Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Veronika Decides to Die summary
Brief summary
Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho is a thought-provoking novel that follows the story of a young woman who, after a failed suicide attempt, finds herself in a mental institution where she discovers a new perspective on life.
Topics
Table of Contents
Veronika Decides to Die
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Depths of Mental Illness
In Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho, the protagonist, Veronika, is a young woman living in Slovenia who seems to have it all - youth, beauty, a loving family, a fulfilling job - yet she is deeply unhappy. She decides to end her life, but her suicide attempt fails, and she wakes up in a mental hospital, where she learns that she has only a few days to live due to the overdose she took.
Initially, Veronika is indifferent to her impending death, but as she meets the other patients in the hospital, each with their unique psychological disorders, she begins to see life from a different perspective. She develops a close relationship with Eduard, a man who suffers from panic attacks, and Mari, a schizophrenic, and starts to understand the complexity of human emotions and the depth of mental illness.
Challenging Societal Norms
During her time in the hospital, Veronika decides to live her last days to the fullest, breaking free from societal norms and expectations. She indulges in her desires, experiments with her sexuality, and expresses her true self without fear of judgment. In the process, she encourages the other patients to do the same, challenging their perceptions of their own mental illnesses and the constraints placed upon them by society.
Coelho uses Veronika's story to question the very definition of madness, suggesting that perhaps the only sane response to an insane world is to be considered insane. He delves into the idea that people are often labeled as 'crazy' simply because they do not conform to the accepted norms and conventions of society.
Rediscovering the Joys of Life
As Veronika and her fellow patients approach their supposed last days, they begin to experience a newfound appreciation for life. They find joy in the simplest of things, cherish their relationships, and confront their fears. Veronika, in particular, discovers her passion for the piano, a talent she had neglected in her pursuit of societal success.
The novel delves into the idea that true freedom comes from being unafraid of death, and that the fear of death often holds us back from truly living. Veronika's journey in the mental hospital becomes a metaphor for liberation, as she and the other patients break free from the mental chains that had been holding them back.
A Thought-Provoking Conclusion
In a surprising twist, Veronika learns that her initial diagnosis was incorrect, and she is not going to die. This revelation leads her to question the very nature of reality and the power of the mind. She leaves the hospital with a newfound zest for life, determined to live authentically and unapologetically.
In conclusion, Veronika Decides to Die is a thought-provoking exploration of mental illness, societal norms, and the pursuit of true happiness. Coelho's narrative challenges us to question our preconceptions about what it means to be 'normal' and to live our lives fully, embracing our individuality and the richness of human experience.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Veronika Decides to Die about?
Veronika Decides to Die is a thought-provoking novel by Paulo Coelho that delves into the concept of madness and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Set in a mental institution, the story follows Veronika, a young woman who seemingly has everything but decides to end her own life. However, her failed suicide attempt leads her on a journey of self-discovery and a newfound appreciation for the gift of life.
Veronika Decides to Die Review
Veronika Decides to Die (1998) delves into the journey of a young woman who decides to end her life but awakens to the realization of her worth and purpose. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
- The exploration of mental health and societal norms challenges readers to reflect on their own perceptions and beliefs.
- It offers a unique perspective on self-discovery and personal growth, encouraging readers to reevaluate their priorities and embrace life.
- With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes, the book keeps readers captivated and sparks introspection and empathy.
Who should read Veronika Decides to Die?
Readers who are interested in exploring the complexities of mental health and societal norms
Individuals who enjoy thought-provoking and philosophical fiction
Those seeking a deeper understanding of personal freedom and the pursuit of happiness
Categories with Veronika Decides to Die
Book summaries like Veronika Decides to Die
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Veronika Decides to Die FAQs
What is the main message of Veronika Decides to Die?
The main message of Veronika Decides to Die is embracing life and finding meaning in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read Veronika Decides to Die?
Reading Veronika Decides to Die takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be finished in minutes.
Is Veronika Decides to Die a good book? Is it worth reading?
Veronika Decides to Die is a compelling read that challenges perceptions and explores the depths of human experience.
Who is the author of Veronika Decides to Die?
The author of Veronika Decides to Die is Paulo Coelho.
What to read after Veronika Decides to Die?
If you're wondering what to read next after Veronika Decides to Die, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright