Veronika Decides to Die - by Paulo Coelho (Paperback)

About the Book

Veronika seems to have it all--youth, beauty, a good job, and loving family. But one morning she wakes up and tries to kill herself. The attempt fails, but leaves her damaged with only a few days to live. In her final days she embarks on a transforming self-discovery.

Book Synopsis

A thrilling tale of resilience and radical self-realization--From the international bestselling author comes an emotional journey on profound healing by challenging assumptions and overcoming life's darkest moments with clarity and conviction.

This captivating and life-affirming tale follows twenty-four-year-old Veronika, who on the surface has it all: youth, beauty, and a loving family. Yet, she feels something crucial is missing. Taking a drastic step, she consumes a handful of sleeping pills, expecting to slip away from life. Instead, she awakens in a mental hospital, with the revelation that she has mere days to live.

Drawing from Paulo Coelho's own life experiences, this profound and thought-provoking book delves deeply into the essence of madness, exploring its many layers and celebrating those who dare to challenge societal norms. By questioning what the world deems "normal," this story provokes readers to reflect on their own perspectives and embrace the unconventional--wherever it may bring you.

In Coelho's signature style, this novel is a bold and emotional exploration of a young woman's internal struggle between despair and the possibility of liberation. Through her journey, it reveals the power of self-discovery and the courage it takes to break free from the expectations placed upon us. Offering readers a luminous glimpse into the beauty, hope, and potential of each new day, Veronika's story is one of transformation and resilience--and an awakening to life's infinite possibilities and a reassurance that it is never too late to find the courage to live authentically and fully.

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

From the Back Cover

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.

Review Quotes

"Veronika Decides to Die is Coelho's most artful work to date. . . . The different characters argue sanity and life from varying points of view, pulling the reader into discussion." - Denver Post

"Told with sincerity approaching urgency, Coelho's novel is effective." - Boston Globe