A review by fairytalefootnotes
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator(s): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes, etc: Parallel Universes, Alternate Timelines, Magical Realism
POV: Single, 3rd Person
Cliffhanger?: No

Notable Quote: “It is quite a revelation to discover that the place you wanted to escape to is the exact same place you escaped from. That the prison wasn’t the place, but the perspective.”

The Praise: I liked this a lot more than I expected to. I enjoyed seeing the different characters weave in and out of Nora’s alternate lives. I also appreciated how straightforward the writing was and the short chapters.
I listened to the audiobook and Carey Mulligan was amazing.

The Critique: I feel like the book would’ve been more impactful if we saw more of how Nora influenced the lives of those around her, like we did with Leo. It would make more sense that she wanted to go back to her root life if she realized the difference she was making for others, rather than just focusing on her personal regrets.

Final Thoughts: Overall, I thought it was fine.
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