Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
HarperCollins (2000), Edition: Film Tie-in ed, 208 pages
Description
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 never to 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.
User reviews
LibraryThing member crimson-tide
To be honest, I'm just not sure what to make of Veronika Decides to Die. I've read a few of Paulo's books now, and am afraid I can't get as hyped up about them as the general mass of opinion. Maybe it's because I've read too many similar types of books over the decades? To start with I can't really
I know some of the simplest books pack the hardest messages, but this one just doesn't do it for me. Some of the descriptions of the way people react to stresses and stressors and illness were insightful, and I agree with part of his theory on 'the madnss within'; but the way he portrays many of the aspects of the mentally ill and lumps everyone together in one big mad basket really is very annoying, and the bits about the 'heart problem' was absolutely and totally ludicrous. I know, I know, it's not meant to be a medical textbook - it's a fable.
It was so obvious right from the start where the book was heading and what the 'message' was/is, that I'm not certain I gained very much from reading it. The same message is gleaned by and from anyone who has been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness - and delivered with so much more passion.
I'm sure the fans will love it no matter what, but I certainly will not be looking for any more of his.
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get into and appreciate the whole 'package' because I don't like his style; it grates on me. Not exactly sure why; too removed, dispassionate, simplistic, superior, a bit too clever, even egotistical in parts... At best I'd call it bland. The characters are not convincing and there is no empathy engendered for Veronika (or Eduard for that matter) and that's sad. Zedka and Mari did get a slightly better deal from him though.I know some of the simplest books pack the hardest messages, but this one just doesn't do it for me. Some of the descriptions of the way people react to stresses and stressors and illness were insightful, and I agree with part of his theory on 'the madnss within'; but the way he portrays many of the aspects of the mentally ill and lumps everyone together in one big mad basket really is very annoying, and the bits about the 'heart problem' was absolutely and totally ludicrous. I know, I know, it's not meant to be a medical textbook - it's a fable.
It was so obvious right from the start where the book was heading and what the 'message' was/is, that I'm not certain I gained very much from reading it. The same message is gleaned by and from anyone who has been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness - and delivered with so much more passion.
I'm sure the fans will love it no matter what, but I certainly will not be looking for any more of his.
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LibraryThing member akblanchard
Veronika Decides to Die tells a simple story: the title character, a young, beautiful woman, is dissatisfied with life and decides to kill herself. She survives her suicide attempt, but at the upscale mental hospital she is admitted to afterward, she is told her heart is damaged and she has only
This novel is not a realistic depiction of life in a mental hospital; rather, it is a fable about the human condition. The hospital is a microcosm of the wider world. I enjoyed the novel's straightforward prose, but my overall impression was that the story was not very substantial, and its spiritual insights were not very deep (art, music, and sexual pleasure = good; mindless conformity = bad). The same message could have been delivered, perhaps more effectively, in a short story.
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about a week to live. This revelation forces her, and the hospital's other patients as well, to re-evaluate what is important in life. This novel is not a realistic depiction of life in a mental hospital; rather, it is a fable about the human condition. The hospital is a microcosm of the wider world. I enjoyed the novel's straightforward prose, but my overall impression was that the story was not very substantial, and its spiritual insights were not very deep (art, music, and sexual pleasure = good; mindless conformity = bad). The same message could have been delivered, perhaps more effectively, in a short story.
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LibraryThing member soylentgreen23
Frankly, this is a terrible book.
I've read two other Coelho books, and I see the pattern now: these are fictionalised self-help books, and they are every bit as vapid and soulless as the worst self-help books.
In this example, Veronika decides to end her life; she wakes up in a mental institute, and
The writing is worse than bad. Coelho's style has been praised as being simple and pared-down, much in the way of Hemingway's 'Old Man and The Sea', but the difference here is between simple and simple-minded. Coelho's is definitely the latter. It almost seems lazy. The characters, when they speak, say the most tremendously profound things - or they speak in hackneyed, unrealistic tones. Regardless, they speak in the same style and grammatical structure as the rest of the book. We only know when the characters are philosophising and not just Coelho thanks to the speech marks.
