Before death but after life lives a library. And on those infinite shelves are stories. Nora discovers this library after a frustrating life filled with regrets. With each book there is a unique version of Nora’s life, all of which could have been, but were not, based on choices throughout Nora’s life. When the book is opened, Nora is transported to each life with the opportunity to live it.
We’ve all wondered what our lives could’ve been and Nora gains the chance to discover infinite realities of her life and potentially change her future.
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This is the first of Matt Haig’s books I’ve read and, wow, I knew this book would be good but it completely blew me away. All my expectations were exceeded. The Midnight Library is such a powerful message of hope. It is beautiful, enchanting, sad, and at times heart-breaking. It is a great read if you’re stuck in a reading slump; it’ll pull you right out!
What I loved so much about this book is that each reality feels so real; Nora could really envision herself within each life because they all could’ve been hers. Even the lives that seem far-fetched, they all belong to her and reveal a piece of the character.
The theme of regret is strong throughout The Midnight Library. We’ve certainly all been guilty of thinking our lives would’ve turned out so much better if just one thing had been different. I know I’ve caught myself wishing for different realities, thinking that all my problems would be solved if just one thing changed. InThe Midnight Library each possibility of Nora’s life still has struggle and pain. And that’s reality isn’t it? Even if that one regret didn’t exist in our lives, we’d still have difficulties and loss. And we would have other regrets.
Nora is a remarkable main character and I found myself rooting for her all along. As a reader, you feel such a connection to her within the first chapters. Throughout the pages of her alternative realities, Nora discovers herself and her worth. This book captures so many important themes; it’s a gorgeous story and each theme will make you think. Fortunately, I was able to discuss the book and it’s many themes with a book club.
Finally, magical realism is becoming one of my favorite sub-genres. It started with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and the more stories I read the more I’m falling in love. I’m not a fantasy reader, but when it’s rooted in reality and there are sprinkles of magic, it’s easy to be captured.
Ultimately, I’m so pleased with this book and it’ll be going on my favorites shelf. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re needing a book to get you out of a reading slump!
PUBLICATION DETAILS: Viking; September 29th, 2020; 9780525559474; Fiction/Fantasy
