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Friday, January 11, 2008

A Reading Report - Veronika Decides to Die

This is not really a book or reading report...but more of a reaction paper or should I say reaction blog.

Veronika Decides To Die is a book I have been wanting to read...and finally, I did!

I find this book thought provoking, though too short for my usual taste with less than 200 pages. Though with its short length it can be read in one sitting, I found it preferable to read the story in short segments at a time, allowing me to reflect more deeply on the story unfolding before me and that allowed me to appreciate more the messages that the author is trying to get across....and considering I got this book a a gift last Christmas and has until Jan. 10 to finish it...it was already great!

I don't intend to write a very good synopsis about the book, I'm sure you can find something nicely written somewhere in the web. But I'd rather talk about its impact on me.

The title though plays an important part of the story...should not misled us, for the most part of story, I would say, it has us to do with choosing to LIVE. Yes, it is about making the deliberate choice to really LIVE each day, as opposed to just existing...

The book talks about 3 perennial themes:

*Insanity (Madness)
*Conformity and
*Death

It had taken me aback several times...as it is about a desperate young woman's search for the the will to live when she is so close to death...and this was after she decided to die.

Veronika's disappointment at having survived suicide was palpable. She imagines the rest of her life filled with disillusionment and monotony, and vows not to leave Vilette alive. Much to her surprise, however, she learns that a fate she desires awaits her anyway: She is destined to die within a week's time, of a heart damage caused by her suicide attempt. Gradually, this knowledge changes Veronika's perception of death and life.

Then, I'm taken to the time when I got really sick...and how time became to precious to me...

I was taken aback at the start of the novel, a contemplation on the expression of conformity and madness, and it turns into a dazzling exploration of the unconscious choices we make each day between living and dying, despair and liberation.

How deeply it made me think and reflect!

The author, in an unadorned tale, narrated in a charmingly ironic style the profoundest depths of mores, madness and meaning. His book is full of lyrical whisperings...and that is what I need in a book.Not what authors tells, but what it whispers...

I would recommend this book anybody, especially those who struggle through the monotonous routines of life, as this book would show how much more is out there for us to experience.

So after reading the book, Mariposa once again...had been reinforced in her ideas...and decides to live a happy life!

9 comments:

lizgwiz said...

I'd never heard of that book, but it does sound intriguing. Maybe I'll check it out.

Jen said...

It sounds like it was a book that you got a great deal from!

Whiskeymarie said...

Thanks for the recommendation- it sounds really interesting.

Anonymous said...

hello!
I'm a big Paulo Coelho's fan and I don't know if you heard about his blog
http://www.paulocoelhoblog.com
I've started as a fan and now I'm collaborating with him and thought that you would like to enter his universe.
Check the blog.
if you want, or subscribe to his newsletter
http://www.warriorofthelight.com/engl/index.html
You'll see a community of warriors of light sharing ideas, dreams and most importantly following their personal legend.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

The Warrior of Light recognizes the silence that precedes an important battle.

(Manual of the Warrior of Light)

Have a nice day!

Aart

Wholly Burble said...

Sounds like a very probing story, even if not long--and sometimes it really can be done more elegantly when it goes for the meat and hits its mark.

Glad to hear it has had a positive impact on you.

jodifur said...

Sounds like an interesting book.

Thanks for your comment on Jodifur!

Jan said...

Sounds like a very interesting book. I'm glad you took the time to read it and enjoyed it. (((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful. I will have to find it.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I agree. Coelho says a lot of profound things by simple means. The characters are unique and intriguing. The book does border on austere philosophy occasionally, but it never goes too far. It was definitely an enjoyable book, and I have become a fan of his works as well.