952. The Devil and Miss Prym

The Devil and Miss Prym
Paulo Coehlo
2000
Around 205 pages

I am obsessed with Paulo Coelho, even if I can't pronounce his name with confidence. He is one of those authors who creates short novels based on unique but simple premises. He's almost like the M.Night Shyamalan of authors, although he's much better than that.

A strange man comes to a quiet village, and shows the listless Miss Prym a place in the woods that he has stashed gold. He promises to give the gold to the village, if a murder happens in the allotted time. Miss Prym makes a counter proposal that if nobody is killed, she gets to the keep the gold. 

I find these types of moral quandaries fascinating, and Coelho always populates his novels with thoughtful and philosophical characters. I enjoyed watching Coelho tackle the questions of good vs. evil, and the ethical implications of the concept of an omniscient god. 

I'm not always eager to see adaptations of my favorite novels on screen, but I think this would make a great film. Looking forward to more Coelho!

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

At the age of 17, Coehlo was committed to a mental institution and escaped three times.

UP NEXT: An Obedient Father by Akhil Sharma

915. Veronika Decides to Die

Veronika Decides to Die
Paulo Coelho
1998
Around 285 pages

Anything that is remotely related to Buffy the Vampire Slayer gets an automatic A. The great SMG herself starred in the film adaptation, and the lady has good taste. Most of the time. I really enjoyed this one, and bought my own copy because I liked it so much.

This one is a little self explanatory. Veronika decides to die, and attempts to commit suicide with sleeping pills. Her plan doesn't work, but she is told that her heart was damaged from the overdose, and she only has a few days to live.

When men write about women with mental illnesses, it can be a bit weird. I think about The Virgin Suicides, where the suicidal girls were treated like mythological creatures who don't belong in this world. This novel was not like that, and Coelho had true empathy for all of his characters.

Happy to see this isn't the last Coelho on the List!

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Adapted to film in 2009.

UP NEXT: The Hours by Michael Cunningham