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Paolo Coelho’s “Veronika Decides to Die” is an excellent book about life and not about death. Do not be misled by the title, although this is definitely an important part of the story, but the greater part has something to do with deliberately choosing to live each day, as opposed to just existing.
After an unsuccessful attempt to commit suicide, Veronika awakens in a mental institute with a grim death sentence hanging over her head of only having five days left to live. Her conformist way of life, her mediocrity, her stifled creativity, and her unwillingness to take risks or challenges, are all brought into the limelight for the readers to “feel.” The readers may experience many emotions on Veronika’s journey during the remaining five days of her life. We are treated to what her dream would have been if she followed her heart and allowed her emotions and passions to shine through.
Veronika’s five-day metamorphosis has a great impact on her rebirth into life. She allows her buried feelings, passions and creativity to come out and to be acknowledged. Her brief stay also influences other parents in the hospital, as they also undergo their own rebirth into the joy of living.
This book is an excellent choice to read. It reconfirms the readers just how precious, joyous and love-filled life is. It brings home many messages, one of these is “life is what you make it” – it is your choice and your choice alone.