The Best Book Club Questions for The Midnight Library
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a moving and compassionate story following Nora Seed, a lonely woman suffering with depression and suicidal ideation.
She soon discovers a magical library suspended between life and death, allowing her to be transported into different versions of her life. Whilst some of these lives are mundane, and others are glamorous and exciting – they all provide the opportunity for Nora to explore life’s true meaning.
Due to the novels deep philosophical nature, The Midnight Library makes an excellent choice for a book club! Keep reading for some thought-provoking questions to inspire your book club discussions.
The Midnight Library Book Club Questions
In what ways does Nora’s unresolved grief shape her life as an adult?
In the first chapter of the book, a 15-year-old Nora receives the tragic news during a chess game that her father has passed away. The two were very close and shared a warm and mutually supportive relationship. She carries this unresolved grief into her adult life.
Which of Nora’s struggles felt the most realistic or familiar to you, and why?
Nora deals with a range of difficult thoughts and emotions throughout the book, predominantly self-blame and regrets about her life choices. Her overwhelming sense of hopelessness at the start contributes to her struggles with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
What specific life events seem to affect Nora the most before her suicide attempt?
From chapter 3, Nora experiences a series of distressing events before she reaches breaking point. These events include the death of her beloved cat, losing her job, difficult social encounters, and a cancellation of her final piano lesson.
How do you think the topic of suicide was handled in the book? Is it handled differently in other books or media you’ve consumed?
At the start of the book, Nora is experiencing severe depression and suicidal thoughts due to loneliness, regrets and a lack of direction and purpose. Nora acts on these thoughts and attempts to end her own life. The author does not describe the act in graphic detail, and the narrative shifts quickly to focusing on The Midnight Library itself.
How did the books main theme of regret affect the way you think about your own past choices?
Nora is overwhelmed by a number of regrets. Some of these include:
- Giving up competitive swimming
- Not pursuing her interest in environmental science
- Ending her engagement
- Not maintaining meaningful relationships
- Not taking better care of her cat
If you had access to the Midnight Library, what kind of life would you most want to explore?
The Midnight Library is vast and full of endless possibilities. It appears only to those in a state of crisis. It is a place to explore past relationships, alternative careers and unrealised dreams. Some lives are simple and ordinary, others are defined by adventure, fame and wealth.
But all lives within the library are imperfect, showing the reader that every life comes with compromises.
What other life in The Midnight Library do you think Nora could have learnt something valuable from?
Nora experiences a number of different lives during her time in the library. Some of these include:
- Owning a pub with her husband
- Living with Izzy in Australia
- Swimming in the Olympics
- Working as an Arctic glaciologist
- Becoming a famous rockstar
- Owning a successful vineyard
- Becoming an English teacher in Paris
- Lecturing in Philosophy at Oxford University
- Becoming an acclaimed novelist
- Working as a yoga instructor
Which life in The Midnight Library did Nora seem happiest in? What was it about that particular lifestyle that made it the most fulfilling?
The Midnight Library allows Nora to explore multiple lifestyles, relationships, and versions of herself. Throughout the book she experiences success, fame and wealth. She also lives out a simple and peaceful life. She is able to travel, try out different careers, and feel part of her local community.
What emotion stayed with you most throughout the book, and what moments triggered it?
The book takes Nora on a journey of dazzling highs and crushing lows. There are key moments throughout the story that have the potential to trigger strong emotional reactions in the reader. These events include Nora’s initial mental health crisis, entering the library for the first time, reuniting with Mrs Elm, experiencing her first alternate life, and the stories conclusion.
What future do you imagine for Nora after the novel ends? What life changes do you see her making?
In chapter 67, Nora returns to where she started. Her time in The Midnight Library has shifted her mindset. She has a newfound appreciation for the human experience, and is open to the idea of new possibilities.
