I loved The Midnight Library and was eager to listen to Matt Haig’s newest novel, The Impossible Life. In this story filled with magical realism, we travel with retired math teacher Grace Winters to the island of Ibiza as she searches for answers about her lost friend. An intriguing tale filled with wonder and hope.
by Matt Haig
Narrator: Joanna Lumley, Jordan Stephens
Length: 10 hours and 43 minutes
Genres: Magical Realism
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x
“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.
While I found the premise of The Life Impossible intriguing and enjoyed the overall story, this one didn’t hold the wonder and magic I felt with The Midnight Library. The story begins curiously enough when Grace Winters, a struggling retired math teacher, learns her former colleague has died and left her a house on the coast of Ibiza.
The story opens with correspondence from a former student whose life has taken a poor turn and it immediately pulled me in, as Grace shares her recent events and the story that unfolds.
With nothing to lose, Grace boards a plan to Spain and finds herself the owner of a rundown cottage and car. As she looks into the life and death of her friend through photos, journals, and letters, she searches for answers. On the island, she meets Christina’s friend Alberto, who introduces her to La Presencia.
While this story is like The Midnight Library, with a protagonist who has reached a low point in their lives, it did not hold the same magic. I never really connected with Grace, but felt the message of hope and new beginnings the author was conveying.
I loved the magical realism at play and the author’s intentions. The idea of the power and Grace’s use of it kept me listening. I never wanted to set the story down, such is Haig’s writing, but I couldn’t stop comparing it to his last book. In fact, it made me want to listen to The Midnight Library again.
The story is narrated by Joanna Lumley and Jordan Stephens, who both did a wonderful job. I would recommend listening. I think their narration enhanced the story.
If you enjoy Haig, as I do, I recommend listening, but perhaps request this one from the library.
About Matt Haig
Matt Haig is an author for children and adults. His memoir Reasons to Stay Alive was a number one bestseller, staying in the British top ten for 46 weeks. His children’s book A Boy Called Christmas was a runaway hit and is translated in over 40 languages. It is being made into a film starring Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent and The Guardian called it an ‘instant classic’. His novels for adults include the award-winning How To Stop Time, The Radleys, The Humans and the number one bestseller The Midnight Library. He has sold over three million books worldwide.
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I love that the main character is a retired teacher. This is another author I keep saying I’m going to read some day. Great review!
Mary OMalley
It was worth my time and effort. Lots of writing on memory , loss, and grief and especially healing. The magic realism harkens not only to Borges but also Lorca and some of Isabelle Allende’s works.
There should be more books like this because now Iwant to read more magic surrealism books I had passed up on before.
Kimberly
I highly recommend Sarah Addison Allen. Her magical realism books are exceptional.
Katherine
I really should try something by Haig. His books always catch my interest but I’ve never read anything by him. Maybe I should start with another book though.
hena
Good to hear you liked it. I haven’t read the Midnight Library yet either. Both are on my list.
Sophie
Great honest review Kimberly! I haven’t read his books yet but I won’t begin with that one.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds really good. If only someone would leave me a little cottage or haunted house in a will. lol
Laurel-Rain Snow
UPDATES
Anne - Books of My Heart
I read Midnight Library but found it kind of a downer at times and the pacing. But I wasn’t sorry I read it . I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
Kimberly
Yeah, I listened to it and loved it. This was ok.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I started and stopped The Midnight Library. It was an interesting premise, but ultimately not for me, but so many have loved it, too. Sorry to hear this didn’t hold the same magic for you, but happy to hear the narration was wonderful and you enjoyed it overall!