Member Reviews
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.
I can't really review this book as I was unable to finish it at the time. Matt Haig is a good writer and his stories are always interesting.
Umm. Too fantastical. I’m beginning to think, “it’s not you, it’s me” as this is the second book of his which I give three stars. I have a third hirs book of his on my shelf to be read and I’m beginning to think I’ll pass. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I had a difficulty time "buying in" for this book. I sympathized with the main character and the tragedies she'd experienced in her life, but it was hard for me to connect with her. The magical realism was TOO magical for me that it just seemed to unrealistic.
I was a big fan of "The Midnight Library" so I wanted to give this one a try.
While I had no problem with the fantastical elements, I did find the whole story a bit too cozy, and the short chapter style was a bit too cute and trendy.
With that being said, the message of living life to the fullest was well delivered and struck me as a good reminder for everyone.
For fans of Cozy Hope-Punk.
The Midnight Library was the hit of the pandemic. Matt Haig's follow up was not nearly as appealing. However, being a follower of Haig's on social media, I recognize that this book is almost a self-portrait of Haig's mental health struggles and it gave the story more soul and heart.
I was able to read this because NetGalley provided with an arc. I loved this book! I've never read anything by Matt Haig. Great Read. I would read more by this author.
Grace is a widower and a retired math teacher who has been gifted a house in Ibiza out of the blue. The gift is from a former coworker, Christina, who was helped by Grace many years ago and wishes to thank Grace for her kindness. Only once Grace arrives on the island, she realizes that Christina has left instructions for her that will help to reveal the real reason she left the house to Grace.
I have really mixed feelings after finishing this title. On one hand, I appreciate the themes of the book - the power of new beginnings and the appeal of the mystical side of life. But I also found it really hard to keep reading this one. It just didn't have the same magic as "The Midnight Library" and wasn't a particularly compelling story.
Overall: 3.5 rounded down