The Midnight Library Review: A Novel About Regret and Second Chances

Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library asks a question most of us have quietly wondered about at some point: what if I had made a different choice? In this The Midnight Library review, we look at the plot without spoilers, the themes that have made the novel a book club favorite, and who is likely to love it (and who might not). If you are thinking about adding The Midnight Library to your shelf, here is what to expect.

What is The Midnight Library about?

Nora Seed is 35 and convinced her life has been a series of missed chances. She has lost her job, her cat Voltaire, and her sense of purpose. On the night she decides she is done, she finds herself somewhere else entirely: a library that exists between life and death. Its shelves hold endless books, each one a different version of her life based on a decision she made differently. The librarian, Mrs. Elm, a familiar face from Nora’s school days, lets her try them on.

Over the course of the novel Nora slips into lives that include a glaciologist, a rock star, and an Olympic swimmer, each time hoping to find the one in which she is truly happy. The catch, of course, is that every life comes with its own trade-offs.

What works well

A simple idea with real emotional weight

The what-if premise is easy to grasp, yet Haig uses it to explore regret in a way that feels relatable rather than gimmicky. Every life Nora tries on reveals something she had not considered: that the better version of her life has costs of its own, and that the things she regrets most may not be the things that matter most.

Fast, readable prose

The chapters are short, the language is clear, and the pacing rarely drags. It is the kind of novel you can finish in a weekend, which makes it a great choice for readers who do not usually pick up literary fiction, or for anyone coming out of a reading slump.

Hopeful without being naive

The book deals honestly with depression and low moods, but it ultimately lands on hope. It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction in 2020, and much of its popularity comes from readers who found comfort in its message that a life is not defined by a single decision.

Themes worth discussing

Beyond the plot, The Midnight Library invites you to think about how we measure a good life. Is it success, love, adventure, or simply being present in the moment? Nora tries on lives built around each of these, and the answers she finds are gentle rather than preachy. That makes the novel an excellent conversation starter, whether you are discussing it with a book club, a friend, or just yourself over a cup of tea.

Where it falls short

Some readers find the multiple-lives structure a little repetitive, and a few of the alternate lives feel sketched rather than fully drawn. The philosophical ideas are delivered quite plainly, which suits a wide audience but may feel light to readers who want more depth. The ending is warm and fairly tidy, so if you prefer ambiguity, it may feel too neat.

A note on content

The story begins with Nora’s despair and includes thoughts of suicide. It is handled with care and moves toward a hopeful message, but readers who are sensitive to these topics should know before they start. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a local support service or someone you trust.

Who will love The Midnight Library?

• Book clubs looking for a discussion-friendly novel about choices and regret
• Readers of contemporary fiction who want something thoughtful but easy to read
• Anyone going through a life transition, such as a career change or a move
• Fans of high-concept, feel-good fiction with emotional depth

If you want something more emotionally spare afterwards, Normal People by Sally Rooney is a good next step. For another modern bestseller with a strong sense of place, try Where the Crawdads Sing.

Our verdict: 4 out of 5

The Midnight Library is a warm, imaginative, and quietly moving novel. It will not suit every reader, and its neat ending divides opinion, but its central idea is memorable and its message is genuinely uplifting. If you want a book that leaves you thinking about your own choices in a kinder light, it is well worth your time. The Midnight Library is in stock at Princeton Bookstore.

Frequently asked questions about The Midnight Library

Is The Midnight Library a standalone novel?

Yes. It is a self-contained story, so you can start without reading anything else by Matt Haig.

Is The Midnight Library a sad book?

It begins in a dark place, but the overall arc is hopeful and uplifting. Most readers finish it feeling encouraged rather than low.

Is it a good book club pick?

Absolutely. Its themes of regret, choice, and self-worth invite plenty of conversation, and the short chapters make it easy for everyone to finish on time.

What should I read after The Midnight Library?

For contemporary fiction with emotional depth, try Normal People or Where the Crawdads Sing. Browse the full Contemporary collection for more ideas.