Book Description
Characters
While many characters appear in this book, the main character is the central focus. Nora Seed, the main character, is contemplating suicide. In the book, she is able to explore other versions of her life, had she made a different decision. So, the cast of supporting characters is constantly changing based on which life she’s chosen to see.
Setting
There is a short time spent in a magical library, but most of the book takes place in reality. However, she does get to travel to far flung places in reviewing some of her potential lives. For example, there’s an interesting slice of reality that takes place in the far north with polar bears.
Plot
The main thrust of the plot is that Nora is contemplating suicide because her life seems boring and worthless. She regrets many of her decisions. However, between life and death, she gains access to a library that shows different versions of her life depending on what decisions she makes. Yet the library only exists for a set amount of time. It vanishes at midnight.
See description and other reviews on GoodReads.
An Editor’s Book Review
Character Development
In this book, we mostly see the character of Nora Seed. However, we see many different versions of her through the eyes of the original. It makes for a very interesting (if slow) character development. For example, the original Nora may be disgusted by who has become in one version of her life. So, throughout the book, you get insights into the original Nora and how she perceives herself in a fairly dramatic way.
Pacing
While I’m tempted to call this a more contemplative, slice of life book, the reader can be drawn through the plot quickly. Basically, the reader is always aware that the main character is running out of time. The Midnight Library only exists for so long, and Nora is only able to see so many versions of her life. So, while the individual life narratives are certainly “slice of life,” the reader is always anxiously aware that time is running out.
Writing Style
Matt Haig has an unusual concise, descriptive and honest style. He doesn’t lack in narrative chops. But I always find myself blown away by his shortest sentences. Some of them cut deep with very few words. The best way I can describe it is that every word seems to have been carefully selected for maximum impact. I rarely find myself lost in descriptions with his work.
Related Recommendations
If you enjoyed The Midnight Library, I’d recommend Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel.