Veronika Decides to Die

Veronika Decides to Die - Book Summary (2024)

Paulo Coelho

Veronika Decides to Die follows the journey of a young woman who attempts suicide and wakes up in a mental hospital, where she discovers a new appreciation for life and self-discovery.

Key Ideas

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Veronika decided to commit suicide by taking an overdose of sleeping pills in her rented room at a convent in Ljubljana, Slovenia. As she waited to die, she read an article about a computer game made in Slovenia. The article began by asking "Where is Slovenia?", which bothered Veronika since most people didn't know where her country was. She wrote a letter to the magazine explaining Slovenia was one of the republics of the former Yugoslavia, intending it to be her suicide note.

Veronika took the pills but they only made her feel nauseous and fearful. She lost consciousness and awoke in Villete, a notorious asylum where the rich could pay to have family members committed. A nurse told Veronika about her aunt who had killed herself, even though her family loved her. The nurse sedated Veronika when she struggled against her restraints.

Veronika had wanted to commit suicide to end her meaningless life. She was upset to have survived and be confined in Villete against her will. The nurse didn't care about Veronika's reasons, only doing her job of keeping patients alive. Veronika stopped struggling to avoid further sedation, resigned to being trapped in a place where no one ever escaped.

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Final Summary: Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho tells the story of a young woman named Veronika who decides to end her life due to the monotony and perceived hopelessness of her existence. However, her suicide attempt fails, and she wakes up in a mental hospital called Villete. There, she is told that her heart has been damaged and she has only a few days to live. Through her interactions with other patients and self-reflection, Veronika gradually discovers a newfound appreciation for life and begins to challenge the conventional definitions of sanity and insanity. The story ultimately conveys powerful messages about the importance of living authentically, embracing one's true desires, and finding beauty and purpose even amidst suffering.

10 Actions:

  1. Practice Gratitude: Appreciate the small moments and experiences in your daily life.

  2. Challenge Norms: Question societal expectations and dare to live life according to your own values and desires.

  3. Seek Authenticity: Strive to be true to yourself, even if it means going against what others expect.

  4. Embrace New Experiences: Push yourself to try new things and step out of your comfort zone regularly.

  5. Value Your Emotions: Allow yourself to feel and express all your emotions, recognizing them as an essential part of life.

  6. Foster Connections: Cultivate meaningful relationships and engage deeply with others.

  7. Pursue Passions: Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, just as Veronika discovers her love for playing piano.

  8. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or meditation to stay present and fully engaged in the current moment.

  9. Reflect Regularly: Set aside time for self-reflection to understand your thoughts, motives, and actions better.

  10. Act with Courage: Make decisions that reflect your true self, even if they seem difficult or go against the grain.

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