“Every life contains many millions of decisions. Some big, some small. But every time one decision is taken over another, the outcomes differ.”


Genre: Science Fiction, Philosophical
Pages: 304
Published: August 13, 2020
Rate: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Synopsis
Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

My Take
I loved The Midnight Library. I love the unique premise, Matt Haig sets the scene for us vividly, leaving nothing to the imagination and he does it so well. I love the fact that he’s showing us, rather than telling. It made for a wonderful reading experience. This being my second book by Matt Haig, I found I appreciated the writing in this book much more.

“…sometimes the only way to learn is to live.”

Sci-fi mixed with Fantasy mixed with philosophy. What a concept. I found I did love the first bits but the philosophical pages had me skeptical and a little bit bored. There’s no character development to speak on. I found that I didn’t care for them at all.

The Midnight Library is a book that I’d say is not for everyone. Granted that it’s a good read, it does touch on mental health and could be triggering to some. Also, the philosophy aspect of the book might have some not enjoy it as much.

I found it a good read and it’s something I’d recommend if you’re looking for an interesting perspective on life.

Have you read The Midnight Library? What did you think about it?