Trigger Warning: Suicide
Nora Seed feels trapped in her life, she views herself as a failure, and has many regrets. Regrets about giving up swimming, regrets about old break ups, regrets about not moving to Australia…The list goes on! What if she had only made the opposite decision, perhaps her life could have been completely different!
One night Nora finds herself tempted by suicidal thoughts. It is at this point that she finds herself in a library. However, this is not just any library. This is the library between life and death, full of infinite shelfs with infinite books. Each book providing a chance to see and live a life, where Nora made different decisions.
After seeing how her life could have panned out had she made different choices, does Nora still regret her decisions? Or does she realise that she is already living a fulfilled life.
The Midnight Library is a fantasy/sci-fi novel which carries philosophical teachings. Touching upon themes such as suicide, regret, mental health and living in the present. I never thought fantasy was for me, however The Midnight Library has shown me otherwise. A lot of the quotes and philosophy behind this novel will stick with me for a long time.
Having enjoyed Matt Haig’s other books, I was really excited for this book to come out. However, I never rushed to read it. Why? Probably because I enjoy knowing I still have a book on my ‘to read’ list, which I can almost guarantee I can enjoy. I finally got a copy for Christmas and sadly just three days later I lost my sister to suicide. For anyone who has experienced suicide, you may know how no matter what you did or how much you tried to help, it does not stop you from tormenting yourself with the ‘what ifs’. It was at that point I was glad I had not rushed to read this book and it could not have come to me at a better time.
Overall a deeply meaningful, comforting and thought-provoking read. 5 stars.
Reads Must 