I've read enough Coelho now to know that his writing is not for me. I shall not return to his books.
I've read two other Coelho books, and I see the pattern now: these are fictionalised self-help books, and they are every bit as vapid and soulless as the worst self-help books.
In this example, Veronika decides to end her life; she wakes up in a mental institute, and
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slowly rediscovers life and a reason for living. How very predictable. The other major characters, three other inmates of the asylum, all seem on the point of recovering, or have already recovered from their problems. In fact, we don't see anybody in the asylum who really has a problem to speak of.The writing is worse than bad. Coelho's style has been praised as being simple and pared-down, much in the way of Hemingway's 'Old Man and The Sea', but the difference here is between simple and simple-minded. Coelho's is definitely the latter. It almost seems lazy. The characters, when they speak, say the most tremendously profound things - or they speak in hackneyed, unrealistic tones. Regardless, they speak in the same style and grammatical structure as the rest of the book. We only know when the characters are philosophising and not just Coelho thanks to the speech marks.
I've read enough Coelho now to know that his writing is not for me. I shall not return to his books.
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LibraryThing member debnance
How's this as an idea for a book? A young, beautiful woman decides life is not worth living and attempts suicide. She does not die, however; unfortunately, her suicide attempt has weakened her heart...she will only live for another week. I liked the idea for the book much better than I liked the
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book itself. The story, to me, simply seemed to be a device the author used to make his points about The Meaning of Life. Show Less
LibraryThing member dnewsome
I've just started reading the book. Its very different from other Coelho books,but I've only read three of his other books, Eleven Minutes,Alchemist and this one. I'll write more once I've finished.
LibraryThing member Amzzz
The title says it all... One day, Veronika decides to die. However, all does not go according to her plans. An awesome, awesome book. Very clever!
LibraryThing member posthumose
The story is original. A woman carries out careful suicide plans but wakes up in a psychiatric ward where the doctor tells her that in the attempt she has damaged her heart beyond repair. She will live for only a week. What would any of us think or do during several final days of introspection? A
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great premise spoiled only by a tasteless sex scene.It was a good story that could have been great. Show Less
LibraryThing member capung
Two hardest test on spiritual world; the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what you encounter."
LibraryThing member MsNikki
This was a gift from a dear friend of mine, actually the one who reminded me that reading is fun. Not at all morbid...I do remembering thinking the story tied up too neatly at the end.
LibraryThing member the_awesome_opossum
Veronika unsuccessfully attempts suicide and is put in an insane asylum for her efforts; but she damaged her heart and only has a week to live anyway. During that week, she learns to let go of her inhibitions (now that nobody expects anything from her as a dying unstable lunatic) and finds more
It's an interesting look at how society defines insanity. 'Sanity' is kind of majority rule by definition, but then insanity becomes a rather subjective marker of when someone is making others around them uncomfortable, or acting out in ways we find disagreeable. Veronika Decides to Die is based in some part on Coelho's own experience in an asylum, when his parents sent him away for wanting to pursue art instead of something practical. Both the writing and the story are so simple and subtle, it reads more like a parable or allegory than a novel. But it raises interesting questions about sanity and the imperative to be accepted.
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passion in life now that she's staring death directly in the face.It's an interesting look at how society defines insanity. 'Sanity' is kind of majority rule by definition, but then insanity becomes a rather subjective marker of when someone is making others around them uncomfortable, or acting out in ways we find disagreeable. Veronika Decides to Die is based in some part on Coelho's own experience in an asylum, when his parents sent him away for wanting to pursue art instead of something practical. Both the writing and the story are so simple and subtle, it reads more like a parable or allegory than a novel. But it raises interesting questions about sanity and the imperative to be accepted.
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LibraryThing member klodet
Probably the mosr sensible Coelho books. I actually enjoyed reading this one.
LibraryThing member pa5t0rd
I really enjoyed this book and find that many things that I am encountering in the days, since finishing the book, are bringing back snippets of the story! I didn't think that the book had impacted me beyond a good read but I am finding it resonating with me in many areas.
