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A review by oliviamannall
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
What a charming, thought-provoking read this was. As somebody who has suffered from depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation for quite some time, this book cut right to the core of those experiences, which I was not surprised by. Haig's 'Reasons to Stay Alive' is not a bestseller for no reason, after all.
I really, truly related and resonated with Nora, our protagonist. I thought she felt very real and at times all I wanted to do was reach into the pages and give her a hug. I'm honestly so glad that she was given an authentic, beautiful ending to her story.
In terms of what to say in this review, I am coming up short, which is very unlike me. I have tabbed several beautiful lines in this novel and I believe that Haig is an absolute master at delivering a 'lesson' to his readers, something to take from his stories and carry forward into everyday life. I certainly am going to be thinking of this book for a long time to come, and the lessons that it has taught me.
That being said, enchanting a read as it was, there's just something I can't quite put my finger on that brings it down from a 5 star read to a 4 star. I feel so unjustified in doing so, because I literally can give you no reason as to why this is, but for me, a 5 star read is something I am certain I will come back to again in later life, or a book that I could reread over and over again and not get bored of, and I just don't think The Midnight Library is that book for me.
The reading experience was very enjoyable and I am glad to have read it, but I personally cannot see myself rereading it in future: for me, it has served its purpose, it has woven its way into my reading journey, and I will undoubtedly carry its lessons forward with me, but it was not an instant favourite. I'm so sorry that I can't give you a solid reason as to why.
That being said, I will absolutely be checking out more of Matt Haig's work in the future! I have been meaning to read either his novels or self-help books for quite some time now, and I am glad that The Midnight Library was my first foray into his writing. I think his style is distinctive, lighthearted and incredibly authentic and I am very excited to venture further into his stories in the not too distant future!
I really, truly related and resonated with Nora, our protagonist. I thought she felt very real and at times all I wanted to do was reach into the pages and give her a hug. I'm honestly so glad that she was given an authentic, beautiful ending to her story.
In terms of what to say in this review, I am coming up short, which is very unlike me. I have tabbed several beautiful lines in this novel and I believe that Haig is an absolute master at delivering a 'lesson' to his readers, something to take from his stories and carry forward into everyday life. I certainly am going to be thinking of this book for a long time to come, and the lessons that it has taught me.
That being said, enchanting a read as it was, there's just something I can't quite put my finger on that brings it down from a 5 star read to a 4 star. I feel so unjustified in doing so, because I literally can give you no reason as to why this is, but for me, a 5 star read is something I am certain I will come back to again in later life, or a book that I could reread over and over again and not get bored of, and I just don't think The Midnight Library is that book for me.
The reading experience was very enjoyable and I am glad to have read it, but I personally cannot see myself rereading it in future: for me, it has served its purpose, it has woven its way into my reading journey, and I will undoubtedly carry its lessons forward with me, but it was not an instant favourite. I'm so sorry that I can't give you a solid reason as to why.
That being said, I will absolutely be checking out more of Matt Haig's work in the future! I have been meaning to read either his novels or self-help books for quite some time now, and I am glad that The Midnight Library was my first foray into his writing. I think his style is distinctive, lighthearted and incredibly authentic and I am very excited to venture further into his stories in the not too distant future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Vomit, and Car accident