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho

• Publication Date: May 16, 2000
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harper
• ISBN-10: 0060196122
• ISBN-13: 9780007639588

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Review of the Book Veronika Decides to Die  by Paulo Coelho

Have you ever wondered how people living in mental asylums spend their lives?? What do you think are the circumstances leading them into the darkness while depriving them of all the colors of life? Mental asylum, how would you feel or react after reading these two words? Worried? Wondered? Frightened? or curious? While the idea of getting admitted to the mental asylum gives us goosebumps, but Paulo’s version of the story introduces us to another side of that desolate place. First published in 1998, Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho takes us to a mental asylum where people are not crazy but oppressed by the world’s toxicity.

The top-selling Brazilian writer of The Alchemist brilliantly carves an absorbing and uplifting tale of the suicidal lady, who hangs between happiness and sorrow, life and death, sanity and insanity. Veronika, a young lady, lived a seemingly content life with his family and peers until her inner demons provoked her to find peace in an overdose of sleeping pills. Her failed suicidal attempt takes her to the country’s famous lunatic asylum, where she finds herself standing on the verge of death.

The descriptive tale exhibits a mix of an autobiographical story when the writer takes a role in the novel. He describes the situation under which he discovered this disturbing tale and connects readers with his own traumatic life experiences. After establishing a strong connection, the writer drops out, and once again, the protagonist holds the central position. In a sedative-induced madness, Veronica starts discovering the miserable plight of people in her surroundings. In her companionship, she finds Eduard, a schizophrenic patient, and white-haired Mari, who suffers panic attacks.

Her close observation urges her to dig for the apt definition of insanity. This quest led her to discover the true meanings of life and love. Her stay at the mental hospital introduces her with inner self; she lives a different life, among many others labeled as mentally insane. Employing an absorbing blend of religious and philosophical ideas, the writer hits a thought-provoking question: why do people allow their inner demons to control them when life seems complicated and fate indifferent? Keeping Veronica as the center of attraction, the novel presents us with two different worlds where the word insanity mocks those who fail to recognize the purpose of their existence.

With the unparalleled wisdom, elegance, and decency that has coined him as an optimistic author, Paulo pens down the principles of a joyous life versus the depressed one. If you want to learn the true meanings of life, grab your copy today from the link below.

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BOOK REVIEW: Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Veronika Decides to Die is about a young Slovenian woman, Veronika, who attempts suicide, fails, is institutionalized, and is informed that her attempted suicide damaged her heart and she has only five days to live. In the hospital she has to come to grips with what it means to be dying, but also what it means to be insane.

The book deals with the effect of Veronika’s death sentence diagnosis on her as well as on other patients with whom she interacts. The first patient Veronika comes in contact with is a depressive named Zedka who offers Veronika advice and insight. Then there is Maria, a woman who withdrew from her professional and family life to be institutionalized because she was having inexplicable panic attacks. Finally, there is Eduardo, a schizophrenic who is virtually non-functional when he meets Veronika, but who ends up in a relationship with the young woman nonetheless. These patients come to realize that they are hiding out at the hospital. They stay in the hospital because they are free to defy norms without judgment. When Veronika decides she doesn’t want to die hiding out, it has a profound impact on the others.

The book borrows heavily upon Coelho’s personal experience. He was institutionalized as a young man by parents who were disturbed when he went artsy and began hanging out with undesirables. Interestingly, Coelho has a cameo role in the book as himself. In the book he writes an article that playfully asks the question, “Where is Slovenia?” When Veronika is waiting to die from her overdose, she reads the article and decides to write a letter to the editor claiming that she killed herself because of the depressing effect of Coelho’s suggestion that nobody who’s anybody knows or cares where Slovenia is located.

In the end Veronika finds that she is truly free. Veronika seems to have everything at the beginning of the story: a job, boyfriends, and popularity. However, it’s those things that she comes to feel enslave her, and that’s what leads to the attempted suicide. In a way, Veronika is doubly freed. She is free because she is dying, and what can one do to a dying person. Second, she has been labeled crazy, and, having such a label, people expect her to act oddly. She has the freedom to do those things she has been too frightened to do all her life.

