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The Midnight Library | REVIEW

"Will my life be miraculously free from pain, despair, grief, heartbreak, hardship, loneliness, depression? No.

"But do I want to live?

"Yes. Yes.

"A thousand times, yes."

Such a beautiful ending to an equally beautiful story, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is one that belongs on everyone's bookshelf. With an interesting concept surrounding what happens to us when we're in between life and death, this was one book I couldn't put down.

Sadness seeps out the pages as Nora decides to die, however she then gets transported to the Midnight Library where she finds she can live out her many possible lives. It was so much fun experiencing these different lives, each one was interesting, amazing and devastating in their own way. Seeing how her lives differed due to the choices she made was intriguing. Eventually, she comes to the realisation that her own life is the one she wants to live. But can she get back to it?

Haig cleverly raises awareness around climate change in one of Nora's many lives. I learnt about stuff I didn't even know about. This was possibly the most interesting life for me. The rest of the lives brought me laughter, sadness, shock, happiness and all of the above.

Isn't it interesting? The choices we make in life and how they cause a chain reaction. This is a similar theme to The Book Club, which I reviewed a few days ago: every action has a consequence. Every single decision we make causes a butterfly effect. Only, Nora gets to live out the 'what if's?' What if she never quit the band, what if she said yes to coffee with that man, what if she never quit swimming?

I was extremely moved by this novel. It made me think about my own life and the times I wanted to die, and the times I almost did. The regrets that I have, the different lives I want to live... but I'm right where I need to be. My life is my own and my choices are my own. Live them.

This book will have you believe that there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark things may seem. One can turn on their own light, only you're in control of your actions. Haig has written a touching novel about finding the small joys in life, about how you can be the change you want to see.

Beautiful through and through, I really can't stress enough just how wonderful this book is. I would definitely recommend it. You can pick it up at your local bookshop or supermarket.

5/5 stars.


Until the next time,

Char.
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