The Midnight Library

In this book by Matt Haig, Nora Seed, a 36 year-old music store clerk is struggling to cope. She surveys her life and sees only pain, grief and regret. She decides that she has nothing to live for and attempts to kill herself.  However, she wakes from this attempt and finds herself in a 'between life and death state',  in a large library,  where, as long as it stays midnight, she has the opportunity to try out different versions of herself and find the one  where she feels she truly belongs.  Mrs Elm, the librarian, introduces Nora to all the books that detail the different outcomes, dependent on the choices that she made, in her life.

The majority of the group enjoyed the book and found the notion of different outcomes that ensue from different choices very thought provoking and intriguing. Most thought that the lives Nora lived that were written in more detailed were the best, and felt that those in the middle of the book that were somewhat glossed over were a little unnecessary.

Some were totally preoccupied by the book and it led to musings about their own lives and 'what if?',  not in a regretful way, but more as a matter of interest.

The book was quirky and different to other books, not the least because the male author was writing about a female lead character.

The book let to a very lengthy discussion about parallel universes, quantum physics, personal crossroads, parental pressure, sci-fi and fantasy genres and to be careful what you wish for.  Links were made to the film Groundhog Day and A Christmas Carol.

Rather than depressing, the book was a celebration of life and its possibilities.  Overall the book was well worth reading.

Review by Dorothy Ivatt.