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A review by bookstorian
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
5.0
The Midnight Library has been a book that I've been tossing up whether or not to read for quite a while now. I wasn't sure if it was something I would like due to the fantasy elements and the themes also seemed quite heavy to me. However, it was a book that my bookish pals (and mum!) raved about and so I eventually downloaded it as an audio book, borrowed it from the library, and wow, I was hooked. I never, ever, read a book this quickly at the end of term.
After a series of unfortunate events within 27 hours of one another Nora Seed finds herself in The Midnight Library. Her life is filled with misery and regret and so the books on the shelves of the library allow her to escape in to lives she could have lived.
From the first to the last page I was completely in awe. The story was so cleverly written from the initial premise to the exploration of regrets, barely mentioned in the first few chapters. Not only did it have me reaching for my highlighter multiple times (the copy I read is now a sea of pale blue highlight) but it also had me reflecting on my own life; what are my regrets? What alternate universes exist for me? Have I met anyone travelling through their other lives?
While some of the more philosophical moments had my head spinning, they were necessary to the funny, devastating at times and all round unique plot.
If you're tossing up whether or not to pick this book up, like me, I highly suggest you dive in and give it a go. I really believe that there is something in it for every human. If you do, and don't like it, please don't come after me, because this is now one of my favourite books and I'll defend it forever more.
Similar to: The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E Schwab, Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid or Look Both Ways (Netflix).
After a series of unfortunate events within 27 hours of one another Nora Seed finds herself in The Midnight Library. Her life is filled with misery and regret and so the books on the shelves of the library allow her to escape in to lives she could have lived.
From the first to the last page I was completely in awe. The story was so cleverly written from the initial premise to the exploration of regrets, barely mentioned in the first few chapters. Not only did it have me reaching for my highlighter multiple times (the copy I read is now a sea of pale blue highlight) but it also had me reflecting on my own life; what are my regrets? What alternate universes exist for me? Have I met anyone travelling through their other lives?
While some of the more philosophical moments had my head spinning, they were necessary to the funny, devastating at times and all round unique plot.
If you're tossing up whether or not to pick this book up, like me, I highly suggest you dive in and give it a go. I really believe that there is something in it for every human. If you do, and don't like it, please don't come after me, because this is now one of my favourite books and I'll defend it forever more.
Similar to: The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E Schwab, Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid or Look Both Ways (Netflix).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Suicide attempt