Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - The Midnight Library

The plot of The Midnight Library is best described as It’s a Wonderful Life meets Quantum Leap with a dash of Back to the Future, and Matt Haig expertly melds and melts the various tropes found within these three pieces of media into his own unique narrative. I have great familiarity with all three pieces of media, and I was pleased to find that Haig does not rely on prior knowledge in order to enjoy his work. In fact, I found the Easter eggs quite delightful!

I also found it refreshing to read a narrative from the perspective of a female main character written by a man that felt like a real human woman could do or say the things he was describing. I really resonated with Nora’s struggle to find her place and purpose in this crazy, mixed up world we find ourselves in, a world which seemingly gets more crazy and more mixed up as time goes on.

I felt both seen and supported as Nora—sometimes harshly, sometimes gently—learns what she values, what she needs, what she wants, what she has to offer, and, most importantly, what she is worth, simply by being a human who exists and not what she can do or be for others.

In terms of technical writing aspects though, I feel that 95% of the book has clear, concise writing, which thankfully doesn’t sacrifice either sentimentality or periods of reflection that required for a narrative centered around depression and mental health recovery. The last few chapters seem a little bit shaky in terms of wrapping things up, but I also think this can be chalked up to Nora being on unsure footing as she enters a new phase of her life.

All in all, an excellent book that really hits close to home in the best possible ways. I definitely almost cried a few times. I can see why this book received so much good press when it first came out!

Content Warnings

shorty0927's review against another edition

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reflective sad medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

kim_e_d's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional

Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Plot : A woman who has lost everything attempts suicide and finds herself in a limbo in which she can experience the lives she didn't choose.

Impressions : I really liked the concept, but the execution is a little simplistic and the end is predictable.

There also are some massive plot holes.
1. The main Nora enters the lives of alternative Noras, who stay dormant. But what happens to the alternative Noras should she choose to stay? She is stealing someone else's life. Even though this is hinted at towards the end through a sense of guilt, the alternative Nora's fate isn't mentionned.
2. If in every life trajectory she is unhappy, needs anti-depressants, and drinks too much, then what pushes her to continue exploring after the third life?

Even though I love the idea, the development quickly feels like clutching at straws.

Content Warnings

carmen391's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful 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

Creo que este libro llevaba como 3 años en mi librero 🤣🤣🤣 sumamos otro más completado para sacarlo de mi lista de libros sin leer de mi librero.

Ahora mis impresiones 👇🏻
La premisa es bien interesante, el hecho de tener una librería llena de tus vidas paralelas y que podas vivirlas. Me gusta que después de cada vida hubo una lección y que se hiciera una reflexión.

Una frase que me gustó un montón es:
"You don't have to understand life, you have to live it." No tienes que entender la vida, solo tienes que vivirla. A veces es así de sencillo, asumo yo.

Este es un buen libro si se está buscando algo sencillo en que reflexionar. 👍🏻🤔😄

Content Warnings