Midnight Library

I read this book for a book club in July 2022. It was a mediocre experience, and I would have probably DNFed it if not for the book club and also if I actively hated it. As it happens, the premise and ideas behind the novel were interesting, but the execution left quite a lot wanting. The main character, Nora Seed, is dull and uninspired; moreover, I could not understand or relate to her struggles in any way, so it made her a hard (near impossible, really) character to root for. The plot was extremely predictable. However, most egregious was the messaging and the themes behind the book—they were about as subtle as a brick to the face.

Well, I am not the target audience for this book. I have studied philosophy and while I’m not that knowledgeable about quantum mechanics, I know enough to know when it is misused. I’m not easily swayed by appearances or place much value in externals, like having a lot of money or having certain luxuries, etc. I don’t have a self-absorbed vision of myself as Nora does, thinking that she is somehow responsible for or affects everyone she comes into contact with. I have regrets, as does anyone, but I view them as a means to learn and grow from my past self. So I don’t get the hype and ‘life-changing’ remarks about this book. Particularly towards the end, Haig starts rambling like it’s his blog we are reading and not a novel.

Finally, the structure of the novel qua novel is under-cooked; the plot is wafer thin, the worldbuilding (or shall we say the justification for the novel’s premise) is nonexistent or too convenient, and the characters are forgettable if not downright annoying. I’d pass on this one, unless you are of the social media generation or somehow believe that ‘dating the right guy’ or ‘having a cool job’ will somehow magically provide happiness and cure your depression (without a lot of hard introspection). Or if you believe the world revolves around you. Or maybe if you have zero exposure to philosophy at all. I don’t know. Either way, this novel assumes its readers are clueless bats waiting to be passively impressed by Matt Haig’s ‘original’ ideas about mental health which are lukewarm at best and borderline insensitive at worst.

In the face of death, life seemed more attractive, and as life seemed more attractive, how could she get back to the Midnight Library?

Between life and death sits The Midnight Library. An opportunity to evaluate your life, learn lessons for happiness and explore philosophy.

You don't go to death. Death comes to you.

The Midnight Library has one of the most jarring introductions to a character with a countdown to their death. You are immediately hit knowing that this is going to be a very different book.

...you can choose choices but not outcomes.

The subject matter is heavy but the story is written without it being an emotional drain. As the chapters progress and Nora reviews her regrets there are some incredible philosophical discussion points raised. I found myself highlighting plenty of passages in this book.

...undoing regrets was really a way of making wishes come true.

They may not be groundbreaking revelations but they are worth repeating and helping creating a positive feedback for yourself and others around you.

'It seems impossible to live without hurting people.'
'That's because it is'.

I was very curious in Nora's interaction with Hugo and how he has come across other Sliders. I realize this book wasn't going to go further in to any of that but I was definitely intrigued in the thought of some coasting through lives.

It was interesting, she mused to herself, how life sometimes simply gave you a new perspective.

I enjoy books that offer entertainment and an opportunity to self reflect, and The Midnight Library hit the mark on both accounts. I liked it but not sure it falls in the really liked realm. This book is likely a 3.5 for me but not sure I would re-read it so that's why it slides to 3 stars. Very good book and other reviewers have articulated my thoughts on this better than I could.