Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - The Midnight Library

The potential of "The Midnight Library" as a compelling novel is marred by its treatment of themes like depression and suicidal ideation. The author's approach lacks the maturity and depth needed to navigate these complex issues. By simplifying depression to mere regrets, the narrative overlooks the multifaceted nature of mental health struggles, potentially offering a misleading message to readers facing serious challenges. The therapeutic message of "things could be worse" comes off as trite and inadequate in the face of real suffering.

The plot feels overly familiar, resembling a trope seen in numerous TV shows from the early 2000s. Haig fails to inject any freshness or originality into the narrative, resulting in a formulaic and monotonous reading experience. The repetitive nature of the alternate lives fails to create meaningful stakes or emotional depth.

The protagonist, Nora, is defined solely by her depression, which is not a sufficient characterization. She demonstrates a lack of self-awareness, particularly in her reliance on social media for validation and her pursuit of happiness through external means rather than self-reflection.

The writing style is also a letdown, feeling amateurish and lacking sophistication. The book reads like the work of someone who just discovered philosophy on Tumblr and attempted to incorporate it into their writing.

The book's message seems tailored more towards providing superficial comfort rather than delving into the complexities of depression. It reduces profound struggles to simplistic platitudes better suited for motivational posters than meaningful literature. This approach comes across as a form of toxic positivity. It's essentially a self-help book disguised as fiction.

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bookswithnessa's review

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Wasn’t liking it. Don’t know if it’s because the style of writing or because the themes it talks about.

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frodosboyfriend's review

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hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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peasandpancakes's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

I love the idea of the midnight library, a library that contains your infinite possibilities at life. It is interesting to think who you would be as a person if you made a different choice earlier in life.

But… there we have Nora. Someone I could sort of relate to or at least feel for in the beginning, feeling lost and lonely and sad. Unfortunately she is also as dense as they come and needs a thousand in your face, super clear, spelled out lessons about life to get it.

Finally when she gets the perfect life, she realises her actions had consequences (gasp) and influenced other people’s lives. So she leaves her new found happiness to go back to her root life where she immediately gets everything she wanted and is now super happy and cured from depression! Which is totally how that works and not at all hurtful for people who are going through depression, “just change your outlook on life people” (hope you can pick up the sarcasm).

Also, if you do not wish to read a self-help inspirational type book, don’t read this one!

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