The Life Impossible

This book was a mind-bending trip! It blurred the lines between reality and fantasy in a way that left me constantly questioning what was real. The author's prose shimmered like a mirage, and every page hinted at hidden magic.

While I devoured it in one sitting, I know it's packed with layers waiting to be unravelled. A definite must-read for anyone who craves a story that lingers long after the last page. Huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved this book - such a mixture of real and unreal, beautifully written and full of magical possibilities. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Definitely one to re read and I absolutely recommend it.

I loved this book - quirky and not to be missed!

Grace Winters inherits a house from a friend in Ibiza - she buys a one-way ticket and sets off to find out what happened to her friend and why she has been left the house. What she finds out challenges her long held beliefs and views about the world and will force her to think again about her past and herself.

She is given a mission and the powers to meet its challenges.

I could not put this book down and it will stay with me for a long time.

Different, impressive, challenging!

I’ll admit I went into this book with no expectations, just knowing how many people rave about Matt Haig’s other books.

It starts off feeling like a feel-good, when completely out of the blue, retired Maths teacher Grace is bequeathed a run-down house in Ibiza by an old acquaintance. My favourite feel-goods have some rainy Northerness (Phaedra Patrick I’m looking at you), but I was happy to go along for the ride.

It’s a sprawling story, maths, regrets, Ibizian history and wildlife. There’s a bit of magic too.

Happy to say I was moved to tears on a for occasions, often at the most unexpected points. If you enjoy fantastical feel-good you will love this book. It’s a lesson for us all to keep exploring and always being open to new possibilities and adventures.

Thanks to Netgalley and Canongate

A book totally different to anything I’ve read before. Magical and beautiful writing. I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author

I loved this book and raced through it in a couple of days! It was just the right mix of fantasy and realism for me and the gorgeous descriptions of Ibiza was surprising.. I have never felt the urge to visit, but do now!
A lovely story of love, forgiveness and environmental activism.
Thank you #Netgalleyfor this ARC

Just finished this gem of a book and I feel like I need some time to process it! Beautifully written, completely bonkers in parts but in the best possible way. This book made me stop and think about what is truly important in life and had some powerful messages contained within the story. I fell in love with Ibiza even though I’ve never been! To summarise, this was just a beautiful story with characters that I fell in love with (Grace and Alberto), a whole rollercoaster of emotions and a little bit of magic thrown in for good measure. I will be recommending it to everyone.

Matt Haig can always be trusted to deliver a thought provoking and uplifting experience from the bleakest of situations and, situations don't come much bleaker than environmental destruction brought by unsympathetic development and uncontrolled tourism. The premise is completely unbelievable and I won't share it for fear of putting people off, but the easy and well constructed writing style means that the reader easily suspends disbelief and buys in wholeheartedly.

This book is a comforting read that helps to foster a feeling that maybe it will all be alright in the end and maybe there is a point. It was warm and comforting and I'm sad it's over.

This is a fabulous book!
This is the third book I have read by Matt Haig.
He is one of my favourite authors now.

A wonderfully uplifting novel that will make you appreciate the wonder of the life you are living.

Grace Winters, a retired mathematics teacher is existing in a world full of pain, regret and sadness. She is given a gift from a friend she once knew long ago and leaves for Ibiza to see if she can uncover the truth of her friends mysterious disappearance.

What Grace finds in Ibiza shouldn't be believable but through the wonder and beauty of the story it truly is. Grace finds friendship and connection in the most unlikely of places and is on a constant journey of self exploration and forgiveness.

Explore the beautiful island of Ibiza through this truly mystical and wonderful story, enjoy the sunsets, the orange juice and eating watermelon on the beach, truly one of life's great pleasures. Even those that have no interests in mathematics will have a new understanding and appreciation of the significance of numbers by the end. I feel emotionally and academically satisfied after such a wonderful read.

This is a definite must read novel for all and any with the possibility of having an open mind and a love of nature. I devoured this novel in just a few days savouring my mental trip back to Ibiza a place I haven't been in decades which has now been added to my wishlist for our next adventures

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

I enjoyed this book, it was a bit odd in parts I have to say but nonetheless a good read.