I’d recommend this book. It’s short, readable, and offers clear food for thought.

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7 thoughts on “ BOOK REVIEW: Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho ”

I read Paul Coelho’s “The Alchemist”, which was a simple but great book.

By the way, how do you manage to make the time to read so many books to review? Do you always read the entire book?

I’ll probably read that one (Alchemist) or Pilgrimage next. This was the first of his books I’ve read.

Yes, I always read the entire book if I’m doing a review (excepting footnotes/endnotes and front/back matter if it’s not relevant or interesting. But I’ll read all of that if it’s interesting/essential.)

So I wasn’t posting any reviews while I was in Malaysia /Thailand, and during that time I read about 10 books that I’m now posting reviews for at about a rate of 1 a day. I soon run out, and my reviews will become more periodic. When I first started doing reviews, of course, I had a big backlog, and did one every day or two for months.

I’m an avid reader, but not a particularly fast reader. I’m capable of fast reading as it’s a skill I had to learn to get through graduate school, but I don’t enjoy reading that way and so I usually don’t. I’d guess I watch quite a bit less TV and movies than average and that frees up a lot of reading time.

I also write relatively quickly.

With your permission, I’d like to repost your review on http://FictionForANewAge.com , which focuses on metaphysical/spiritual book reviews.What do you think?

No problem. You should be able to reblog it using the reblog button.

Pingback: 2014 Reads: The Most Captivating and Profound Books I Read in the Past Year « The Tao of Loafing

Hopefully people will read this book and find more compassion for those suffering with mental illness. Thank you for writing this review. I hope to be able to read the book myself.

Thanks for the comment.

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Book Review: Veronika Decides To Die by Paulo Coelho

“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.” ― Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to Die

Veronika Decides to Die is Paulo Coelho's book. This book explores the theme of lunacy and is partially based on Coelho's experiences in several mental facilities. The main point of the message is that normalcy is the collective insanity.

Paulo Coelho takes the reader on a uniquely contemporary journey in Veronika Decides to Die, where he explores the search for purpose in a society dominated by lifeless monotony, anguish, and ubiquitous conformity. It is a brilliant depiction of a young lady at the intersection of liberty and despair, poignant and instructive, and a beautiful, enthusiastic celebration of every day as a fresh start.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

What am I doing here today? and Why do I go on living?

Twenty-four-year-old Veronika seems to have everything she could wish for: youth and beauty, plenty of attractive boyfriends, a fulfilling job, and a loving family. Yet something is lacking in her life. Inside her is a void so deep that nothing could possibly ever fill it. So, on the morning of November 11, 1997, Veronika decides to die. She takes a handful of sleeping pills expecting never to wake up.

Naturally Veronika is stunned when she does wake up at Villete, a local mental hospital, where the staff informs her that she has, in fact, partially succeeded in achieving her goal. While the overdose didn't kill Veronika immediately, the medication has damaged her heart so severely that she has only days to live.

The story follows Veronika through the intense week of self-discovery that ensues. To her surprise, Veronika finds herself drawn to the confinement of Villete and its patients, who, each in his or her individual way, reflect the heart of human experience. In the heightened state of life's final moments, Veronika discovers things she has never really allowed herself to feel before: hatred, fear, curiosity, love, and sexual awakening. She finds that every second of her existence is a choice between living and dying, and at the eleventh hour emerges more open to life than ever before.

My reaction to this novel... 

This is the second time I read this novel and I still found it good. Suicide is the main subject of this novel. Some thoughts about this subject are different from others. Some may think that the individuals who are ending their life are narrow minded, some comprehend and some don’t comprehend. All things considered, it is a miserable and extreme thing to go through when a relative or dear companion choose to end their own life. Yet, when you endure the topic “suicide”, some of us may think on how does the one ending their life feel? How can one feel then, at that point, confronting their own demise knowing its inescapable? This story was perfectly composed and has stir within me the delight of living. Living as life ought to be appreciated and consistently trust in yourself.

The other topics of the book are really intriguing – the get over among frenzy and mental soundness, the trouble individuals face when they believe they are at chances with society. The idea that each one is different yet that the majority use imperative energy attempting to be equivalent to every other person. It takes a gander at the worth of life – the careless redundancy of days versus the excitement of accepting every day may be our last, and living each second to the full in a true manner.

