The Midnight Library
"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig was my first read of 2021, and I am so glad. I had spotted this book a while back and added it to my TBR list. In December, the Popsugar Reading Challenge was released, and I realized it was an excellent fit for the prompt "a book about do-overs or fresh starts," so I held off until the new year. I found it to be an easy, enjoyable read to start the year and the holidays.
The concept of a space between life and death that allows for people to review their regrets and test out other possible life paths that exist with different choices was intriguing. I particularly liked the element that each person's "in-between" is unique to their life and that they experienced a location and "guide" that was a comfort to them. As an avid reader, I, of course, was drawn to the stories primary "limbo" represented as a library.
I appreciated that there was generally a realistic balance of happiness and dissatisfaction with each life that Nora "tried on." However, I felt as though Haig could have lingered a bit longer in some of the lifelines. I was left wanting more from each life that Nora tried on, wanted her to have more time to experience and explore each one. I can understand that the intent was to highlight the rule that "as soon as disappointment is felt in full," she'd be returned to the Midnight Library, but I felt a desire to be in each life with Nora a bit longer. To play Devil's Advocate with myself, I also recognize that this rule highlights that in our lives, no matter what decisions we make, there are disappointments and regrets yet, life can still be worth living. I can't say I am convinced that the disappointments Nora experienced in those moments before she returned to the Midnight Library were comparable to when she had decided to end her life, but the overarching lesson was clear.
I love a book that generates emotions in me. I felt as though Haig's eloquent writing style brought me along with the crests and falls accompanying each of Nora's experiences. I think this particularly applied to the life she lived with Ash and Molly. While I had the sneaking suspicion all along that this book would end with Nora returning to her root life, this lifeline brought such strong feelings of comfort and love that I wanted it to work out more than others.
Given that my main complaint is that I wanted more of it, I think it is fair to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was definitely an excellent choice to kick off the new year, light enough to be a relaxing read but also intriguing and beautifully written. "The Midnight Library" is the first book I've read by Matt Haig, but I have more waiting for me!
January 10, 2021