The story centres on Grace a retired maths teacher who moves to ibiza after being left a house there by her an old friend.

I can't say to much more to be honest as I don't want to give anything away but I liked the characters in this book and its well written as are previous books I have read by Matt Haig.

Overall I found it an easy, uplifting story which I would recommend if you have read others by this author.

I have never read Matt Haig and trust me, I will from now on! This book is a real breath of fresh air. I felt it gave me the escapism I needed. It’s a magical novel, filled with superpowers, humanness, and life with a thriller undertone? 

"To be human is to be scared of our own innate ridiculousness, so we do anything to reduce that ridicule. We clothe our bodies, we procreate behind doors, we hide every bodily function, we don’t cry in the post office, or sing in the street, and we try to keep our own ideas in line with what we are told we should think" The life Impossible, Matt Haig.

This is a story to remind us to live our lives to the fullest, to remind us that we are humans and make mistakes, and to remind us to enjoy the ‘little things’ because they are huge things. But we tend to forget and take things for granted: the taste of fruits, the sight of nature, the intelligence of animals, the wonders of the sea, the beauty of a sunset, the connection to the world and to others. 

I have been reading this past week while losing my sense of smell. And I have never really taken time to think about the fact that I can smell beautiful things every day. The honey suckles on the street, my favourite perfume, the sea, the food slowly cooking on the hob—how wonderful is it to have the power to smell? 

‘I want you to understand these moments. They are all around us on this familiar, alien planet of ours, every raindrop and scattered particles of light. Life sings and blazes. Even when we are numb to it, when we hide from it, when it’s too loud and painful to experience, when we aren’t equipped to feel it -it is there waiting to be cherished and protected, ready to give us at least one more blast of beauty before the night’ The life Impossible, Matt Haig.

This book is all about bringing us back to the present instead of focusing on the future or being tormented by the past. It is human to do so, but this book will help take us back down to earth and live the present moment a little more. Set in Ibiza, we get to find out some facts about the island and the myths, which I love! 

I recommend this book 100%. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

At the start of this novel, Grace Winters thinks her life is already over..
Now in her seventies, Grace, who is a retired Maths teacher, has been widowed for some years and is still haunted by the memory of a devastating tragedy in her past, namely the death of her young son in a terrible accident in 1992. Then, out of the blue, Grace learns that she has been bequeathed a property on the island of Ibiza by a young woman who she knew briefly in the Seventies. Grace's curiosity is piqued: she is particularly baffled as her acquaintance with the woman was so fleeting and so long ago: what has prompted her to be remembered in her will so many years later?
As Grace embarks for the island she can little imagine the dramatic changes which is about to be wrought on her both physically and mentally as an incident while diving in the Mediterranean leaves her transformed in a way which is both ultimately exciting and unsettling. It is a world of magic realism. But what is the truth behind the strange power that seems to exist within the water? Has it affected other people in the same way that it has changed Grace? And how do events lead to Grace becoming involved in an intense and fiercely fought battle with the forces of evil?
To some extent, the degree to which you'll fully embrace Matt Haig's new book (his first novel pitched at an adult audience since The Midnight Library in 2020) will depend on your willingness to surrender to the magic realism which underlies The Life Impossible's premise. In some ways, I didn't. At the end of the day, I rend not to be the sort of person who believes people are imbued with superpowers after swimming in some funny water in the sea. The world just doesn't work like that. Ultimately, however, the winning argument at the heart of Haig's philosophy - that people, where possible, should strive every moment of life to the max - is a very compelling one. And, after all, if if I can accept ideas like a man living for over five hundred years, or a family of vampires or of an underlying secret network of dogs (all the basis for some pf the novels in Haig's impressive back catalogue) then why should I - or indeed, anyone - not enjoy this novel too?

No one writes about the messy but beautiful complexities of humanity as well as Matt Haig in my opinion.

The Life Impossible is a stunning piece of magical realism that whisks you away to the island of Ibiza. I don’t want to give too much away but it’s definitely more fantastical than his previous books.

I was fully invested in Grace’s story. I found myself welling up whilst reading on several occasions. This book will stay with me for a long time.