The story is compelling
I highly recommend any book by Paulo Coelho and this one is no exception...if you haven't read his stuff - don't wait any longer!
The story is compelling
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and driven well with the main character (Veronika) - I didn't find myself in a hurry to get to the next page but also didn't find myself putting it down until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.I highly recommend any book by Paulo Coelho and this one is no exception...if you haven't read his stuff - don't wait any longer!
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LibraryThing member fantasmogirl
Coelho managed to put a lot of thought-provoking material in a very slim book.
This read is about a woman who fails at committing suicide and how she finds herself, her awareness, and her foundations while housed in a mental facility being used as an "experiment" of sorts. It's engrossing and
This read is about a woman who fails at committing suicide and how she finds herself, her awareness, and her foundations while housed in a mental facility being used as an "experiment" of sorts. It's engrossing and
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endearing without being morbid considering the subject. Show Less
LibraryThing member mmk21blond
Absolutly fabulous. If you want a author who mixes it up and doesn't fall into a formula (Dan Brown), Coelho is your man.
LibraryThing member 1morechapter
This is my second book by Paulo Coelho, the first being The Alchemist, which I loved. I love Coelho’s writing, and I’ll definitely be reading even more of his works.
Someone in my family is going to shoot me for this (you know who you are), but I really loved this book. Very similar to The
"Look at me; I was beginning to enjoy the sun again, the mountains, even life’s problems, I was beginning to accept that the meaninglessness of life was no one’s fault but mine. I wanted to see the main square in Ljubljana again, to feel hatred and love, despair and tedium–all those simple, foolish things that make up everyday life, but that give pleasure to your existence. If one day I could get out of here, I would allow myself to be crazy. Everyone is indeed crazy, but the craziest are the ones who don’t know they’re crazy; they just keep repeating what others tell them to."
Apparently Coelho wrote this in part as a reflection upon his own experience in his youth when his parents sent him to a mental institution. All because he wanted to be an artist. Whoa. He does say that later they very much regretted what they had done, and I believe he wrote this book only after they had both died.
Caution: I could have done without the e*plicit *ex situation. I would have rated this a ‘5′ otherwise.
Someone in my family is going to shoot me for this (you know who you are), but I really loved this book. Very similar to The
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Alchemist, it’s about finding out who you are, what you want to do, and then doing it. Veronika is a 24 year-old Slovenian who has decided to commit suicide, but she fails and is sent to a mental institution. While there, along with her fellow “crazies,” she discovers that maybe she isn’t so crazy after all."Look at me; I was beginning to enjoy the sun again, the mountains, even life’s problems, I was beginning to accept that the meaninglessness of life was no one’s fault but mine. I wanted to see the main square in Ljubljana again, to feel hatred and love, despair and tedium–all those simple, foolish things that make up everyday life, but that give pleasure to your existence. If one day I could get out of here, I would allow myself to be crazy. Everyone is indeed crazy, but the craziest are the ones who don’t know they’re crazy; they just keep repeating what others tell them to."
Apparently Coelho wrote this in part as a reflection upon his own experience in his youth when his parents sent him to a mental institution. All because he wanted to be an artist. Whoa. He does say that later they very much regretted what they had done, and I believe he wrote this book only after they had both died.
Caution: I could have done without the e*plicit *ex situation. I would have rated this a ‘5′ otherwise.
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LibraryThing member dczapka
Paulo Coelho's novel has such an eye-catching title that it's easy to think that it will rely merely on gimmicks to keep your attention. Instead, Veronika Decides to Die proves to be a patient, methodical, and empathetic novel that explores mental illness in a surprisingly compassionate manner.
The
It's fair to say that not much happens over the course of the novel, but -- as evidenced by a brief chapter in which the author himself makes an appearance -- the work really is more about exploring the nature of mental illness than it is about Veronika's own development. We do come to appreciate Veronika and what she goes through, but it is through learning about the secondary characters -- especially Mari, Eduard, and Zedka -- that we gain an appreciation for what it's like to experience mental problems.
