Veronika Decides to Die - Paulo Coelho

“Veronika Decides to Die” is a book that will make you think, appreciate life and will more than likely stay in your mind for quite some time. It was most certainly that way for me. “Veronika Decides to Die” is written by Paulo Cohelo, the Brazilian born author of the widely acclaimed “The Alchemist”. Having not read “The Alchemist” (it’s on my “must read list”) this was my first experience of Coelho and it has most certainly made me eager to read more. Coelho it appears seems to make a habit of writing inspirational novels that can profoundly change the way you think about things and life in ...  Read the complete review

Paulo Coelho was born in Brazil and has become one of the most widely read authors in the world today. He is renowned for his novel "The Alchemist", and is the recipient of numerous international awards. Paulo Coelho was confined to a mental hospital in Rio de Janeiro three times during his teenage years. He had a very shy, reserved personality and merely want to explore his artistic nature. However as his behaviour was so different to that of his friends and peers it was deemed reason enough to send him to a mental hospital. When he left, for the last time in 1967, Paulo promised himself that one day he would write about his experiences, however he ...  Read the complete review

It seems that most of what Paulo Coelho has written has changed and/or inspired the lives of many, positively, cleverly and entertainingly, and at the same time some of those novels have become huge selling modern classics. Aside from 'The Alchemist' which is Coelho's most praised work (which I haven't read - I've only read this), the chillingly and intriguingly titled 'Veronika Decides To Die' is undoubtedly another publishing phenomenon, as one critic rightly terms Coelho's works. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this satisfying lengthed book and found it hard to put down. The ingredients which make this such a stunning ...  Read the complete review

Veronika is SUPPOSED to be happy... She is beautiful... She is talented... She has got a steady job... Her family adores her... So what is wrong with you Veronika? Why did you tried to kill yourself and throw everything away.It couldn't have been what you put in your last letter. Not to explain to the World where Slovenia is (by the way it's in the middle of Europe and is one of the ex-Yugoslavian countries). So why Veronika? You must be mad. Yes, you landed in the right place dear, couple of nut cases bunched together, in a nice privately financed building. They all crazy so you will make an excellent ...  Read the complete review

Veronika decides to die is a book about life and death but more about living and dying. The title may put some people off but I didn't let it put me off so you shouldn't either, its not as depressing as it sounds. It is very cleverly written and this book, like no other I have read, is thought provoking with a few brilliant twists that kept my interest till the end. As Veronika wakes after the failed suicide attempt she is told that she only has days to live this first of all shocks her then it has a far better effect of making every moment count as she goes through what she believes is the final few days of her life. She pals up with ...  Read the complete review