Grace has retired, well, gracefully if not carefully. She has been scammed out of her savings and lives quietly in a routine she is comfortable with but does wonder if there is more to life. When she is left a villa in Spain by an old friend, there is only one way to find out about the house and the more to life bit. Once there she finds out things about her friend as well as her own life that can make a world of difference to the world we live in both globally and personally.

Written as only Matt Haig can, this is a treasure of a read that makes you think about your own life and routine and perhaps pushing those boundaries a little to see what’s out there. A tale of fantasy (or is it), something ethereal that maybe exists in our own lives. A story like no other that would make a fantastic film. (For me I’m casting Meryl Streep as Grace, and Tom Conti as Alberto- which is how I saw them when reading this). It's different, it's brilliant, it's stunning. Most certainly a read to remember. We are connected to everything, we really truly are and to see the light you need to have seen the dark.. 10* if I could

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter (X) @nickisbookblog
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Who would not want to receive the gift of a house on Ibiza? Part science fiction, part Ibizan immersion in pine scents, sun, beaches and especially the sea this is a beautiful story. What it is like to grow old and invisible and lonely but suddenly find a new impetus and purpose to life. Loved it and empathised with Grace Winters.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig is an imaginative and immersive science fiction and fantasy novel. Grace is the main character who finds out she has been willed a house in Iberia, Spain by a distant friend from long ago. She travels to Spain to find out what happened to her and discovers that she disappeared under unusual circumstances. Grace goes scuba diving with Alberto, a local instructor who was excommunicated from the academic world for his book, The Life Impossible. She emerges with newfound gifts that will amaze you.

I would recommend this book for fantasy and science fiction readers. It’s a wild trip in so many aspects. Grace is a charming, curious woman who has experienced heartache and loss. As she explores Spain, you feel immersed in her experiences and her journey to peace with her life. I really enjoy Matt Haig’s novels, the science fiction aspect of this novel is wonderfully entertaining.

Thank you Canongate and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Canongate & NetGalley for allowing me to read an Advanced Reader Copy of THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig.

Wow! Matt Haig has outdone himself, this book is weirdly beautiful!

The overall effect will be everlasting on me, especially as someone currently battling Depression and feeling as if my world is dull , boring and empty.

All I will say is that this is a Must Read! I highly recommend this and I will be purchasing a copy once this book is released. My whole mindset has been shifted and my eyes opened in a different light!

I really hope this story to be true in my own life as I’m feeling very much like Grace Winters.

Remember This: “Hold on, Pain Ends”

📖❤️🥰📚🫶🏼

Matt’s books are a feeling and I felt every one going with this book. It felt like a lot of soul searching for the main character. Making peace with life and living the best life you can with no guilt or regrets. Love, loss and living. Beautiful setting too, makes me want to go to Ibiza!

Remembering all the hype about "The Midnight Library" I decided to read "The Life Impossible" by Matt Haig, having not read any of his previous books. The blurb makes it sound as though it is about an elderly woman discovering adventures and a new way of life in Ibiza. However, that is not really the case as this book deals with other modern issues such as social media and the environment. It is difficult to review this novel without giving away too much of the plot. There are some lovely characters and the locations are real places which can be found and viewed on map apps, but the reader will need to suspend belief.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Matt Haig The Life Impossible

Grace Winters, an elderly widow and ex maths teacher is wracked by guilt at her part in her young sons accidental death years before leaving her now sad and lonely . An unexpected bequest of a house in Ibiza from an ex colleague Christina who Grace had shown kindness to a long time ago, takes Grace out of her lonely existence to the vibrant colourful island of Ibiza. She quickly realises things are not what they seem and there was an ulterior motive in the inheritance of Christina's little house. Mysterious happenings and vague warnings lead her to befriend Alberto who introduces her to a mesmerising out-of-this-world underwater phenomenon that affects all who experience it.
A prospective development of an ancient rock raises serious environmental concerns and Grace soon realises she has a mission to use her newly acquired skills to help thwart the development.
A thoughtful and engaging tale that the author uses to subtly encourage us, the reader, to appreciate our world, to be kind and empathetic to others and to appreciate the little things. Not in a preachy way though- we sympathise with the characters and are able to suspend our disbelief at the fantastical elements of the story.
Another great novel from an author who has used his own trials and tribulations to inspire a story like no other. Oh, and Ibiza stars as an amazing setting too!

