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The Midnight Library

Novel

The Midnight Library

Between life and death, there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library allow Nora to experience life as if she had made different choices. With the help of an old friend, she can undo each of her regrets as she searches for her perfect life.

However, things are not as she imagined, and soon, her choices put both the library and herself in grave danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: What is the best way to live?

“Uplifting and poignant”

— David Nicholls

Review by 1000 Libraries

Matt Haig’s ‘The Midnight Library’ is a captivating and moving story about Nora Seed, who finds herself in a library where every book represents a different life she could have lived. Grappling with regret, Nora embarks on a journey through these alternate realities, ultimately learning to appreciate the life she has.

“Never underestimate the big importance of small things. You must always remember that.”

Engaging and empathetic, Haig’s writing tackles several complex themes across the book with sensitivity and a touch of magic. The concept of the Midnight Library is brilliant, thereby allowing the exploration of multiple and universal “what ifs.” Furthermore, the book’s deep resonance encourages readers to reflect on their own choices while offering a message of hope and self-compassion.

While fantastical, the emotional core of ‘The Midnight Library’ feels real. Nora’s struggles are authentic, and her journey is both, heartwarming and inspiring. For anyone who has ever questioned their path or felt the weight of regret, this thought-provoking novel will provide a necessary reminder to cherish the present instead.

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"It's so easy to think that life would be better if only we had something that's out of our grasp, and Haig shows us that, quite simply, it isn't always true.”

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“Would we really make better choices if we could step back in time? Matt Haig’s thought-provoking, uplifting new book discusses just that, exploring our relationship with regret and what really makes a perfect life.”

“

"This book really makes you think all about our choices in life and that big question of “Where would I be if I had made a different choice?” It’s a book that definitely made me self-reflect."

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