Description

About the Book:

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho is an international bestseller that delves into profound existential questions: « What am I doing here today? » and « Why do I go on living? » This compelling narrative follows the journey of twenty-four-year-old Veronika, who appears to have everything—youth, beauty, a fulfilling job, and a loving family. Yet, despite these external markers of success, Veronika feels an unfillable void within her. On the morning of November 11, 1997, she decides to end her life by taking a handful of sleeping pills, expecting never to wake up.

To her astonishment, Veronika wakes up in Villete, a local mental hospital. The staff informs her that while her overdose didn’t immediately end her life, it severely damaged her heart, leaving her with only a few days to live. Over the course of the intense week that follows, Veronika embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Within the confines of Villete, she meets other patients who reflect the diverse tapestry of human experience.

In the heightened state of her final days, Veronika explores emotions she had never fully experienced before: hatred, fear, curiosity, love, and sexual awakening. She realizes that each second of existence is a choice between living and dying, and as her time dwindles, she becomes more open to life than ever before.

Veronika Decides to Die is a modern quest to find meaning in a world overshadowed by angst, routine, and conformity. Inspired by events from Coelho’s own life, this novel questions the very nature of madness and celebrates those who defy societal norms. It is a poignant and illuminating portrayal of a young woman at the crossroads of despair and liberation, offering a poetic and exuberant appreciation of each day as a renewed opportunity.

• Language: English
• Author: Paulo Coelho
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 224
• ISBN: 9780007551804
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