Recent posts

📆 Publication Date: 21st May 2026
⭐️4/5 stars
📖 Length: 304 pages
📱 Format: ePUB
⏳ Read Time: 7 days

Synopsis

When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most?

For Wilbur it was his time with Maggie, the love of his life. Their honeymoon in Venice. Before he threw it all away.

Years later, on the brink of his own death, a train arrives. It can take Wilbur back in time. To relive his most important moments. Soon he realises just how much he would have changed.

What I thought

I read The Midnight Library last year and really enjoyed it, so when I heard that Matt Haig was writing another book set in the same world, I knew I had to read it. When I saw the ARC appear on NetGalley, applying was a no-brainer, and I went into this really excited to see where the story would go next.

Where The Midnight Library explores all the lives you could have lived in search of your “best” one, The Midnight Train focuses on the life you did live and asks whether you could have done things differently. It leans into that idea of your life flashing before your eyes, as we follow Wilbur revisiting the most important moments of his past.

I really liked this concept. It felt much more personal and grounded, focusing on love, regret, and the choices that shape everything. It does touch on some heavier subjects, but it never feels too dark. More thoughtful and reflective than anything.

What stood out most for me was how it shifts from simply looking back on life to actively questioning whether things could be changed if they’re not on the right trajectory. As Wilbur relives his memories, he realises how much he wishes he’d done things differently, and instead of just accepting it, he makes the decision to derail the train and tries to change his path entirely.

Matt Haig’s writing still has that same emotional, thought-provoking feel as The Midnight Library, and while this story goes in a different direction, it keeps that core message about what it means to live a meaningful life.

If The Midnight Library made you think about all the “what if’s,” this one feels more like sitting with your “if only” moments.

Overall

Overall, a really strong and reflective read that I really enjoyed—solid 4 stars.

Interested in pre-ordering? Links below

On Amazon – here
Bookshop.Org – here

Thanks to NetGalley, Canongate Books, and the author for this ARC in return for an honest review.

Until next time… 🖤