I think I’ve mentioned that I take copious notes when I read. However I’ve never been compelled to share them.

Until now.

Seeing as I’ve been having some issues formulating reviews for the numerous books I’ve read recently, I thought I’d at least share with you the method to most of my madness.

From these notes, I derive ideas about what I’ve read and how it affected me. I note what sentences, passages, and chapters stand out long after I have closed the book.

When transferring from paper notes to electronic ones, I find that there are some I feel are not as relevant as they were when I was reading. That loss is made up though by those that prompt me to elaborate and explore and finally come up with what I want to convey in my review.

You will see that by end of the notes I am practically writing an essay. This is good. This is my sign that the author got me to think and reflect, which in my mind tells me I’ve read something worth commenting on – worth sharing.

WARNING: I’ve tried not to provide any spoilers as this book is about a concept as much as it’s the story of a woman who has tried to take her own life. If you absolutely abhor having a plot ruined, you should stop here.

Reading Journal: Veronika Decides To Die by Paulo Coelho

Narration POV and voice. This book is done in the third-person/omniscient so the reader becomes privy to everything about the characters, at least that which the author wants you to know as at one point he puts himself into the story. But is this intrusion necessary for character and plot development?

Coincidence versus planned. Is life a series of pre-determined events or simply chance? Neither of those we have much control over, which is one of the motivations for Veronika’s suicide attempt: powerlessness. The only thing she feels she has control over is her own life . . . and death.

Veronika appears to be a completely reactive human being. Nothing active whatsoever. There must be a catalyst that shows her, enables her, to begin to see life as a participant, not a spectator. This is what I expect the author to interject, to help Veronika develop and grow.

She survives her suicide attempt only to find herself in a “strange dreamless world”, but with similar characters as those she knew outside of the hospital – including herself. In a way, her subconscious is justifying her reasons for attempting suicide and that there is no impetus to change. As she said earlier, no one can truly know or understand another’s suffering and “the total absence of meaning in their lives.”

After her suicide attempt, Veronika seemingly moves from one uninspiring world to another. In a way, it is setting us, and her up, to discovering that there is much more to the world around us than we initially think. We just need to be inspired in some way to see it differently.

I like the comment that the mad always believe in first impressions. Yet everyone does this-don’t they? Then aren’t we all mad to trust in something so fleeting, so superficial as a first impression? Sane people would suppress their natural inclinations. But suppression is the seed of madness. This may be a key point!

When she had achieved almost everything she wanted in life, she had reached the conclusion that her existence had no meaning, because every day was the same. Is this a case of careful what you wish for or work for, or having all the wrong priorities??

I thought Chapter 8 to be quite powerful. It left me with the thought that it’s one thing to be made to feel helpless than to actually become helpless. Having some control versus not having any. Which is a better choice: Being accountable and responsible for yourself, or allowing others total control as a way of abdicating it.

Some sentences that stick with me from Chapter 15:

you have passed through the two hardest tests on the spiritual road: the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what you encounter.

What’s dignity? It’s wanting everyone to think you’re good, well-behaved, full of love for your fellow man.

It’s implied that those who are mad know better, that true dignity is within yourself, not what you struggle to project to others.

The author deviates from Veronika’s story by telling the stories of several other patients. At first disconcerting, I realize he is giving the reader differing views of madness, as well as the varying kinds. However, these are primarily given through the patient’s point of view, even though the narrative is still 3rd party.

In Chapter 19, I can see why this book may be challenged by parents and those not wanting this story to be read by young adults. Why? The subject of masturbation. But this leads to part of the theory the head of the mental hospital has regarding madness-and its cure.

It carries meaning for the characters too.

Repression comes in many forms and from many sources. One, sexual repression, can be powerful and it is one we form due to conservative societal norms. Many things we feel about sex are natural, but if you are told, or believe these feelings are unnatural, then there are consequences.

I think this is the point being made. Veronika discovers that when this repression is lifted, and she can take herself to a place she’s never been before through orgasm, then it opens up to other emotions and feelings she has suppressed, allowing her to start to feel more, and care more, about her life.

All of Chapter 21 is worth using to formulate my review. For me, this is the best part of the book. Much is made clearer, although I do feel that this book will still be a difficult read to some. That Paulo Coehlo may not be an author for everyone.

What I am left with after finishing this book is something I felt also after reading a conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat.

Madness comes down to point of view for many. Yes, there are actual illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia, but for those of us who feel mad because of external forces such as those from society, then it does come down to whose standards you are comparing yourself against?
Each of the characters is held up against standards: societies, parents, husbands, etc.

But what of their own? Don’t they count for anything? Especially if using them leads to a fuller and happier life?

Yet many of these “free-spirits” are considered “off”, and even sometimes mad.

But are they? Are they really?

 

 

 

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