Never underestimate the big importance of small things.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig explores a place that exists between life and death. It’s filled with countless books, each representing a different version of your life. Imagine a world where every book shows a life you could have lived if you had made different choices. Each book gives you a peek into what your life could have been—whether more successful, more fulfilling, or something completely different.
Our protagonist, Nora Seed, is a 35-year-old woman facing some serious issues in her life. She’s lost her job, and her only living relative, her brother, shows little interest in her life. Everything seems to be falling apart for Nora. One unfortunate day, she decides to end her life. But instead of dying, she ends up in a place that is neither heaven nor hell—it’s called The Midnight Library.
Synopsis of the midnight library
The story follows a woman named Nora, who is deeply unhappy with her life. Despite trying her best in different areas—professionally, personally—she feels utterly unsatisfied. This sense of hopelessness drives her to the point of wanting to end her life. When she does, she finds herself in The Midnight Library. Here, she has the chance to explore various alternate lives, each based on different choices she could have made. If she finds a life she loves, she can choose to stay in it, and that life will become her reality.
Nora is surrounded by countless books. Each book represents a different version of her life, based on the different choices she could have made. Nora is 35 years old, and while she’s not old, she’s at a stage in life where many have settled into careers, marriages, or started families—milestones she feels she’s missed. Nora begins to realize that there are many things she regrets, from giving up swimming, which she once excelled at and shared with her father, to not pursuing a record deal with her band in high school. She also regrets not completing her degree, breaking off her engagement, and backing out of a spontaneous move to Australia with her best friend.
Book Review of the midnight library
The core concept of the story—this idea of a place between life and death where you can revisit your past decisions and potentially change them—is fantastic. It feels fresh and hasn’t been explored much in fiction before, which makes it an intriguing idea. However, beyond this core concept, I didn’t find anything particularly unique or groundbreaking.
It’s also important to note that this book tackles sensitive topics like depression and suicide. If these are triggering subjects for you, I would advise against reading it. Personally, having been through such phases in life, I found the book delves deeply into depression, which can be disturbing. The overall mood of the story is melancholic, as it’s heavily based on regrets in life. While there is a positive spin in the form of second chances, which is a concept we don’t often get in real life, I felt that the book could have struck a better balance between the two.
To summarize, The Midnight Library had a beautiful concept, but unfortunately, I felt it was underwhelming in execution. It had the potential to be brilliant but fell short with a straightforward and linear plot where not much happens. So, for those of you who loved this book, please forgive me! I really tried to enjoy it, but I just couldn’t connect with it.
What is The Midnight Library About?
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig follows Nora Seed, who, after attempting suicide, finds herself in a magical library between life and death. Each book offers a glimpse into a different life she could have lived based on choices she didn’t make. Guided by her old school librarian, Nora explores these alternate realities, searching for happiness and fulfillment. The story tackles themes of regret, second chances, and accepting one’s life as it is.
Author: Matt Haig
Date Published: September 29, 2020 by Viking
Pages: 288 pages, Hardcover
Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
Conclusion
The Midnight Library delivers a thought-provoking exploration of life’s possibilities and the choices we make. Nora Seed’s journey through different versions of her life shows that no life is perfect, and each path comes with its own challenges. Ultimately, the novel encourages readers to appreciate the life they have, recognizing that regrets and missed opportunities are a natural part of being human. With its blend of emotional depth and philosophical insights, the story leaves readers with a sense of hope and self-acceptance.
The Ending of The Midnight Library
At the end of The Midnight Library, Nora Seed realizes that no parallel life she encounters is without defects or difficulties. After experiencing numerous lives—some prosperous, some filled with love—she realizes that perfection is a delusion. Finally, Nora decides not to continue in any of the lives offered by the library. Instead, she returns to her previous life, infused with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
Reader Reactions from Goodreads
Midnight Library book club questions
- How do Nora’s experiences in the different lives change her perspective on her own life and her regrets?
- Which alternate life of Nora’s stood out to you the most? Why do you think it had such an impact?
- Do you think The Midnight Library offers a hopeful message about second chances and personal growth? Why or why not?
- How does the novel handle the topics of depression and suicide? Did it feel realistic and sensitive to you?
- If you had access to a “Midnight Library,” would you want to explore alternate versions of your life? What choices would you revisit?
- Were you satisfied with the ending of the book? Do you believe Nora made the right choice by returning to her original life?
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