Book Blurb:
Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.
My Review: 4.5 stars
The Midnight Library was stunning example of literary fiction with a dollop of fantasy and a spoonful of philosophy. Honestly, this book has been on my radar for months before its release and I’m annoyed that I waited so long read it. I think there was a part of me that was worried it would be dark, and goodness knows, I couldn’t handle that right now.
Nora, the protagonist, finds herself in the midnight library, a place she landed after she commits suicide. There, every book is a volume about her life had she made other choices. The options are endless, and a several are shared in the story: had she not been afraid of failure, studied a different major, fallen out with her brother, etc. As she lands in each multiverse, she is put in the most precarious situations as she has no idea where she’s working or if she’s married or single. Some people show up continually, while others have passed on or are not part of her life anymore.
There are brilliant and meaningful quotes by philosophers that are peppered throughout the book. Each one comes at time that matters and really makes you think. This book makes you ponder your own life, and if you’re living your truest and best version of yourself. The author, who has spoken openly about his depression and an earlier attempt at suicide, writes through the lens of knowing and understanding.
The writing was lush with a strong narrative arc; however, I did think the ending dragged out a bit. This is a powerful read that will stick with you, long after you finish. Book clubs will adore this one.
Quotes I liked:
The only way to learn is to live”
“Most gossip is envy in disguise.”
“Never underestimate the big importance of small things.”
“Was, so much dread in such a small word. Like a stone falling through water.”
“As Thoreau wrote, ‘It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
“If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don’t give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it.”
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