A review by baknata
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

emotional reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

While the concept of this book intrigued me, I was almost immediately disappointed with the execution. I think the overarching plot was interesting, and the world-building was great. My main issue with this book was the main character and the main message of the book. The main character is going through a lot of mental health issues and it feels like the book's message is "just be happy". Like it isn't outright, but that's basically what I got from it. The main character is given the opportunity to change key choices in her life and live those lives for as long as she wants. The problem is, it takes far too much time for her to realize that the point is it isn't these regrets that made her sad, it's that she was mentally unwell. It was clear from the beginning that the message was just to make the best of the situation you are in and not to let past regrets stop you from pursuing what you want. It's a really basic concept and a lackluster execution. I also hated the way that the people in her life interacted with her and it bothered me that so much of the story was spent trying to appease them. Overall, not my cup of tea.