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A review by emptzuu
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts