45 pages • 1 hour read
Veronika Decides To Die
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Slovenia • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho, 24-year-old Veronika, feeling apathetic toward her life, attempts suicide and wakes up in a psychiatric hospital called Villete, where she is told she has one week to live due to her heart being fatally weakened. During this week, she encounters other residents whose struggles help her rediscover a love for life, ultimately leading her to escape the hospital with newfound hope. This book contains portrayals of mental health issues, medical abuse, and suicide ideation.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Inspirational
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
229,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho receives mixed reviews. Praised for its thought-provoking exploration of mental health and the meaning of life, it's noted for compelling character development and engaging prose. However, some critics find the plot predictable and accuse it of delving into melodrama. Overall, it's seen as an inspiring read with philosophical insights.
Who Should Read Veronika Decides To Die?
A reader who would enjoy Veronika Decides To Die by Paulo Coelho is likely introspective, interested in psychological and philosophical themes, and enjoys exploring the human psyche. Similar readers may appreciate The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey.
229,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eduard
Eduard
A young Slovenian man diagnosed with schizophrenia, whose relationship with a young woman in Brazil led him to explore new-age spiritualism. His passion for painting and his interactions with Veronika play a significant role in his character development.
Zedka
Zedka
Veronika's first friend at Villete, who has been diagnosed with chronic depression. She shares her insights and stories with Veronika, offering a perspective on the constructs of sanity and normalcy.
Mari
Mari
A former lawyer in her mid-40s, who becomes a central figure in the Fraternity, a group of voluntary long-term patients in Villete. She encourages Veronika to embrace her desires and pursue her own path.
Dr. Igor
Dr. Igor
The head doctor at Villete, who oversees the experiment affecting Veronika. He grapples with concepts of normalcy and genius, reflecting on society's expectations and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity.
240
Novel • Fiction
Slovenia • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.