I wasn’t sure about this book to start with. Having loved The Midnight Library, I couldn’t quite believe that Matt Haig would be able to match the quality of the writing. However, this is a gem of a read, thought provoking, original, full of present day topics and problems, and so uplifting. Grace is a great character, and it’s lovely to read how her life changes. She is so full self doubt, taking the death of her son, so badly, convinced that it was all her fault. She is in her 70s, feels that life has passed her by, and that she just blends into the background. When she is left a house in Ibiza, she decides to check it out, and this changes everything for her. I love the blend of magic, fantasy and life on a real island. I smiled, cried and found myself believing in the idea of such an extraordinary place. Loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

Thank you for my copy of this book to read and review.

The Midnight Library is one of my favourite books so I was really looking forward to reading this one.

I’m not really sure how I would describe this book, but it was beautifully written, original, a bit surreal and completely absorbing…I couldn’t put it down. I've already recommended this to anyone that will listen!

"The Life Impossible" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. Haig does not shy away from the harsh realities of life, yet he always finds a way to highlight the beauty and joy that coexist alongside pain. His writing is infused with a sense of optimism and a belief in the power of human connection and kindness. His ability to weave a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.

Having loved ‘The Midnight Library’, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of ‘The Life Impossible’, and it certainly lived up to expectations.
Grace, a 71 year old woman, inherits a house in Ibiza from someone she met years before. She decides to visit the island, taking along her own grief and woes, but soon begins a journey which leads her to magical places and wondrous events.
A truly beautiful story which I thoroughly enjoyed. Congratulations to Matt Haig on another magnificent read.

Matt Haig's books exude a sense of cosiness and wholesomeness that are akin to friendly hugs and soothing hot chocolate on a cold day, and The Life Impossible is no exception. Haig's writing is refreshingly honest, infused with quirky humour that makes for a delightful read.

We are introduced to Grace, a 72-year-old retired math teacher feeling adrift in the solitude of her retirement years, grappling with grief and loneliness. However, Grace's life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a house on a Mediterranean island from Christina, an old colleague who she hasn’t seen in a very long time. This act of unexpected kindness sets Grace on a new adventure in Ibiza, the island where Haig himself resided in the '90s.

The novel is narrated from Grace's perspective as she writes it in response to an email received by Maurice, one of her ex Math students, who is also grieving and drowning in life struggles. Grace replies with her story, a sob story as she calls it, nevertheless a story filled with philosophical musings and profound insights. Much like in The Midnight Library, Haig infuses the narrative with magical realism, exploring themes of growing old, life, death, destiny, and choice, highlighting the inherent mysteries within each of us.

The book leaves a lasting impact, provoking introspection and stirring emotions while emphasising the importance of daily acts of compassion (towards oneself, nature and others). The Life Impossible is a beautifully crafted novel that radiates hope and positivity, urging readers to embrace love, forgiveness, and transformation. A reminder of the profound impact of simple acts of kindness.

The Life Impossible is a gorgeous feel good, hope-filled novel. Read it!

Many thanks to Netgaley and Cannongate for the ARC.

‘The Life Impossible’ by Matt Haig features Grace Winter a retired Maths teacher,who feels as if her life is over and she is trapped in a meaningless weekly routine.With the deaths of those she loved,she is existing alone with no relationships that really matter.Following the death of a friend Christina that she barely knew well and only briefly she is left a property on the Spanish island of Ibiza.Acting very much against her usual patterns of behaviour ,she takes a one way flight to Ibiza for ‘a change of scene’!
Initially Grace opts to take in all the tourist activities suggested for those visiting the island ,and then rather reluctantly decides she has to dig deeper into the unexplained background to her friend’s death.
There follows an interesting and unusual journey of an elderly lady who has given up on a worthwhile existence and takes a bold step into the unknown,where hope in the present remains possible.

