Depression has been my constant companion since childhood. The façade of happiness I wore in public crumbled when alone, revealing a maelstrom of anger, anxiety, and despair. I questioned my existence, my self-worth. This book is a gift I would give to my younger self, who felt lost and unworthy.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
“Midnight Library”
Matt Haig, a writer who has battled depression, invites us on a fantastical journey through time to confront the demons of depression and self-loathing.
Nora Seed, our protagonist, finds herself in the enigmatic Midnight Library after a suicide attempt. Guided by Elm, the kind librarian who took good care of her as a child, Nora embarks on a journey through infinite possibilities, searching for a life that feels truly her own.
Reframing Regret: A New Perspective
Our regrets are often colored by our limited perspective. Nora, consumed by guilt over her cat’s death, discovers that her perceived failures were actually a result of her limited perspective.
Stepping back to view our lives from a broader perspective can reveal a different narrative. Before we condemn ourselves for past actions, it’s crucial to question whether our interpretation aligns with the complete picture.
The Illusion of a Pain-Free Life
Could erasing the pain of the past bring lasting joy? Nora, having traversed countless lives, would emphatically answer, “No.”
Life, in all its forms, is a blend of joy and sorrow. And even a life devoid of past hardships offers no assurance of a happier future. The author suggests that there’s no easy path, just different paths, each with its own challenges. So, let’s not compare ourselves to others, for we never truly know what lies beneath the surface.
Embracing Sadness
We often equate sadness with failure. But the author argues that sadness is a natural part of life, just like happiness. Sadness is simply one of many emotions, and it’s part of what makes happiness possible. It is through experiencing sorrow that we can truly appreciate joy.
Why Did Nora Suddenly Want to Live?
Nora found the life she thought she wanted, only to realize it wasn’t truly hers. She recognized the value of her own story, no matter how messy. Through her journey, she also glimpsed the vast expanse of her potential. Every life she explored had her at its core, a testament to her limitless possibilities. This realization sparked her desire to live and embrace her original life.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Depression
Nora’s suicide attempt stemmed not from mere unhappiness, but from a deep-rooted belief in its permanence. This, the author suggests, is the essence of depression. The suffocating weight of despair can make it feel as if there’s no escape, and the belief that this state is eternal can be paralyzing. In this state, we become prisoners of our own negative thoughts, believing ourselves incapable and unworthy.
While Nora’s external circumstances remained unchanged, a profound transformation occurred within her. She no longer defined herself by her suffering. Instead, she embraced the idea that her emotions, like the ebb and flow of the tide, were part of a greater whole. Within herself, she discovered an infinite well of untapped potential.
A New Beginning
Through countless lives, Nora learned the value of her own unique journey. She realized that her life, though flawed, was a masterpiece in progress, a testament to her unique experiences and choices. She understood that happiness was not a destination but a journey, and that perfection was an illusion.
Now, she doesn’t define herself or her future based on her prejudices and moods. Instead, she embraces the uncertainties of life and begins to face new challenges.
Ready to Explore Infinite Possibilities?
Midnight Library unfolds like a well-made Hollywood movie, drawing us into its world with engaging characters and a compelling narrative. While the exploration of profound themes such as suicide and the meaning of life might seem daunting, the novel presents these topics in a way that is both accessible and comforting.
The occasional parts of direct self-reflection give it a self-help book feel, but strangely it feels warm. The author’s insights, grounded in personal experience, offer a sense of solace and understanding.
While it may not have all the answers, it is a story that offers a unique perspective and a sense of hope.