Matt Haig is usually one of my go-to author recommendations, but this one just didn’t work for me. The story felt slow and disjointed, and some of the topics, particularly the inclusion of animal harm and death, were really upsetting and difficult to get past.

The premise had potential, but it didn’t come together in a way that felt cohesive or engaging. The supernatural elements didn’t add much for me—they felt out of place and hard to connect with. While I appreciate Haig’s willingness to tackle big, meaningful themes, this book ultimately fell flat and left me feeling disappointed.

I’ll still look forward to his future works, but The Life Impossible just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The newest Matt Haig book was not one for me. When Grace Winters inherits a house from a “friend” she met decades ago, she soon realizes that the house comes with a lot more than structural problems.

Grace Winters is an old woman who has never given herself any grace. She wallows daily in the misery and guilt of having lost her son before he had a chance to grow up, and having never been a good enough wife to her now-departed husband. She is a retired math teacher in England, who has no idea how to live. All of that changes when she receives a letter telling her she had inherited a house in Ibiza from a long-lost friend. For reasons she can't articulate, she decides to set off and see this house. Once she gets there, she is finally on the path to really start living.

There is so much magic in this book that is hard to describe. The supernatural elements are just enough to make the story more magical, and surprisingly more realistic. The scientific explanations make the unbelievable feel possible. However, the most magical thing to me is the idea that one night of compassion and truly seeing someone was enough for decades of fond memories. Christina never forgot how Grace's presence changed her life for the better, and when she got a chance, she returned the favor. This book has a host of complicated characters, and was made better by the contrast between Grace's guilt for her own parenting choices and those of Christina and Alberto. Christina's relationship with her own child was strained to nearly breaking, showing there is way more to being a good parent than merely keeping them alive through to adulthood. Also, each description of the animals' personalities felt like real insight. I've never wanted to meet a goat so much in my life!

Ibiza sounds like a haven for those who want to appreciate the earth we live on, and I can feel the author's love of the island in each page. This novel reads a bit like a call to action to save the whole planet, but not in a preachy way. I feel compelled to take more notice of this whole life of mine, especially the magic of getting to live on this particular planet at this particular time.

4.5 rounded up

This was a slow read for me and I almost gave up. The first half was difficult to plow thru and while the second half became more interesting it was so unbelievable. I did like the protest section on how they rallied the towns folk to attend. The island setting was my favorite part of this story.

2.5 rounded up for the setting. I found this book extremely disappointing - Matt Haig is usually so reliable and readable, but I am not sure what happened here? This just came off SO weird and was very, very slow - I really just did not get into it at all. It took me quite a while and several attempts to get through. The whole premise of the letter to the student & being given the house - it just did not add up. And the supernatural angle to this did not work for me either - plus there was animal harm & death, which is the biggest trigger for me. I just can't recommend it at all. I will still be interested in Haig's next, as I've adored past titles. My thanks anyway to Net Galley & the publisher for my advance readers copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible is a beautifully crafted novel that weaves together adventure, self-discovery, and the magic of the unknown. Haig, known for The Midnight Library, offers another deeply moving and thought-provoking journey, this time set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Ibiza.

What I Loved:

Hauntingly Poignant Themes: At its core, this is a story about finding meaning in the ordinary, the quest for understanding, and embracing life’s mysteries. The novel explores the beauty of human connection, grief, and the profound impact of new beginnings.
Grace’s Journey of Self-Discovery: Grace Winters is a relatable, multi-dimensional protagonist. Her journey to Ibiza to uncover the life and death of her long-lost friend is both a literal and metaphorical search for answers. The way Haig portrays Grace’s internal struggles and her quest for resolution is deeply moving and resonant.
Magical Realism and Wonder: The story blends realism with moments of wonder, invoking a sense of awe in the reader. The “impossible truth” Grace uncovers is stranger and more magical than she could have imagined, and Haig’s writing elevates the fantastical elements into a heartfelt, life-affirming experience.
Mediterranean Setting: Haig brings the island of Ibiza to life in vibrant detail, turning it into more than just a setting but a character in itself. The rugged hills and golden beaches serve as a perfect backdrop for Grace’s transformative journey.
Haig’s Signature Writing Style: Haig’s signature blend of humor, tenderness, and philosophical insight is present in full force. His prose is both accessible and poetic, capturing the magic of life's simplest moments and the complexities of human emotions.