The vividness of Coelho's descriptions are what drive the novel's force. While the depictions of the characters' histories are surprisingly sympathetic, Coelho spares no detail in describing each character's symptoms. Particularly striking are Eduard's experience undergoing ECT and Zedka's insulin coma, both out-of-body experiences that gracefully paint the disconnect between body and mind. The most gut-wrenching impact, though, comes during the scene where Mari has her first panic attack. As someone who has experienced it, I can assure you that Coelho has masterfully captured the physical reactions as well as the paralyzing fear of the attack. It was so vivid I needed to stop reading because it recalled my own experience.
Of course, while the philosophical musing and intense depictions are top-notch, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Thematically, Coelho is obviously concerned with arguing for the problems with the relativity of "normal," but it's disconcerting that so few characters in the institution actually HAVE a disorder. It would be far more realistic to try and explore the issues from the perspective of someone actually suffering. Similarly, the character of Dr. Igor is maddening for his apparent coldness throughout much of the text, but it's Coelho's last-second plot twist that will most certainly enrage anyone with any knowledge of scientific method.
Despite these inconsistencies, though, the novel remains a tremendously affecting novel, one that eloquently explores themes that are not only relevant but incredibly significant in our time. Coelho's personal experience shines through in every page, and the result is a novel that feels both personal and public, patient yet urgent, and hard to put down.
The
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decision alluded to in the title actually occurs prior to the start of the story, as Veronika ingests an overdose of sleeping pills and awaits their onset throughout the first chapter. Though she expects to never wake up, she opens her eyes and finds herself in a psychiatric institution known as Villete, where she is told that she has survived but irreparably damaged her heart. Over the week she's told she has left, she meets the many people of the hospital and comes to question her views on life, death, insanity, and purpose.It's fair to say that not much happens over the course of the novel, but -- as evidenced by a brief chapter in which the author himself makes an appearance -- the work really is more about exploring the nature of mental illness than it is about Veronika's own development. We do come to appreciate Veronika and what she goes through, but it is through learning about the secondary characters -- especially Mari, Eduard, and Zedka -- that we gain an appreciation for what it's like to experience mental problems.
The vividness of Coelho's descriptions are what drive the novel's force. While the depictions of the characters' histories are surprisingly sympathetic, Coelho spares no detail in describing each character's symptoms. Particularly striking are Eduard's experience undergoing ECT and Zedka's insulin coma, both out-of-body experiences that gracefully paint the disconnect between body and mind. The most gut-wrenching impact, though, comes during the scene where Mari has her first panic attack. As someone who has experienced it, I can assure you that Coelho has masterfully captured the physical reactions as well as the paralyzing fear of the attack. It was so vivid I needed to stop reading because it recalled my own experience.
Of course, while the philosophical musing and intense depictions are top-notch, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Thematically, Coelho is obviously concerned with arguing for the problems with the relativity of "normal," but it's disconcerting that so few characters in the institution actually HAVE a disorder. It would be far more realistic to try and explore the issues from the perspective of someone actually suffering. Similarly, the character of Dr. Igor is maddening for his apparent coldness throughout much of the text, but it's Coelho's last-second plot twist that will most certainly enrage anyone with any knowledge of scientific method.
Despite these inconsistencies, though, the novel remains a tremendously affecting novel, one that eloquently explores themes that are not only relevant but incredibly significant in our time. Coelho's personal experience shines through in every page, and the result is a novel that feels both personal and public, patient yet urgent, and hard to put down.
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LibraryThing member lilywren
I always enjoy Coehlo and more often than not I find that I can take words, sentences and paragraphs that resound. Often giving hope and inspiration I find his books insightful and perceptive. Veronika Decides to die is no exception.
Veronika is a young, single, attractive girl who tires of what
Coehlo challenges the notion of insanity. The characters come across as 'normal' people who have become tired with society and trying to fit into the 'norms' and rules that have been set for all. As the story unfolds Coehlo relates the impact Veronika's death sentence has on several characters and their paths to 'recovery'. Challenging the construction of reality the book focuses on the idea that the people who are really 'insane' are the ones living on the outside, blindly fitting into this reality and that the 'normal' people are the ones in Villete, escaping the reality that has been constructed.