What doesn’t work in the book, for me at any rate, is the manner in which the story shifts perspectively in an inconsistent way, detracting from rather than adding to the worth of the piece. The author figures out how to embed himself into one of the parts out of the blue, adhering to the afterword would have been more successful. Following Veronika’s journey near its decision would have been undeniably fulfilling. It doesn’t focus on the story, and maybe this is to mirror that Veronika didn’t focus on her life. Yet, it doesn’t feel like an analogy. It feels lethargic and not well idea out. It is a decent story, yet there are moments wherein you will feel the spaces between each words you read. Though I felt that way, I still recommend it to those who still did not read it and to those who are looking for this kind of story. 

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

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“Veronika Decides to Die” by Paulo Coelho: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Redemption

Paulo Coelho ‘s “Veronika Decides to Die” is not just a novel —it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption that challenges readers to confront their deepest fears and embrace the fullness of life. Originally published in 1998, this thought-provoking tale follows the titular character, Veronika, as she grapples with the existential crisis that leads her to a fateful decision: to end her own life. As we delve into the pages of “Veronika Decides to Die,” we are invited to accompany Veronika on her journey of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of mental illness, societal expectations, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems devoid of purpose.

Unveiling the Depths of “Veronika Decides to Die”

A Provocative Premise: At its core, “Veronika Decides to Die” is a novel that dares to ask the question: what does it mean to truly live? Through the character of Veronika, Coelho explores the existential angst that plagues so many individuals in our modern world—a sense of emptiness, disillusionment, and disconnection from the world around them. By choosing to end her own life, Veronika confronts the ultimate existential crisis, forcing readers to confront their own beliefs about the nature of existence and the meaning of life.

A Journey of Self-Discovery: As Veronika embarks on her journey of self-discovery, she is confronted with the stark realities of mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it. Incarcerated in a mental institution after her failed suicide attempt, Veronika encounters a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own demons and insecurities. Through her interactions with her fellow patients and the staff of the hospital, Veronika begins to unravel the layers of her own psyche, confronting the traumas of her past and the fears that have held her captive for so long.

An Exploration of Mental Illness: “Veronika Decides to Die” is also a sensitive exploration of mental illness and the ways in which it is perceived and treated by society. Through Veronika’s experiences in the mental institution, Coelho shines a light on the often harsh realities faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues, from the stigma and discrimination they encounter to the limitations of the mental health care system. By humanizing the experiences of his characters, Coelho challenges readers to confront their own prejudices and misconceptions about mental illness, and to recognize the inherent humanity of those who suffer from it.

Navigating the Complexity of Human Emotions: “Veronika Decides to Die”

The Search for Meaning: At the heart of “Veronika Decides to Die” is the search for meaning—a universal human quest to find purpose and fulfillment in a world that often seems chaotic and indifferent. Through Veronika’s journey, Coelho explores the various ways in which individuals seek to find meaning in their lives, from religion and spirituality to art, love, and human connection. By confronting the emptiness and despair that threaten to engulf her, Veronika ultimately discovers that true meaning can be found not in the pursuit of external goals or achievements, but in the simple act of embracing life in all its messy, imperfect glory.

The Complexity of Emotions: Throughout “Veronika Decides to Die,” Coelho delves into the complexity of human emotions, from despair and hopelessness to love and joy. Through Veronika’s interactions with her fellow patients and the staff of the mental institution, Coelho explores the myriad ways in which individuals cope with their own emotional struggles, from repression and denial to acceptance and healing. By allowing his characters to express a wide range of emotions, Coelho reminds readers that it is okay to feel deeply, even when those feelings are painful or difficult to confront.

The Power of Connection: At its core, “Veronika Decides to Die” is a story about the transformative power of human connection—the ability of one person to reach out to another and offer hope, compassion, and understanding in times of darkness. Through her relationships with her fellow patients and the staff of the mental institution, Veronika learns that she is not alone in her struggles, and that there is strength to be found in the bonds of friendship and solidarity. By reaching out to others and allowing herself to be vulnerable, Veronika discovers that true healing can only come from within, and that it is through the support of others that she is able to find the courage to embrace life once more.

