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Cover of The Midnight Library

Literary · Fantasy

The Midnight Library

by Matt Haig

3.8 out of 5, from 3,396 ratings from Hardcover readers

After a night of despair, Nora Seed finds herself in a library between life and death. Each book on its shelves is a different life she might have had, and she can try them one by one.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2020
Pace
Fast
Length
Short
Pages
304
Format
Book 1 of 2 in The Midnight World
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Read this if you want a warm, easy-to-read story about regret, choices and finding a reason to stay.

Skip this if you are sensitive to stories that begin with a suicide attempt, or want a rigorous take on parallel worlds.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Suicide
  • Mental illness
  • Grief

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Suicide attempt
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Alcoholism
  • Animal death
  • Death of parent
  • Self harm
  • Death
  • Drug abuse

Quick answers about The Midnight Library

What is The Midnight Library about?
After a night of despair, Nora Seed finds herself in a library between life and death. Each book on its shelves is a different life she might have had, and she can try them one by one.
Who should read The Midnight Library?
Read it if you want a warm, easy-to-read story about regret, choices and finding a reason to stay. Skip it if you are sensitive to stories that begin with a suicide attempt, or want a rigorous take on parallel worlds.
How long and how fast is The Midnight Library?
It is a fast-paced, short read of about 304 pages, first published in 2020.
Does The Midnight Library have content warnings?
Content we flag: Suicide, Mental illness, Grief.
Can I borrow The Midnight Library for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Midnight Library; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Midnight Library?
Readers who liked it often move on to A Man Called Ove, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Anxious People.

Where to get it

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