I enjoyed the format, style of this story. Written as letters between a teacher and former student. it incorporates the touch of magic I enjoy in books.
“What looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet…”
When retired math teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.
Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.
Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning.

I was excited to dive into The Life Impossible after enjoying The Midnight Library, but unfortunately, this one didn’t capture my interest the same way. I got about a third of the way through but ultimately couldn’t keep going. The story didn’t feel as engaging or relatable, and I found the writing format—someone responding via email—distracting. It didn’t resonate with me like Haig's other work, but I’m still a fan of his writing overall.

Such an enjoyable book. Fast read as it is very difficult to put down. Good character development. Great ending!

I loved "The Midnight Library" and was excited to get the chance to read "The Life Impossible". Initially, the story was intriguing, and I was engaged, but as it went on I had difficulty relating to the subject matter. I am not usually a reader of fantasy or science fiction and I feel like this book was a little too much of both.

Nice, feel good. Hard to compare it to the Midnight Library but it was still good. A. nice reminder to that the little things in life are beautiful and that we should enjoy them!

This was cute but it was a little long at times, There were few times were it felt there story should be wrapping on then went on to more. The aliens were a cute and unexpected idea which I found a fun contrast with the elderly protagonist.

Life Impossible by Matt Haig is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel that takes an honest look at the complexities of mental health and the struggles of finding meaning in life. Haig's writing is raw and heartfelt, as he addresses difficult topics like depression, anxiety, and the feeling of being disconnected from the world around you. What makes this novel stand out is Haig’s ability to approach these heavy themes with compassion and understanding, making them feel real and relatable to readers.

The story doesn't provide easy answers, but instead focuses on the journey toward self-acceptance and understanding. It highlights the importance of embracing life's imperfections and finding hope even in the darkest moments. Haig’s ability to balance moments of introspection with subtle humor adds a sense of warmth to the narrative, making it not only an emotional read but also an uplifting one. His writing is both poetic and accessible, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal yet universal.

Ultimately, Life Impossible is a story about the challenges of living in a complicated world, and how, despite everything, life is worth living. It’s a powerful reminder that even when things seem overwhelming, there is always the possibility of hope and growth. Haig’s unique perspective and heartfelt storytelling make this a novel that stays with you long after the last page, leaving you with a renewed sense of appreciation for life, no matter how imperfect it may seem.

While this wasn't my favorite Haig novel, it was still beautifully written and very atmospheric. The setting and characters were well developed and parts of the story touched me. The magical elements were a little hard to swallow sometimes and took me out of the story. Overall, it was an enjoyable book, just not my favorite. 3.5 stars.

This wasn’t the whimsical magic I anticipated, but rather a strange force that got a little stranger the more I read. However, I very much enjoyed this book!

Grace Winters is an amazing main character. Her voice was excellent and I liked the style of her storytelling. She was funny and sad and hopeful and desolate and so many other things—she was incredibly fleshed out as a character with lots of layers and nuance.

The cast of side characters was very good, as well. I would have liked more character development from some, but understandably since they were side characters, it was limited.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title. It’s a 4/5 for me due to a slow-ish start. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Life Impossible by Matt Haig!

I wanted to like this book because, like most people, found Midnight Library to be a delightful escapism from the current hell-hole of a timeline we've entered into. Alas, this book lacked the whimsy, desire, and frustrations of Midnight Library. In Life Impossible, Haig spent too long pontificating and meandering in his attempts to provide the reader with hope. It really just ended up taking weird turns that I couldn't recover from. Doesn't diminish my love of Midnight Library or my desire to read another Haig however.

A truly beautiful and unexpected journey. Matt Haig is such a unique storyteller - each time a new book of his comes out, I can't wait to get ahold of it!

When recently widowed, elderly Grace receives a mysterious letter promising her a home in Ibiza, she makes a decision that will change the course of the rest of her life.

As far as magical realism goes, Haig's take on mysterious life forms and magical powers was quite enjoyable. What didn't work for me was the overall plot as it felt a little tedious and dragged out at times. I honestly feel this entire premise would have worked better as a short story rather than a novel. However, as soon as Haig began talking about the connections the Presencia provided to animals I could immediately tell he was vegan (and he is!). I absolutely love him taking a subject that is so important and dear to him and incorporating it into a novel about respecting and caring for all life and lifeforms. I just wish the book itself had been a little bit more of a page turner!

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.

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.