An extremely well written and very unusual book that explores what it is to be a woman, who has made difficult choices and had to deal with difficult events, including losing a child and her husband. Grace has never thought highly of herself, and life seems to have confirmed her worthlessness. Her life changes when she is left a house in Ibiza by a woman she once helped many years before. Grace goes out there, meets various people as she searches what has happened to her friend and then goes swimming in the bay, whereupon her life changes for ever.

It requires a little suspension of belief to accept some of the events, but if you roll along the journey is well worth while. Its hard to say more without spoilers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time! Grace is left a house in Ibiza by a distant friend. But the house doesn’t just give her somewhere new to live, it also gives her the ability to see the world differently. The ability to appreciate what’s around her, the ability to act as a protector, and the opportunity to lay some ghosts to rest. This book will have you reflecting on your own life and seeing the world with a fresh set of eyes.
Dealing with the subjects of life, death and environmentalism. The book contains a magical realism. Beautifully poetic, emotional and will certainly give you a desire to visit Ibiza.

'What looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet . . .'
Retired Maths teacher, Grace Winters, has been unexpectedly left a home in Ibiza by a woman she once worked with many years ago. A long-lost friend, but one she didn't know extremely well. She is compelled to go there and learn more about her friend and the island delivers more than Grace could possibly have ever expected.

This one was just so beautifully written with so many nuggets of wisdom and life lessons sprinkled throughout. Obviously the gorgeous landscape of Ibiza drew me in and the author knows how to create fabulous characters. It does delve into the magic/fantasy area and it was just so uplifting. Another wonderful novel by the author. 4.5*

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Canongate for this gifted review copy.

Such an unpredictable and thought provoking story which I read in a couple of sittings. Grace’s life takes a very unexpected turn when she is left a house in another country and she gathers her courage and changes her life completely. Fantasy mingles with the everyday as Grace negotiates her new life.
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to review this book

Grace Winters , retired maths teacher, has been left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island a friend friend. She hasn't had contact with the friend for many years and has no idea of her life on the island.
She arrives in Ibiza but has no idea of what is in store for her.
She first needs to know how and why her friend died and then face her own past

Matt Haig is back with a cracker of a tale. Grace, a retired teacher who has suffered much bereavement, is sent on a mystery trip to Ibiza thanks to a long lost friend.
What happens to Grace on Ibiza is a life changing and affirming experience.
Grace starts on a detective mission, believing someone has harmed her friend, she finishes with a fantastic science fiction conclusion, a story that even Stephen King would be proud of.
Thank you very much to Canongate and Netgallery for the opportunity to read and review.

I don’t know quite what I expected but it wasn’t this. This is a fantastical story, quite a slow burn and a deep read with a lot of scientific and mathematical content. The story centres around widow Grace Winters a retired mathematics teacher. It opens with an email from a former pupil and Grace replying that she was going to tell him a story… What follows is a strange story, a very strange story indeed. Beautiful description encompasses you into the midst of island life and a compelling narrative hold you there.

Briefly, Grace helped a colleague many years ago and is shocked to find that she has died and left her a property in Ibiza. On the spur of the moment she buys a plane ticket and packs her bags. Arriving at her property she finds it run down and unattractive but she is an inquisitive woman and she wants to know what happened to her friend. A letter that was left for her adds to the intrigue. Her investigation leads her to an elderly diver and after tracking him down she agrees to go diving one evening with him as he tells her this will explain everything.

Although you need to suspend belief at the magical sci-fi elements of the story I believe this book is more about self-forgiveness and the power of friendship and doing what you believe is right. The ‘gifts’ from La Presencia are just a conduit for those it chooses. I really liked the crime element of the book albeit it was a relatively minor part of the whole. If nothing else this will make you think not just about yourself and living for the now, but the world around us and the harm us humans are doing to our environment. A deep and meaningful read.

