The Midnight Library

by Matt Haig

[kimbacaffeinate]

The tale that unfolds is magical, insightful, and pure genius. If you are a fool for It’s A Wonderful Life and watch it every Christmas like me, you will love Haig’s meaningful tale.

The library books contain all of Nora’s alternate lives. Every decision made is a new version of a life Nora would have lived. With Mrs. Elm’s guidance, Nora opens books and dives into these alternate life. Sort of trying them on for size. This isn’t always easy particularly because Nora remembers her “root life” but knows nothing of these new lives.

Do you remember wanting to grow up to be a doctor, the first woman on the moon, an explorer who travels Antarctica? Well, Nora get’s to explore all of hers. She owns a pub, becomes a gold medalist, a rock star, a philosopher, a traveler, a glaciologist, wife and mother. Each has its pros and cons. For example, in some timelines her best friend has died or her brother is ill.

Through the books, Nora gains knowledge and appreciation for the seemly pointless life she had. I loved Haig’s writing. His writing is poignant, empathetic and inspiring. It is as if he’s walked in these character’s footsteps.

Carey Mulligan narrates and was the perfect pick for Nora’s perspective. The story flowed wonderfully and she enhanced an already brilliant story through inflection, pacing and tone. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer