The Midnight Library

by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Contemporary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £18.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 58
  • Added: 2025-08-30
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781786892706
  • Published: 2020-01-01
  • Formats: 66
  • Reviews: 4

The Midnight Library is a touching and humorous exploration of life's possibilities, written by the Sunday Times bestselling author of How to Stop Time and Reasons to Stay Alive. This novel invites readers to ponder the choices they've made and the paths not taken, all within the magical setting of a library that exists between life and death. Nora Seed, the protagonist, finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death, where each book represents a different life she could have led. As she explores these alternate realities, she uncovers profound insights about herself and the world around her. The novel blends humor, heart, and deep emotional resonance, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever wondered about the road not taken.

Reviews
The Wallflower Digest · 2025-08-30
uplifting 4.00

An uplifting and inspiring fantasy story that encourages readers to consider the impact of their life choices, rated positively for its hopeful message.

The Wallflower Digest reviewer finds 'The Midnight Library' to be an uplifting and inspiring narrative, praising its imaginative fantasy elements and the way it explores the significance of life choices. They emphasize the book’s hopeful outlook, which offers readers a sense of encouragement to reflect on their regrets without despair. The reviewer highlights the novel’s ability to balance its philosophical themes with an engaging story, making it accessible and moving.

Quick quotes

    Uplifting, inspiring story.

    Encourages reflection on the impact of life choices.

    A hopeful and imaginative fantasy novel.

Sugar and Sloth · 2025-08-30
reflective 3.75

The book is seen as uplifting and inspiring, though the reviewer expresses some ambivalence, enjoying it more upon a second reading.

The reviewer shares a nuanced take on 'The Midnight Library,' finding it uplifting and inspiring at its core but also expressing uncertainty about their initial reaction. On a second read, they appreciated the story more, suggesting that the book’s themes and messages might resonate differently upon revisiting. This perspective highlights the book’s emotional complexity and its ability to provoke reflection on life's possibilities and regrets.

Quick quotes

    I'm not sure what I thought of it.

    Second time reading it, and I enjoyed it more.

    An uplifting and inspiring story.

Fantasy-Hive · 2025-08-30
thoughtful 4.25

The novel is appreciated for its thoughtful exploration of mental health and the meaning of life, featuring a near-death protagonist navigating alternate realities to find contentment.

This review values Matt Haig's contribution to the theme of life’s choices and regrets through the character Nora Seed, who faces suicidal despair and is given a chance to explore what might have been. The reviewer highlights how the story handles heavy topics like depression and suicide sensitively, weaving in philosophical reflections about living and personal fulfillment. They appreciate the introspective nature of the narrative and how it encourages readers to think about the possibilities in their own lives, making it a meaningful and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Matt Haig's The Midnight Library makes another fine contribution to that theme with the suicidal and near-death protagonist Nora Seed finding herself in the Midnight Library.

    The story is a thoughtful exploration of life’s choices, regrets, and the search for meaning.

    It handles heavy topics like depression and suicide with sensitivity and philosophical insight.

Two Girls Must Reads · 2024-02-06
enjoyable 3.50

The book has some slow parts but ultimately leaves a positive impression. It's a journey worth taking despite its pace.

The reviewer mentioned that some parts of the book felt slow, but they were ultimately glad they read it. They enjoyed the premise and the emotional journey it took them on. The idea of exploring different lives and choices resonated with them, making the book a worthwhile read despite its pacing issues.

Quick quotes

    I felt like some parts were a little slow but in the end I was so glad I read it.

    I enjoyed it very much!

    The premise of the book - a chance to live a life without regrets. A chance to choose...

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