The Midnight library: Book review


Book review 

Title: The Midnight library 
Author: Matt Haig
Genre: Speculative Fiction

Often we are bogged down by regrets and tend to wonder how our life would have turned out if we had chosen an alternative route. The Midnight library is one such interesting read and explores this premises of choosing different possibilities and variations on life. 

Our protagonist Nora Seed leads an uninteresting life. She feels despair about her lack of accomplishments and views herself as a failure. Out of frustration, she decides to end her life. However, Nora doesn’t embrace death yet. She reached this place called The Midnight library which lies between life and death. On the shelves of this library are books which comprise of parallel lives Nora might have led. She is given a chance to redeem her regrets and live multiple lives. We see her as a rockstar, Olympic swimmer, a glaciologist and several more lives. Even the seemingly perfect life comes with its share of imperfections. Nora faces a tough decision of deciding her ideal life and goes on a journey of self discovery of what she considers important in life. 

One of strengths of the book is the characterization of Nora. Throughout the story, we are engaged with her several lives and the varying personalities. Most importantly we are privy to Nora’s thoughts, emotions and feelings as she flits from one life to another.  

The setting is another highlight of the story. The author manages to bring in a fantastical place like the library and also realistic settings of different countries where Nora lives her several lives. It’s interesting how he weaves in the concept of mental health and addresses issues like depression and suicide. Haig’s story telling abilities with his simply plot makes it engaging and immersive for the reader.

 The Midnight Library is thought provoking and takes you on a roller coaster ride. Nora’s experiences, decisions and emotions resonate with the reader. The book also makes you introspect deeply into your own lives, leaving you ponder over regrets, possibilities and what makes life worth living. 

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