For people who have read other Coehlo books I would heartly recommend. As ever, the book is, in parts, inspirational and thought provoking. For those not familiar with Coehlo I would also recommend this however, I feel The Alchemist would be a good book to begin with. Personally, I feel that is his best work out of the ones I have read so far.
Veronika is a young, single, attractive girl who tires of what
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she sees as the banality of her life and the hopelessness of everything in the world. After contemplating suicide for sometime she eventually tries, fails and wakes up to find herself in Villete, the mental institution consigned to an illness that means she will die in days. The book centres around Veronika and the impact her stay has on some of the other patients. Coehlo challenges the notion of insanity. The characters come across as 'normal' people who have become tired with society and trying to fit into the 'norms' and rules that have been set for all. As the story unfolds Coehlo relates the impact Veronika's death sentence has on several characters and their paths to 'recovery'. Challenging the construction of reality the book focuses on the idea that the people who are really 'insane' are the ones living on the outside, blindly fitting into this reality and that the 'normal' people are the ones in Villete, escaping the reality that has been constructed.
For people who have read other Coehlo books I would heartly recommend. As ever, the book is, in parts, inspirational and thought provoking. For those not familiar with Coehlo I would also recommend this however, I feel The Alchemist would be a good book to begin with. Personally, I feel that is his best work out of the ones I have read so far.
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LibraryThing member kbergfeld
This is the second of Mr. Coelho's books I have read, and I am thirsty for more. I am drawn to the female characters he is able to present. They are unremarkable, but it is this quality which in the end makes them remarkable. The simplicity of the narrative makes it easy to relate to the characters
Every time I think about breaking free, I feel trapped. Here in this book, and in this moment, I am able to take a moment and recognize that it is the moments of eccentric which make life something worth living.
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and take their lessons learned and apply them to your own life. Veronika Decides to Die was the perfect book to read at this particular moment in my life. I am moving out of a my home, and will not be moving into my own space for at least half a year. I feel overwhelmed by the mundane of life and its routines. Every time I think about breaking free, I feel trapped. Here in this book, and in this moment, I am able to take a moment and recognize that it is the moments of eccentric which make life something worth living.
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LibraryThing member laurie_library
There are some books that you find just in the nick of time and then there are others that you never would have found unless someone else suggested them. Veronika is young and full of doom and dread and tries to commit suicide. She ends up in a mental institution and then changes the thinking of
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many of the others. Show Less
LibraryThing member rampaginglibrarian
Beautifully told fable--just a little too fablish.
LibraryThing member turtelina
My second book by Paulo Coelho and I liked this one much more. An interesting idea to plot the idea of your own mortality and imminent death into your brain to cure you from your suicidal thoughts. This book makes it quite plausible and believable, really. Though I have taken lectures on suicide I
Enjoyable read, I can recommend it. :)
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am not quite sure it would really work like this in real life.Enjoyable read, I can recommend it. :)
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LibraryThing member rayski
Young girl fumbles suicide only to learn she has limited time to live. Faced with her mortality she learns the beauty of life and desires to live.
LibraryThing member aliciamalia
Beautifully written, extremely insightful. The rating is a little lower because I find the subject matter--suicide--depressing to read about, but I'll check out other books by this author.
LibraryThing member writestuff
Simply written with prose that is almost dreamlike in its quality, Veronika Decides to Die explores life in the face of death, the meaning of insanity, and the importance of following one's dreams.
