Understanding Veronika

How would you react to a book whose title is, Veronika Decides to Die? It was written by one of the most successful authors of all time (based on the millions of copies of his work sold). It had been said that his works have changed a lot of people, hopefully for the better. So for those who are not familiar with the book, let me introduce its author, Paulo Coelho. Now, ring a bell?

Book fanatics (like me) probably have heard of him or have actually read his novels. Yes, they are considered novels although P.C. certainly does not make his' the same way other novelists write theirs. You will have the same conclusion once you have read any of his works.

A week ago, I came across his work, Veronika Decides to Die. It was among the books sent by my sister. I am no fan of P.C. Last Christmas, I was given a book of his, entitled, The Devil and Ms. Prym. I only finished two chapters before finally deciding that I don't understand what the whole thing was about.

So reading this one, about Veronika, was not about the author. It was the title that caught my attention. And in a way, maybe I wanted to see whether I had been wrong in judging P.C. very badly because of the other novel.

Had I been wrong? I couldn't say yet because I have not finished reading the story of Veronika. At least I finished three chapters this time.

I have not yet come to fully (or even slightly) appreciate the art of P.C., which means that in time, I will. Of course I have to make an effort to understand him and his style. But that could wait. For now, I will first understand Veronika...

Veronika decides to die for the following reasons (verbatim, as written by the author):

She believed herself to be completely normal. Two very simple reasons lay behind her decision to die, and she were sure that, were she to leave a note explaining, many people will agree with her.

The first reason: Everything in her life was the same and, once her youth was gone, it would be downhill all the way, with old age beginning to leave irreversible marks, the onset of illness, the departure of friends. She would gain nothing by continuing to live; indeed, the likelihood of suffering would only increase.

The second reason was more philosophical: Veronika read the newspapers, watched tv, and she was aware of what was going on in the world. Everything was wrong, and she had no way of putting things right - that gave her a sense of complete powerlessness.

I do not agree with her. Veronika failed to accept and understand that the world is not without flaws... It's imperfections allow us to have a life, to make decisions, to learn, to grow. If everything is handed to us, we will not come to appreciate life and all the blessings we have. How meaningless everything would be. We'd be robots. If one is born rich, it does not mean that life will be better for him/her; and it also doesn't follow that if you had been born poor, life would be miserable. We are the ones who will fulfill our destiny, not the riches or the burdens we were born with.

Did Veronika die? She was supposed to die of overdose but was unsuccessful. She was brought to a mental hospital where she was charged as crazy. But Veronika was persistent. She was firm on wanting to die. If further efforts were successful, I do not know yet.

Truly, Veronica and I do not agree on a lot of things. I could refute her arguments and give pages of rebuttals. But I won't even try. I admit that while reading the book, I was overwhelmed. Had there been someone with me at the time, he/she would have witnessed a one-sided heated debate - one that is against Veronika, who could not answer back.

And now, days after the encounter with Veronika, I am ready to accept that the story of Veronika is a reflection of life. Yes, we are different. That doesn't make me or her right though. And if I were not to judge, who will? Or maybe, she must not be judged at all.

..