A weird but wonderful read that takes it’s reader on what can only be described as a magical journey, as it follows the unbelievable life of it’s protagonist Grace, whose life is changed in the most unexpected of ways when she inherits a house in Ibiza. Unlike any book I’ve read before, The Life Impossible is wild, other-worldly yet intelligent and thought provoking, it’s a book best approached with an open mind and knowing very little - embrace the strange and enjoy the adventure, knowing you’re in good hands with Matt Haig. I really enjoyed it! 🏝️✨

I think this is a good book. It's quite trippy, which is not normally my cup of tea. However, I liked aspects of it and I'm intrigued by the author's other works now.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and Matt Haig for this ARC. I just love Matt Haig’s books- each one is a treasure box ready to be opened and this one is no different. Magical, enthralling and sentimental all in the best ways. I loved this book and it will leave an imprint on me for years to come.

A true thought provoking novel- quite strange in places, but a great read. Grace goes to Ibiza where she has been left a house. She meets many challenges and particular happenings.

This was a book that really drew me in. Short snappy chapters lure you in. Plenty of comedy and sadness told from the point of view of a 70 something year old lady. Slightly unbelievable at times which made the story all the more magical. I loved reading it.

Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

An elderly, retired maths teacher, grieving the loss of her son from decades ago and of her husband more recently, is living a life less colourful. Emotionally shut down and numb to the joys of living, Grace is going through the motions to survive, but is most certainly not thriving. With the arrival of a letter from a long-lost acquaintance, offering an exceptional gift and a strange invitation to move abroad, Grace begrudgingly sets out on an adventure to solve a mystery, and the journey that follows is one of rediscovery, redemption, healing and protection.

Characters ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Grace Winters is a very relatable character as she has found herself stuck with unprocessed traumas. At times she’s apathetic, sometimes overwhelmed, other times making progress. Her reaction to unfolding events feels very congruent and demonstrates the incremental steps taken when working through grief. I appreciate how this transformation indirectly gives the reader permission to try new things, take chances and live in the moment when emotionally low.

As for the supporting characters, they all have well defined personalities and each influences the story in their own, meaningful way. No one feels out of place or added in as a necessity and Alberto was especially amusing at times due to his roundabout communication style.

Setting ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Ibiza, the Mediterranean island where there’s a little bit of everything you could possibly want in a holiday, was a great choice. Environments were at times beautiful and serene, then lively and atmospheric. Being a small landmass made the setting feel quite contained and helped make the idea of the strong local community even more realistic.

Writing ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Oh my goodness, what an absolutely delightful read with some really thought provoking insights. I can’t help but feel this story is an ode to the fullness of our human experience and all its complexities as it touches on so many different themes. Additionally, whilst the genre shift a third of the way through was totally unexpected, it truly enhanced this exploration from an alternative and unusual perspective.

The writing was fabulous and I felt the unpacking and processing of past traumas woven throughout the story was very authentic. I have saved so many quotes from these pages and will continue to reflect on these in days to come.

Readability ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The author’s style is very easy to read and flows well to maintain immersion. Additionally, the inclusion of shorter ‘bite-sized’ chapters was fantastic as this really helped keep momentum and pacing high throughout the story.

On the rare occasion when the action slowed and my attention waned slightly, something interesting would always happen and I’d be completely engrossed once again for several more chapters. This created a real page turner and I definitely struggled to put the book down on numerous occasions.

Overall Enjoyment = ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Wow, honestly, this is a true modern masterpiece.

Favourite quotes:

- When you grieve someone you see their message in everything. Even in the sunlight on a blade of grass. The whole world becomes their translator.

- When things are wrong, we need to reach rock bottom in order for change to happen. We sometimes need to feel trapped in order to find the way out.

- You see, if you want to visit a new world, you don’t need a spacecraft. All you need to do is change your mind.

- An element, as you no doubt know, is matter that can’t be broken down into a simpler substance. They are the primes of the cosmos. We are made of elements. We have the unbreakable and the eternal inside us.

Many thanks to Matt Haig, the publisher and NetGalley for the electronic review copy they kindly provided. In response, the above review is my critical reflection and honest opinion.

