The Impossible Life
By Matt Haig
☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎
“People say that love is rare. I am not so sure. What is rare is something even more desirable. Understanding. There is no point in being loved if you are not understood. They are simply loving an idea of you they have in their mind. They are in love with love. They are in love with their loving. To be understood. And not only that, but to be understood and appreciated once understood. That is what matters.”
Matt Haig once again crafts a story that stays with you long after the final page. Like his other works, The Impossible Life is full of magical realism that keeps you guessing at every turn. I never quite knew where the plot was headed, but that unpredictability made it all the more exciting.
One of the book’s highlights is its many references to legendary musicians and bands—Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, The Carpenters, and The Cure. For a music lover, these nods were a delightful addition, and they added emotional weight to the story’s more introspective moments. I particularly appreciated the mention of The Cure, whose underrated tracks brought their own kind of magic to the narrative.
While the book was compelling overall, it wasn’t flawless. The first 30% flew by with incredible pacing and intrigue, but the story did lose some momentum later on, and a few themes became repetitive. Some readers might find the sections about ecology and environmental protection a bit heavy-handed or slow, but I respected Haig’s passion for the subject.
Haig’s writing, as always, is heartfelt. Even if you don’t agree with all his perspectives, there’s no denying the sincerity behind his messages. Some may find the novel slightly preachy at points, but the core concept was thoughtful and well-executed.
For those willing to dive in with an open mind and heart, The Impossible Life is a thought-provoking read with plenty of emotional and fantastical surprises. It may not be perfect, but its blend of music, magic, and meaningful themes makes it well worth your time.