Themes of Hope, Resilience, and Redemption

Finding Hope in Despair: “Veronika Decides to Die” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for hope to flourish even in the darkest of times. Through Veronika’s journey, Coelho explores the transformative power of hope—the ability to see light in the midst of darkness and to find meaning in the midst of despair. By choosing to confront her own mortality head-on, Veronika discovers that life is worth living, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Through her courage and resilience, she becomes a symbol of hope for others, inspiring them to embrace life with newfound vigor and determination.

The Importance of Self-Acceptance: Central to “Veronika Decides to Die” is the theme of self-acceptance—the idea that true happiness can only be found by embracing oneself fully, flaws and all. Through Veronika’s struggles with her own identity and self-worth, Coelho explores the destructive nature of self-doubt and self-loathing, and the profound impact it can have on one’s mental and emotional well-being. By learning to love and accept herself unconditionally, Veronika discovers a newfound sense of freedom and liberation, allowing her to break free from the chains of her own insecurities and embrace the fullness of life with open arms.

The Power of Redemption: Ultimately, “Veronika Decides to Die” is a story of redemption—the possibility of finding healing and renewal in the wake of tragedy and despair. Through Veronika’s journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, Coelho offers readers a powerful message of hope and redemption, reminding us that it is never too late to change our lives and pursue our dreams. By confronting her own demons and embracing the beauty of life in all its complexity, Veronika discovers that true happiness lies not in the pursuit of perfection, but in the acceptance of imperfection and the willingness to embrace life’s inherent uncertainties.

Critics and Controversies “Veronika Decides to Die”: Interpretive Challenges

Simplistic Portrayal of Mental Illness: One of the criticisms often leveled against “Veronika Decides to Die” is its simplistic portrayal of mental illness and the treatment of individuals struggling with mental health issues. Critics argue that Coelho’s novel fails to adequately capture the complexities of mental illness and the challenges faced by those who suffer from it, instead reducing their experiences to a series of clichés and stereotypes. While it’s true that “Veronika Decides to Die” may not offer a comprehensive examination of mental illness, it serves as a valuable starting point for conversations about the importance of destigmatizing mental health and providing support and resources for those in need.

Heavy-Handed Moralizing: Another point of contention surrounding “Veronika Decides to Die” is its heavy-handed moralizing and didacticism, with some readers criticizing Coelho for preaching rather than storytelling. Critics argue that the novel’s moral lessons are often spelled out in overly simplistic terms, detracting from the nuance and complexity of its themes. While it’s true that “Veronika Decides to Die” may not be subtle in its approach to moralizing, its message of hope, resilience, and redemption remains powerful and relevant, offering readers a source of inspiration and encouragement in times of darkness.

Famous Quotes from “Veronika Decides to Die” by Paulo Coelho

• This quote speaks to the journey of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Patience and courage are highlighted as essential virtues. Patience is necessary to wait for the opportune moment in life, not rushing into actions or decisions. Courage, on the other hand, is needed to face the realities and outcomes of our choices without losing heart. It’s about managing expectations and accepting life’s unpredictability with grace.
• Coelho often explores the idea of destiny and the interconnectedness of all events in life. This quote suggests that every event, no matter how small or coincidental it may seem, has its place and purpose in the grand tapestry of life. It encourages readers to look for meaning in their experiences, believing that there’s a reason behind every occurrence.
• This quote challenges societal norms and the concept of normalcy. It implies that what society collectively agrees upon as sane or normal behavior might actually be a form of madness. Coelho often encourages questioning societal norms and the courage to live true to oneself, even if it means going against the grain.
• A recurring theme in Coelho’s work, this quote embodies the idea of the Law of Attraction and the power of intention. It suggests that when we truly desire something and take steps towards it, forces beyond our understanding align to bring us closer to our goals. It’s about the power of will, determination, and the positive energy we emit in pursuit of our dreams.
• This quote celebrates individuality and the courage to live authentically. It’s a call to embrace one’s dreams and desires without being constrained by societal expectations or norms. It highlights the importance of self-expression and the right to pursue one’s own path to happiness, even if it seems unconventional or “crazy” to others.
• Reflecting on mortality, this quote suggests that the awareness of death adds value and urgency to life. It’s a reminder that our time is limited, and this realization should motivate us to live more fully, appreciate the present, and not take our existence for granted.
• This quote speaks to the nature of happiness and generosity. It suggests that happiness grows when shared with others, rather than being hoarded. It’s a metaphor for the joy of giving and the way happiness spreads, enriching the giver and the receiver alike.

