A review by lfay
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
You don't have to understand life. You just have to live it.
In the moment between life and death, Nora is taken to the Midnight Library where she is confronted by the infinite possibilities of paths not taken and lives not lived and nearly crushed by The Book of Regrets.
Exploring her authentic self with each life visited and accepting the complex, interwoven fabric of her life choices produce unforeseeable and unknowable potential futures and consequences brings into sharp relief the importance of small things and little kindnesses in her day-to-day life.
While the return to her root life and her happy-ish ever after was never in doubt, the character arch served as a timely reminder, as sappy as it may sound, that a life well lived is a life lived on your own terms.
In the moment between life and death, Nora is taken to the Midnight Library where she is confronted by the infinite possibilities of paths not taken and lives not lived and nearly crushed by The Book of Regrets.
Exploring her authentic self with each life visited and accepting the complex, interwoven fabric of her life choices produce unforeseeable and unknowable potential futures and consequences brings into sharp relief the importance of small things and little kindnesses in her day-to-day life.
While the return to her root life and her happy-ish ever after was never in doubt, the character arch served as a timely reminder, as sappy as it may sound, that a life well lived is a life lived on your own terms.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Death
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Animal death, Drug abuse, and Infidelity