Image credit: Cover design for The Midnight Library (2020), published in Australia by Allen & Unwin. All rights reserved. Photo taken by me and used by on this blog under the “Fair dealing for criticism or review” provision of the Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968.
The Midnight Library is about learning to hope and embrace yourself and your potential. That sounds teeth-grindingly new agey, and it is at times, but overall it was entertaining and a good listen.
Nora Seed, who is despairing and depressed, takes an overdose, but instead of dying or being stomach pumped, ends up in a metaphysical library – the midnight library – with her old school librarian. Mrs Elm explains to her that every book on the shelves is an alternate version of her life: what she could have been if she’d made various different decisions. What would her life be like if she hadn’t… given up competitive swimming? Left the band? Gone to Australia? Said yes to a coffee date?
As Nora tries out different possible lives, she gains a new understanding of herself and her regrets.
Haig includes lots of philosophical ideas and quotes, especially from Henry David Thoreau, but not in a difficult or annoying way. I grew quite invested in Nora’s journey and it was fun watching all the threads of her life come together. Well written: a lovely, gentle, meandering book with humorous as well as dramatic touches.
Title: The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Cover design: ?
First published: Penguin Group, 2020
Audio: narrated by Carey Mulligan, Cannongate Books
Awards: Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction, 2020
Genre: Speculative fiction, fantasy, philosophical fiction, fable
Representation: female main character
Suitability: years 10-12
Fyi: some suicidal thinking and reported suicides, a few very mild sexual references, some swearing
Themes: the good life, love, family, friendship, fame, potential, regret, philosophy
Literary features: library conceit, intertextuality, philosophic themes & motifs
NSW syllabus: potential related text for Texts & Human Experiences; wide reading
If you like this, try: The Consolations of Philosophy or Essays in Love (novel) by Alain de Botton
MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE LIBRARY... 
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