Trivia Facts about “Veronika Decides to Die”

• Inspired by True Events : The novel was inspired by Paulo Coelho’s own experiences. In his youth, Coelho was committed to a mental institution by his parents three times because they were concerned about his rebellious behavior and his determination to become a writer.
• Global Impact : Since its publication, “Veronika Decides to Die” has touched readers worldwide, being translated into dozens of languages. Its universal themes of redemption, freedom, and the will to live resonate across different cultures.
• Part of a Trilogy : The book is the second novel in Paulo Coelho’s “On the Seventh Day” trilogy. Each book in the trilogy— “By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept” (1994), “Veronika Decides to Die” (1998), and “The Devil and Miss Prym” (2000)—takes place over a week and explores the spiritual transformation of ordinary characters in extraordinary circumstances.
• Real-Life Inspiration for the Setting : The mental institution where Veronika is committed is inspired by a real hospital in Slovenia . Coelho’s depiction of the hospital and its patients reflects broader questions about the nature of madness and what it means to be sane.
• Film Adaptation : The novel was adapted into a movie released in 2009, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as Veronika. The film adaptation, while capturing the essence of the novel, made several changes to fit the cinematic narrative.
• Controversial Themes : The novel’s frank discussion of suicide and mental health has sparked conversations and controversy. It challenges readers to think critically about societal perceptions of mental illness and the stigmas attached to those who struggle with such issues.
• Influence on Mental Health Dialogue : Following the book’s release, many readers felt inspired to share their own experiences with mental health issues, contributing to a broader dialogue about suicide, mental illness, and the importance of seeking help. Coelho has been praised for opening up a space for these often-taboo subjects.
• Philosophical Influences : Coelho incorporates various philosophical and spiritual elements into the narrative, drawing from his own experiences with different spiritual paths and his interest in existential questions. The novel encourages readers to ponder their own lives, choices, and the pursuit of happiness.
• A Book of Hope : Despite its title and the central theme of suicide, “Veronika Decides to Die” is ultimately a book about hope, love, and rediscovery of the will to live. It emphasizes the idea that every moment is a new opportunity to choose differently and to find beauty in life.

Legacy and Influence of “Veronika Decides to Die”

Literary Impact: Despite its controversial subject matter and polarizing reception, “Veronika Decides to Die” has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, inspiring readers around the world with its powerful message of hope and redemption. Coelho’s novel continues to be studied and celebrated as a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to confront their own fears and insecurities and embrace the fullness of life with open hearts and open minds.

Cultural Significance: While “Veronika Decides to Die” may be a work of fiction, its themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and the search for meaning resonate deeply with readers from all walks of life. In a world that often seems devoid of hope and meaning, Coelho’s novel offers a ray of light, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal. Through its compassionate portrayal of its characters and their struggles, “Veronika Decides to Die” serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with their own demons, offering reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Conclusion: A Poignant Meditation on Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness

In conclusion, “Veronika Decides to Die” by Paulo Coelho is a poignant meditation on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness that challenges readers to confront their deepest fears and embrace the fullness of life with open hearts and open minds. Through the character of Veronika and her journey of self-discovery and redemption, Coelho offers readers a powerful message of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal. Whether grappling with their own demons or seeking inspiration and encouragement in times of darkness, readers will find solace and strength in the pages of “Veronika Decides to Die,” and emerge with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life.

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Veronika Decides to Die Hardcover – Deckle Edge, May 16, 2000

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“A highly original, moving, and ultimately life-affirming book.” – Sunday Mirror (London)

Twenty-four-year-old Veronika seems to have everything – youth and beauty, boyfriends and a loving family, a fulfilling job. But something is missing in her life. So, one cold November morning. She takes a handful of sleeping pills expecting to never wake up. But she does—at a mental hospital where she is told that she has only days to live.

