Veronika Decides to Die
by Paulo Coelho, Margaret Jull Costa
Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho, Margaret Jull Costa holds a well received rating of 3.69 out of 5, based on 111.9K reader ratings. First published in 1998. The book spans 210 pages.
About Veronika Decides to Die
In his latest international bestseller, the celebrated author of The Alchemist addresses the fundamental questions asked by millions: 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.In Veronika Decides to Die, Paulo Coelho takes the 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, Veronika 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.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho, Margaret Jull Costa |
| Published | 1998 |
| Pages | 210 |
| Genres | Fiction, Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Romance |
| Average Rating | 3.69 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 111,856 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Veronika Decides to Die?
Veronika Decides to Die is categorized as Fiction, Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology. Its primary genre classification is Romance.
Is Veronika Decides to Die worth reading?
Based on 111.9K reader ratings, Veronika Decides to Die has an average score of 3.69 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Veronika Decides to Die?
Veronika Decides to Die has 210 pages.
Who wrote Veronika Decides to Die?
Veronika Decides to Die was written by Paulo Coelho, Margaret Jull Costa. It was first published in 1998.
What is the ISBN for Veronika Decides to Die?
The ISBN-13 for Veronika Decides to Die is 9780061124270.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
