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Original poster

Will I like The Midnight Library

30 replies

Viviennemary · 06/01/2021 18:59

Was thinking about buying this as it's had good reviews. I don't want anything too downbeat or even too cheerful or silly. Anyone read it?

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MintyCedric · 22/01/2021 11:25

Agree with Kolo it's ultimately comforting and a bit inspiring which is nice.

I found the beginning really sad and a bit hard to listed to, probably more for personal reasons than anything, but once past that it's fine.

As a PP says Carey Mulligan is a brilliant narrator.

Pukkatea · 22/01/2021 11:21

Meh, I thought it was ok. Couldn't imagine anyone would dislike it, it's well done, good ideas, well written and executed, I just found it a bit bogstandard and predictable.

Kolo · 11/01/2021 23:53

@freezingmytoesoff

I really liked it, but unlike a previous poster I thought it could have been a little bit longer.

Not to give any spoilers, but i thought the middle could have been fleshed out a little more - I would have liked to have read more of the middle of the book... hopefully that will make sense once you've read it!

I agree. I'd like to have more middle to read.

I loved it. I love Matt Haig's writing. I find he makes me feel better even when tacking some quite painful subjects. This book isn't so much uplifting as comforting, I'd say.

freezingmytoesoff · 11/01/2021 23:47

I really liked it, but unlike a previous poster I thought it could have been a little bit longer.

Not to give any spoilers, but i thought the middle could have been fleshed out a little more - I would have liked to have read more of the middle of the book... hopefully that will make sense once you've read it!

StripyHorse · 11/01/2021 23:44

I loved it and I know I will reread it at some point.

I do love Matt Haig's books though.

Serin · 10/01/2021 00:30

I loved it. Literally couldn't put it down and stayed up all night reading it. The last time I found a book that I loved as much, I was 15 and reading "A town like Alice", I am 52 now.
The first couple of chapters are sad, but still funny. It gets better and better as it goes on.

Misscupcake71 · 09/01/2021 12:39

I borrowed it from the library last summer. It was unputdownable for me. Read it very quickly. Made me think about the decisions we make and how our lives would be different as a result.

Bookishnerd · 09/01/2021 12:38

It's good and I enjoyed it. But it's a bit predictable in places and could've been 50 pages shorter. Still enjoyed it though.

Not downbeat at all

BaconAndAvocado · 09/01/2021 12:34

Finished it yesterday. Really enjoyed it. Original, funny and with a great message.

ritzbiscuits · 09/01/2021 11:22

I've just finished it. I'd say it's an easy read and as 'uplifting' in the end. It's not depressing and it's an intriguing read. It was 3.5 stars for me rather than an amazing 5 star book but would still recommend it.

LockedDownLife · 09/01/2021 09:32

I've just finished it this morning. It's perfect lockdown reading - neither too dreary nor too saccharine.

Keepthechangeyafilthyanimal1 · 08/01/2021 15:20

I’ve just downloaded the humans to listen to on audible. Looking forward to it.

@BaconAndAvocado pretty sure I heard he has sold the film rights so it will be happening at some point!

Hyperion100 · 08/01/2021 14:23

Just started it.

I like Matt Haig. The Humans was brilliant.

BaconAndAvocado · 07/01/2021 20:31

About a third of the way in and loving it. Would make a great film.

Blackcountryexile · 07/01/2021 15:43

@mellicauli
I felt the same about the Radio 4 serialisation. I happened to see the book in the library so I'm going to see if I enjoy the full story.

MrsEricBana · 06/01/2021 23:29

The Audible book was read by Carey Mulligan who was perfect.

Original poster
Viviennemary · 06/01/2021 22:13

Thanks all. That was really helpful. I might treat myself. I'll have a look at BBC sounds website.

OP posts:
MrsEricBana · 06/01/2021 22:11

Definitely go for it. It is not depressing. I found it interesting and ultimately uplifting. It's definitely not too cheerful or silly (it's not at all cheerful or silly!) Also agree with PP re How to Stop Time.

AliceLutherNeeMorgan · 06/01/2021 22:09

It’s still on BBC Sounds - read by Sister Mary Cynthia from Call the Midwife! I really enjoyed it

mellicauli · 06/01/2021 22:08

I listened to Radio 4 serialisation. I found it a bit simplistic and I couldn’t really engage with it too deeply. I just didn ‘t really feel it, like you do some books. But it was fine, quite interesting.

sobsanta · 06/01/2021 21:59

It's a wonderful book so I'm saying yes.

Paperyfish · 06/01/2021 21:58

Read it and loved it.

DakotaFanny · 06/01/2021 21:58

It’s a perfect book

BaconAndAvocado · 06/01/2021 21:56

I’m also just about to start this book too.

Loved How to Stop Time so got high hopes for this one.

weebarra · 06/01/2021 21:02

I listened to it on bbc sounds, first audio book I've every listened to. I really enjoyed it.