Inspired by events in Coelho’s own life, Veronika Decides to Die questions the meaning of madness and celebrates individuals who do not fit into patterns society considers to be normal. Bold and illuminating, it is a dazzling portrait of a young woman at the crossroads of despair and liberation, and a poetic, exuberant appreciation of each day as a renewed opportunity.

• Book 2 of 3 On the Seventh Day
• Print length 224 pages
• Language English
• Publisher HarperOne
• Publication date May 16, 2000
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.81 x 8.25 inches
• ISBN-10 0060196122
• ISBN-13 978-0060196127
• See all details

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Twenty-four-year-old Veronika seems to have everything she could wish for--youth and beauty, pleny of attractive boyfriends, a fulfilling job, and a loving family. Yet something is lacking in her life. Inside her is a void so deep that nothing could possibly ever fill it. So, on the morning of November 11, 1997, Veronika decides to die. She takes a handful of sleeping pills expecting never to wake up.

Naturally Veronika is stunned when she does wake up--at Villete, a local mental hospital, where the staff informs her that she has, in fact, partially succeeded in achieving her goal. While the overdose didn't kill Veronika immediately, the medication has damaged her heart so severely that she has only days to live.

The story follows Veronika through the intense week of self-discovery that ensues. To her surprise, Veronika finds herself drawn to the confinement of Villete and its patients, who, each in his or her individual way, reflect the heart of human experience. In the heightened state of life's final moments, Veronika discovers things she has never really allowed herself to feel before--hatred, fear, curiosity, love, and sexual awakening. She finds that every second of her existence is a choice between living and dying, and at the eleventh hour emerges more open to life than ever before.

In Veronika Decides to Die, Paulo Coelho takes reader on a distinctly modern quest to find meaning in a culture overshadowed by angst, soulless routine, and pervasive conformity. Based on events in Coelho's own life, Veronkia Decides to Die questions the meaning of madness and celebrates individuals who do not fit into patterns society considers to be normal. Poignant and illuminating, it is a dazzling portrait of a young woman at the crossroads of despair and liberation, and a poetic, exuberant appreciation of each day as a renewed opportunity.

About the Author

One of the most influential writers of our time, Paulo Coelho is the author of thirty international bestsellers, including The Alchemist, Warrior of the Light , Brida, Veronika Decides to Die, and Eleven Minutes . He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Paulo is the recipient of 115 international prizes and awards, among them, the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor). Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947, he soon discovered his vocation for writing. He worked as a director, theater actor, songwriter, and journalist. In 1986, a special meeting led him to make the pilgrimage to Saint James Compostela (in Spain). The Road to Santiago was not only a common pilgrimage but a turning point in his existence. A year later, he wrote The Pilgrimage , an autobiographical novel that is considered the beginning of his literary career. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne; paperback / softback edition (May 16, 2000)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0060196122
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060196127
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.81 x 8.25 inches
• #14,978 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction
• #59,462 in Literary Fiction (Books)
• #319,692 in Religion & Spirituality (Books)

About the author

Paulo coelho.

Paulo Coelho is the author of "The Alchemist", he was born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Being the author of 30 books that have sold over 320 million copies in 170 countries, he has become one of the most widely read authors in the world today. Paulo Coelho has been a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2007 and this has allowed him to continue to promote intercultural dialogue and to focus on the needs of children. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and the recipient of over 115 awards and honours, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the Grinzane Cavour Book Award and the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, to name a few.

Other titles include “The Pilgrimage”, “Brida”, "The Supreme Gift", “The Valkyries”, “By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept”, “Maktub”, “The Fifth Mountain”, “Manual of the Warrior of Light”, “Veronika Decides to Die”, “The Devil and Miss Prym”, “Stories for Parents, Children and Grandchildren”, “Eleven Minutes”, “The Zahir”, “Like the Flowing River”, “The Witch of Portobello”, “The Winner Stands Alone”, “Aleph”, “Manuscript Found in Accra”, “Adultery”, “The Spy”, “Hippie”. Also “Journey” guided journal.

https://paulocoelhoblog.com/

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