Final Thoughts:
The Life Impossible is a captivating exploration of the unknown, offering readers a heartwarming, magical, and uplifting experience. With its rich character development and themes of hope, renewal, and wonder, this novel is a beautiful reminder of life’s potential for transformation. Highly recommended for readers seeking an inspiring and thoughtful read with a touch of the extraordinary.

The last quarter of this book is definitely the best part. Up until that point it was kind of mysterious, and I really wondered where it was going. The action ramps up towards the end, and the ending was beautiful and heartfelt. There is a lot of stuff to muddle through along the way, but for me, the overall result was worth it. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy a good character study with a bit of magical realism mixed in.

Unlike so many of his other books. I appreciated many of the mystical elements and didn’t have too big of a problem with them like other readers, but just found it a bit too slow and strange..

Despite the very intriguing plot line, I found myself unable to finish reading the book. I enjoyed the colorful depictions and mystical elements however I didn’t enjoy the self deprecating nature of the main character.

This was a wonderful magical realism (leaning into sci-fi) trip to Ibiza. For me, it fell short of the magic of Midnight Library but had a very similar philosophical feel and was an excellent look at being human. My favorite part was the incredibly short chapters that made the book feel like eating candy - just one more! While I don’t see the story sticking with me, it was an enjoyable read that I would recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I absolutely love Matt Haig and he has done it again. I’ve yet to feel disappointed by his books. This one felt different and started slowly for me but then he kept to his style and his voice that I return to over and over again! Definitely recommend for a book group discussion!

The Life Impossible is the story of Grace, a widowed, former teacher who lost her only child to an unfortunate accident when he was young. The novel is established as a letter she writes in response to a former student who reached out during hard times. It details her unexpected inheritance of a small house on the island of Ibiza. The house is left to her by a former coworker who she knew for only a short time many years ago and before her marriage and motherhood. Grace goes to Ibiza assuming that she will sell the house and return home to England. Instead, she soon finds herself in the middle of a magical adventure to save a small, offshore island from development. Ultimately, Grace finds her life changed permanently for the better, a change that she then shares as she can with those around her.
As a longtime fan of Matt Haig, I was eager to read his new novel. I was not disappointed. While this is not my favorite Hang work, it was an entertaining and inspiring read. I believe fantasy fans will enjoy it as well as anyone who enjoys a story of positive life changes, especially when those changes happen later in life when we too often believe we are beyond change.

The Life Impossible was slightly too impossible for me. It never captured my imagination, which is was a great disappointment since The Midnight Library is a treasure that I plan to reread. If I had purchased it, I would have invoked my 75 page rule and passed it on to a friend in the hopes they would get into the narrative.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed the magical realism in the Midnight Library, but this was too much for me. I did like the retired teacher rediscovering life and the quirky people she meets along the way. It's a unique setting and the ocean bits are clever, since we do know so little about it.

By the end of this I felt a bit beaten over the head. I love Matt Haig but this one didn't quite hit the spot for me.

Thank you NetGalley and LibroFM for the ARC. I shared with a monthly group and purchased a copy for my library.

I didn't finish this book but I'm looking forward to finishing it at some point. I really liked the beginning and the main character.

The beginning of this book felt a bit confusing to me, but once I got into the story, I loved it. I loved the spirituality of it and I love the ocean/water. I fell in love with the characters and the spiritual journey they went on. Highly recommend.

In true Matt Haig fashion, THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE was equal parts whimsical and introspective. I love this author's writing and the journey he takes us on in every book -- I feel like I become friends with the characters!

I was skeptical as the reviews were not very good. But, I am so thankful that I decided to find out for myself. This book was beautiful, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. Yes, it was unusual and a bit weird, but that’s what made it so wonderful. The character development was well done and the writing admirable. I will be recommending this to everyone I know!

I did finish this book and it felt quick, but also felt very very long at the same time. It started off great and then it got so weird I don't even know how to explain it lol

I read "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig several years ago and his latest book, "The Life Impossible," was just as enjoyable. It tells the story of Grace Winters, a retired teacher who inherits a house on Ibiza. After losing her son and husband, she's hesitant to leave England, but knows that she needs to step outside her comfort zone. What ensues is a literal life changing adventure, full of new friends, new places and new perspectives. I loved the environmental focus of this book and the connection we have to the natural world around us. I won't soon forget Grace and her story reminds me to be present in my own life and enjoy the beauty of every day.