Veronika, a young woman, finds herself in a mental institution in Yugoslavia after a failed suicide
While I was reading this book, I began to think about the children and adults with Autism who I have had the privilege of working with...at a seminar several years ago a Speech Pathologist told the story of a young boy with Autism. Whenever he would flap his hands around his face, the boy's mother would caution him, "Stop that. Don't you want to be normal?" And the boy would agree, yes normalcy was what he wanted. One day the Speech Pathologist asked the boy, "Do you know what normal is?" And the boy confidently replied, "Sure. It's a setting on the dryer." I laughed when I heard this story because it was an example of how words like 'normal' only have meaning within the context of an individual's unique experience. Paulo Coelho makes this same argument in Veronika Decides to Die. Sanity is only defined by universal experiences - those individuals who are different or unique or view the world solely from their own perspective are often labeled "not normal" or "crazy."
Coelho's message in this novel seems to be one of following one's dreams, going against the norm, living life to its fullest. As the character Mari explains:
"When I was still a young lawyer, I read some poems by an English poet, and something he said impressed me greatly: 'Be like the fountain that overflows, not like the cistern that merely contains.' -From Veronika Decides to Die, page 198-
As each character comes face to face with his or her own mortality, they are forced to look back on their lives and explore their failed dreams. They also ponder God and faith.
This is the second Paulo Coelho novel I have read. Coelho has a unique voice and style - philosophical and dreamlike. His stories are written like fables, with messages about life, God and faith as the over-riding themes. I enjoyed Veronika Decides to Die because it made me think of my own dreams and life path.
Veronika, a young woman, finds herself in a mental institution in Yugoslavia after a failed suicide
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attempt. Told she has only days to live because of the overdose's damage to her heart, Veronika begins to re-evaluate her life. The characters Veronika meets provide the catalyst for her self-reflection: Zedka, the depressed housewife; Mari, the lawyer who gave up her dreams for panic attacks; and Eduard, a schizophrenic artist who has spent his life denying love. Dr. Igor, the administrator of the mental hospital plays a pivotal role in this philosophical novel and his theories of insanity are used to question the idea of normalcy.While I was reading this book, I began to think about the children and adults with Autism who I have had the privilege of working with...at a seminar several years ago a Speech Pathologist told the story of a young boy with Autism. Whenever he would flap his hands around his face, the boy's mother would caution him, "Stop that. Don't you want to be normal?" And the boy would agree, yes normalcy was what he wanted. One day the Speech Pathologist asked the boy, "Do you know what normal is?" And the boy confidently replied, "Sure. It's a setting on the dryer." I laughed when I heard this story because it was an example of how words like 'normal' only have meaning within the context of an individual's unique experience. Paulo Coelho makes this same argument in Veronika Decides to Die. Sanity is only defined by universal experiences - those individuals who are different or unique or view the world solely from their own perspective are often labeled "not normal" or "crazy."
Coelho's message in this novel seems to be one of following one's dreams, going against the norm, living life to its fullest. As the character Mari explains:
"When I was still a young lawyer, I read some poems by an English poet, and something he said impressed me greatly: 'Be like the fountain that overflows, not like the cistern that merely contains.' -From Veronika Decides to Die, page 198-
As each character comes face to face with his or her own mortality, they are forced to look back on their lives and explore their failed dreams. They also ponder God and faith.
This is the second Paulo Coelho novel I have read. Coelho has a unique voice and style - philosophical and dreamlike. His stories are written like fables, with messages about life, God and faith as the over-riding themes. I enjoyed Veronika Decides to Die because it made me think of my own dreams and life path.
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LibraryThing member averitasm
This was a very strange and compelling book, I read through it in one night. I really had no idea what to expect from it and if I had any expectations it surpassed them like most of this authors books do. I know a lot of people don't like a book that is simple and direct with it messages but I love
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this authors style and how he get to the heart of an issue and really make you think. What if? What would I do? Would I do the Same thing? I think most of his books are a must read ,period! Just read it and be surprised, I don't want to give anything away but so far each book I read by this author makes me think about what parts of my life are working and what parts could be changed , and maybe what kind of person I really want to be. Hey maybe Insanity is just being really , deeply honest. :0) Show Less
Awards
Dublin Literary Award (Longlist — 2001)
Language
Original language
Portuguese
Original publication date
1998
Physical description
208 p.; 5.12 inches
ISBN
0722540442 / 9780722540442