The novel about a young woman who attempts suicide; though she survives, she wakes up in an insane asylum and is informed that she's damaged her heart and will soon die. At first she still wants to die, but as she forms relationships with others in the asylum she begins to find meaning in her life, even as she waits to die.
Though I seriously overuse the word "brutal" to describe books, it's quite accurate for this one. It's not an easy read, since it so unflinchingly - at times even viciously - cuts into you. As the reader, you are taken through Veronika's own journey, which goes to an incredibly dark place before there is any light.
Overall, I loved this one. You should assess your own mental state before reading it, though. I do not think it glamorizes self-harm per se, but it's a tricky line to walk and sometimes it almost crosses it. That's my only criticism. Well, that and it isn't as tightly crafted as my real favorite favorites. When it is on it is so incisive, but there is some filler.
Some sample quotes:
Each person knows the extent of their own suffering or the total absence of meaning in their lives.
When I took the pills, I wanted to kill someone I hated. I didn't know that other Veronikas existed inside me, Veronikas I could love.
There are people who spend their entire lives searching for a moment like the one you had last night, but they never achieve it. That's why, if you die now, you would die with your heart full of love.
[T]hank you for giving meaning to my life. I came into this world in order to go through everything I've gone through. . . That is the only reason I came into the world, to make you go back to the path you strayed from.
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