“The Midnight Library”
Swansea Libraries in partnership with The Reading Agency and Canongate Books are sharing the Magic of “The Midnight Library” across Swansea with a massive 1000 copies of the book to giveaway.
The Books are to be gifted as part of World Book Night celebrations via local area coordinators, food banks and other Swansea based organisations.
Here’s what our team thought of the book…
“Wow, what an incredible book, life-affirming, uplifting and powerful. It tackles head-on the serious and potentially life-destructing issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-worth (or lack thereof), dead pets, climate change and “grass is always greener” mentality. It does this with gentle humour, philosophy and sheer brilliance. The Midnight Library is a place between life and death where each book provides the chance to try another life you could have lived if you had made different choices – a really simple way to explain the many-world interpretation of quantum physics and the universal wave function. It could have gone a bit groundhog day, but it didn’t - it was much, much better.
A male author writing from a female perspective doesn’t always feel genuine, but Matt Haig nailed it. The mental health areas are well-documented to be ones he has a deep knowledge of and his love of the environment and passion for libraries shines through. It is an ode to life.
Please just read it, my review could never do it justice.”
Tracey, Library HQ
“Parallel universes are fascinating, and Matt Haig uses them to deliver a strong and important message.
Nora, a woman suffering from a depression that seemingly stems from the ‘what if’ of missed opportunities, is given the chance to visit and experience numerous other timelines of her own life via the midnight library.
Matt Haig’s writing is both simple and elegant, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even if I wasn’t fully invested in the characters, who seem to be tools which the author uses to impart very significant ideas regarding the value of any human life, “As Thoreau wrote, ‘It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see”.”
Phil, Pontarddulais Library
“Well to say I was excited to read this would be an understatement, a book about libraries mixed with Matt Haig’s insightful writing style.
It follows the story of Nora as she enters a library filled with books about her life and alternate lives she could have led. This is a book about life, regret and kindness to each other and to yourself. The only downside is that I wanted more.
‘Let’s be kind to the people in our own existence’”
Jen, Swansea Central Library
“The Midnight Library was the most enjoyable and memorable book I read in 2020 (and I read a lot!). It’s a cliché but true - I couldn’t put it down.
I found it thought provoking, engaging and quite unique.
It left me feeling uplifted and made me think about the importance of embracing what you have in life, counting your blessings and cherishing those around you.
I have found everybody I know who has read it has found the same - read it, enjoy it and talk about it with your friends - you won’t be able not to!”
Karen D, Library HQ
Book review midnight library
A beautiful book, full of sadness and hope. Through the eyes of Nora, we explore the idea of regrets, guilt and second chances and begin to understand the power of choice and self-forgiveness.
Matt Haig has long been a champion of raising awareness and understanding of mental illnesses such as depression, his compassionate narrative once again offers solace and hope to others who may be struggling. 5 stars.
Seren, Oystermouth Library
Thank you The Reading Agency, Canongate Books and World Book Night for letting us be involved in the massive Matt Haig “The Midnight Library” giveaway- it feels amazing to gift books!
You can download a copy of “The Midnight Library” to read or listen to using Borrowbox, we also have lots of copies available to loan using our Click and Collect service.