The Midnight Library was written by Matt Haig and published in 2020
What if you could go back in time?
The Midnight Library tells the familiar story of a woman who's struggling with mental health. Succumbing to her illness, she does the unthinkable and plans her suicide, leaving behind a life that she didn't see as worth living.
Nora Seed, the 35-year-old in question, lives in a small town with a small cat and thinks she's well, small. She doubts her self-worth on a daily basis and thinks of all the routes in life that she could have taken, when instead she lives alone, works at a book store, and cuddles her cat.
The library is a place that Nora's mind takes her after she commits the act. It almost feels like purgatory, except it's a place she loves with a person she once admired. This library and librarian from her past will take her on a journey through all the "could haves" and "what ifs" that she once wished were her reality. Interests that Nora had, and what would her life be like if she pursued them, if she tried a little harder, if she had stayed on a different path and had a different reality.
The characterization of Nora
“That was how she had felt most of her life. Caught in the middle. Struggling, flailing, just trying to survive while not knowing which way to go. Which path to commit to without regret.”- Matt Haig
I've battled with regret, you've battled with regret--we've all had our days. This theme is what makes the story so relatable. Nora's character is hopeless and stuck on the idea that her life could have been different if she had made other choices, better choices even. Haig's characterization of a person who has the ability to see all the outcomes creates a remarkable story. Imagine if you could take away any regrets of the past. Would all your problems be eliminated?
The final score
Nora's ability to explore a library of unlimited choices is a superpower we all wish we could have at some point in our lives. Even the smallest of decisions can prove a different outcome for our entire life. This, however, doesn't always mean that we would be happier.
The characters, plot, and storytelling of Haig on such a sensitive subject proved to be inspiring. After reading this book, I was able to look back on my own choices and decisions with fondness. Through Haig's storytelling, we learn the best life to have is the one we're currently living, mistakes and all.
Final Score: 8.5/10
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