The Midnight Library Book Review
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By Aisling Finn, Founder & Lead Curator
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: A Journey Through Regret and Hope
Powerful, insightful, and fulfilling. These are the words that define the work of Matt Haig, and they have never been more true than in his astounding bestseller, The Midnight Library. At The Book Resort, we often see this book spark the most passionate discussions in our community because it touches on a universal human experience: the "What Ifs" of life.
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Between Life and Death: The Library of Infinite Lives
The story follows Nora Seed, an average woman overwhelmed by the weight of her own regrets. After deciding to end her life, she finds herself transported to a place of "limbo"—The Midnight Library. This library is a metaphor for the space between, where every book on every shelf represents a life she could have lived if she had made different choices.
Guiding her through this experience is Mrs. Elm, Nora's former school librarian. Mrs. Elm serves as a steer, not a leader, helping Nora navigate her "Book of Regrets" and try on different versions of herself. Whether she’s an Olympian, a rockstar, or a glaciologist, Nora must find a life she truly wants to live before the library—and her time—disappears forever.
Why This Book is Life-Changing
What we loved most about Haig’s writing is the celebration of the ordinary. Nora experiences peaks and troughs, Multimillionaire success and deep depression. Through her journey, we learn that every minor choice affects our direction, but that the present version of ourselves is the only one we can truly embrace.
Haig confronts heavy themes like anxiety and depression with a comforting, light touch. He encourages us to trust in our current path, as the "lives we missed" might not have been as perfect as we imagined.
"Read it and really adored it. So different and well written!" — Francesca, Book Resort Member
Final Thoughts: Is it worth the read?
In short: Yes. The Midnight Library is a short, snappy, and deeply emotional read. It encourages us to live in the moment and appreciate our own company. If you are looking for a book that offers both escapism and a fresh perspective on reality, this is the one.
Join the Discussion
Our Facebook Book Club had so much to say about Matt Haig’s work! If you love talking about plot twists and character development, join our community here.
The Book Resort Team x