
Nora Seed has hit an all-time low. After losing her cat, her job, and is full of regret, she takes her own life. However, she suddenly finds herself in the Midnight Library – a point between life and death – and learns that she has an opportunity to live as if she had done things differently. She had felt like she had let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.
“Because, Nora, sometimes the only way to learn is to live.”
The concept of ‘The Midnight Library’ is wonderful, and Haig executes it brilliantly. How different could life be if we made another choice? How could one decision change the lives of the people around us? And, is there any such thing as a perfect life? In one life Nora is an internationally famous rock star. In another, she works as a scientist in sub-zero temperatures in the Norwegian archipelago. She is an Olympic athlete, a vegan powerlifter, rich, poor: the possibilities are infinite. Throughout it all, Haig seamlessly interjects magic into the most prosaic of details.
Furthermore, in his bestselling memoir ‘Reasons to Stay Alive‘, Haig chronicled the personal anxiety and depression he experienced which lead him to consider taking his own life. In ‘The Midnight Library’, he is just as unflinching in his depiction of depression. He seamlessly articulates how debilitating it can be, how it can feel like you’re stuck in a black hole. And yet, his writing never feels dismal. Rather, he counterbalances sombre moments with a hopeful tone and a touch of humour. While sometimes Nora’s monologues were repetitive, the meaning was clear: even when you feel like you’re trapped, there is always a way out of the darkness.
There’s so much more to unpack in this book. From ideas around climate change and the connection between ourselves and the world to familial relationships, fame, and the nature of happiness. Matt Haig tackles so many themes with such grace: a reminder to live life to the fullest and appreciate every moment, even the hard ones. As Nora tries on the many shoes of her infinite lives, we see how making space for regrets is one step towards softening their hold over us. We can have regrets without being their prisoner.
Overall, ‘The Midnight Library’ is a truly inspiring story that, yes, is full of hurt and despair, but also love and transformation. Haig eloquently articulates the consuming nature of depression for those who find that words escape them. As with ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’, I’m so grateful for this book and vouch that everyone should read it. The only way to learn is to live.
★★★★.5
Pre-order ‘The Midnight Library here!‘
Thank you Canongate and NetGalley for my gifted eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Read my review of ‘The Dutch House’ here.
A new Matt Haig! It goes immediately to the TBR 🙂
He can do no wrong, enjoy!
Ohh I wanna read that!!
I saw Matt tweet about it, being the best he wrote and hoping we’d all read it (something along theses lines.. I dont quite remember xd) but although I LOVED the cover, I didn’t went above and looked what it wad about — then me reading your review convinced me easily!
I read a french book like that years ago, but she wasn’t dead- she had made a wierd dream where she kept waking up in different lives, after having wished it would be different before going to bed. So this aspect of course attracts me, but knowing what I loved in Reasons To Stay Alive is coming back? You got me sold !
Yes I saw that tweet too! So as soon as I received an advanced copy of it, I scrapped all of my current reads and picked it up straight away haha. That book does sound quite similar, so I’m sure you will love this book! Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did xx
Such a great review! ✨
Thank you!
What an interesting concept!! This sounds right up my alley!
I couldn’t recommend it more!
You already know how excited I am for this one!! So glad it lived up to the hype for you! <3 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.