Welcome to my review of The Midnight Library By Matt Haig. Despite having such a dark undertone, I enjoyed this book, it felt warm and cosy in places and was delightful to read in front of the fire.
Nora’s life has been going from bad to worse. Then at the stroke of midnight on her last day on earth she finds herself transported to a library. There she is given the chance to undo her regrets and try out each of the other lives she might have lived. Which raises the ultimate question: with infinite choices, what is the best way to live?
Matt Haig is the author of the internationally bestselling memoir Reasons to Stay Alive, along with five novels, including How to Stop Time, and several award-winning children’s books. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages.
This is a character-driven plot that centres around Nora who wants to die. While it starts and focuses on her suicidal intentions, I think this poses an interesting idea, I mean who wouldn’t want to be able to ‘try on’ some different versions of their lives without it affecting their normal life? This is an elegant story that examines mental health, namely depression, suicide, and regrets and how they can be all-consuming. When faced with the midnight library most people would be astounded and amazed, but Nora is so depressed she doesn’t feel that way at all, everything just seems so pointless.
Haig manages to bring in the quantum wave and Schrodinger to help explain the phenomenon scientifically but in a way that anyone can easily understand and enhances the book.
Nora as a character is a little annoying at times, I can totally relate to her depression but there are times when she appears to be happy, but she still complains and moans about this. I know that this is part of being depressed, not being able to see what’s right in front of us at times, I can totally sympathise, but it is irritating to read so intensely. None of the lives she experiences are quite what she is looking for until finally, she finds the one.
I loved Mrs. Elm as well, she was warm and caring though strict when necessary and helps to guide Nora and helps her to realise what she has learnt through her experiences.
The ending is very predictable, but I think that’s exactly as it should be with this read and I would have been disappointed if it had been any different. This is a real feel-good read which makes you evaluate your own life, your experiences, regrets, and expectations. While I found it to be a quick read, I think it also deserves to be savoured and not rushed.
Despite having such a dark undertone, I enjoyed this book, it felt warm and cosy in places and was delightful to read in front of the fire.
I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook of this while I was driving or doing other tasks. The narrator has a lovely soothing voice and great inflections. I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to another book with the same narrator and will be reading more of Matt Haig’s work soon too.
| Title | The Midnight Library |
| Author | Matt Haig |
| Series | N/A |
| Format | Kindle |
| Page Count | 295 Pages |
| Genre | Contemporary |
| Publisher | Canongate Books |
| Release Date | 13th August 2020 |
Click The Cover To Read Amazon’s Sample Today!