Review: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Reviewer: Rachael Carter
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midnight-Library-Matt-Haig-ebook/dp/B08543NK7K
First published: 2020
Publisher: Canongate Books
Genre:
- Contemporary fiction
- Contemporary romance fiction
Nora Seed’s life has hit rock-bottom and she’s decided to call it quits. But she gets stuck in a limbo state between life and death: a library filled with versions of her life had she made different choices. She must experience them before death takes her.
This New York Times bestseller was a surprising read in many ways. Despite hearing Matt Haig’s name many times, I’d never actually picked up any of his work. Then this was receiving rave reviews on a Facebook book review group so I took a chance on something a bit different to my usual “safe” genres. I’m not even sure what genre to put this in – certainly, it’s comedic although not always laugh out loud, sometimes just a-quiet-amused-smile funny. There are some very poignant moments too. Fantasy, of course, (but then again, who knows what goes on between life and death). More than anything and what I wasn’t expecting was the basket of life lessons, so in a lot of ways, it’s a self-help book for people who struggle with their mental health. That’s not to say that someone who doesn’t suffer in these ways wouldn’t enjoy it. Haig pulls in some lovely philosophies, often referencing 19th century philosopher Henry David Thoreau with quotes such as: “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
It was easy to relate to the main character, Nora. She felt incredibly real, and despite stepping into all the different versions of herself, she was consistent in her “root life” personality. Her attitude changes almost imperceptibly throughout the story in a way that was both natural and believable.
Nora lives, for the most part in Bedford, which is chosen so well to compliment her situation. The library, which is full-on fantasy was also beautifully described without going into adjective overdrive.
The story was pacy with short, easily-digestible chapters. My only gripe here is that the chapters all have names. I’m not a fan of naming chapters for the same reason I hate the “Previously, on Outlander…” or “Next time, on Succession…” as they very often act as spoilers.
I read this novel in less than 24 hours, which is always a good sign that the story was engaging. To make it that engaging, there has to be conflict. This story is full of it and it’s not all gun fights and car chases. The over-arching conflict here is internal, but there is an array of external conflicts, varied enough to keep things moving.
By the halfway point, I felt the life lesson that would make the most satisfying ending was coming through strongly but like all good stories, there is an element of will-she-won’t-she to help create a feeling of unpredictability.
There was a strong sense of authenticity to The Midnight Library, so it didn’t surprise me to see Haig also struggles with his mental health. I read this novel from the perspective of someone who has always fought that battle, although now it is “controlled”. I found this novel a helpful reminder of what is important in life, but if I was to have any reservations it would be for the person who is in the darkest throes of depression and reading this novel. Although Haig doesn’t mean to be anything but genuine and supportive, I might find it a little patronising if I was experiencing Dark Times. Not from his attitude towards mental health, but because of the apparent ease at which Nora appears to overcome some of her hurdles. I suspect that is because I read the book so quickly, it felt like it happened too quickly, and therefore easily, whereas people with mental health difficulties know that the road to recovery is never smooth and is filled with dips and peaks and potholes and red lights. So, if anything, The Midnight Library is a victim of its own brilliance.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and strongly recommended. It’s no wonder it won the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction. It’s a book whose message will stay with you long after you’ve closed the covers. I have already printed out some of its wonderful quotes such as “To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three-parts dead.” – Bertrand Russell. And “You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” – Albert Camus.
