Our book of the month for May is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. We give you our Big Review below.
***Our Big Reviews are written from the point of view that you have read the book. If this is not yet you, bookmark the page and come back once you have***
The Midnight Library – the blurb
Between life and death there is a library.
When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.
The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger.
Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?
Strangely familiar
Following an easing of lock down restrictions The Midnight Library was the first book that the book club I am part of had all actually read and I was so excited to review it with them. It’s a slim little thing, 280 pages, with short chapters making it easy to read. Evidenced by the fact we had all finished it. I was immediately reminded of The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, a book I first read 17 years ago. I wasn’t the only one to feel a sense of familiarity with the concept and various books and films were all referred to.
Whilst not being the most original of concepts not all of us guessed the ending immediately and Nora’s life offered many amazing alternatives. How many of us can say we all have alternative careers of Olympian, Rock Star and Glaciologist in our back pocket? I loved the reoccurring theme of animals (who never judge and offer unwavering loyalty/love.) Many of us found the most emotional part of the book was Voltaire’s second death. Now that’s a not often used phrase!
The Midnight Library is very woke in it’s approach – climate change, social media and of course mental health all make an appearance. I think this mirrors Haig whose struggles with mental health and strong presence on social media are all well documented. Overall I applaud the diversity in Haig’s writing (Santa as a boy to suicidal piano teacher is a big leap). It’s easy to read and if nothing else will have you daydreaming out of the window thinking what could have been.
Get Involved
If you would like to get involved with our Book Of The Month try answering our Book Club questions published every month. Just search in our footnotes section for the ‘Get Involved’ articles. We review a new book every month so keep your eyes peeled for the Lowdown on June’s book of the month soon.