The Life Impossible is my first Matt Haig novel and I absolutely loved it. The story follows Grace, who inherits a house on a Mediterranean island from her friend. She bought a ticket and began her search for what happened to her friend. Matt Haig's writing is so easy to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book addresses difficult themes such as death and grief, but Haig handles them beautifully. There is also a little bit of magical realism that adds a different layer to the story. Overall, I really enjoyed it and I loved the feel good tone of the book and hope to read more from his books. Thanks to NetGalley and Canongate for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautful, magical and thought provoking book - perfect for the end of summer. I found myself engrossed by the layered story and I loved the Ibiza setting.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review

Matt Haig takes you in a beautifully written journey and captures you from the start with her unique sense of writing.

Grace Winters is a widowed retired maths teacher.

Same routine day in day out when out of the blue receives a call to say that she has been left a house in Ibiza from a work colleague from many many years ago.

Grace arrives on the Island but all is not as it seems, how did her friend die and why do inexplainable things keep happened.

As Grace starts to unravel the trusts, she realises she needs to deal with her own past.

One of the things I enjoy most about Matt Haig's writing is his beautifully British sense of humour. From saying 'Ibiza' in italics, Grace is very much the image of a British woman in her seventies. Her mathematical sensibilities make the world simple and rational, and Haig places her in a very not rational scenario. The book is emotional and well-written, with some beautiful scenes to imagine.

Like Matt Haig’s earlier book, How to Stop Time, the author seems to get inside my life and ask me several very important questions. In the case of The Life Impossible, he finds a seventy-something widow, downsized to a small but comfortable bungalow, who has lost the art of going out and making friends since the Covid lockdown.

So after this uncomfortable start, I thoroughly endorse her choice to set off to Ibiza to discover the house she’s been left by an ex-colleague who she hardly remembers.

The story unfolds through an epistolary letter to a former pupil who has emailed her for advice. This gets lost in the narrative until occasional asides by Grace to her correspondent. These can jar, but also provide an element of punctuation to her tale. And it’s a wondrous one, combining island history, ecology and local life with big money machinations, lies and intrigue. And something mysterious, or is it mystical?

I was totally engrossed in this book. It has the light and freshness of a Mediterranean island combined with dark secrets and intriguing powers. And as I write this, I realise: I really must read the Life Impossible again.

I was so excited to read this and I was not disappointed. What another wonderfully written and inspiring story from Matt Haig, His writing is beautiful and the characters are so beautifully developed and I felt immersed in their world. Loved it from start to finish and didn't want it to end!

A deftly woven tale of loss, depression, sadness and strength.
The book centres around an otherwordly energy off the coast of Ibiza and Grace, a 72 year old woman who encounters it via a very odd legacy. The book kind of bimbles along, told via Grace's perspective as an email essay to a former student but introducing the lesser known sides of Ibiza away from the club scene.
There is something magical about the way the story unfolds, the gentle pace, the wry observations and raw emotions that come to light so that although the journey inevitably ends you are satisfied that everything you need to know has been told (or foretold!)

A magical and unique book that whisks you away to a world of unknown's. I love Matt Haig's writing and tone, this book is a really great read! I didn't enjoy it as much as The Midnight Library but I still had a great time.

A heartwarming novel in the magical realism genre. It is partially epistolary as the narration is a series of letters between a teacher and a former student.

The action takes place in Ibiza and revolves around the magical powers bestowed by an alien underwater presence. The powers heal not just the body, but also the soul, with the narrator overcoming the grief and lack of pleasure she had arrived with.

An absolute page turner from Matt Haig. Thanks to NetGalley and Canongate for the chance to read this one. A book that is written superbly, thought provoking, and an emotional ride.

Grace Winters, a 72 year old retired maths teacher is sad, lonely and consumed by events from her past. Her husband has recently died and she has never got over the tragic death of her 11 year old son many years ago.
Out of the blue she receives a letter, telling her she’s been bequeathed a house in Ibiza from an old friend. On impulse, she hops on a plane and thus begins a magical journey to save the Island and heal herself.
Funny, sad and mystical, this was a beautiful story about overcoming grief, forgiving yourself and learning to live again.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was quite a beautiful read in a way, Haig masters the art of emotions and feelings in this book... it is unique and very different but also opens doors to the possibility of what if and wonder. The book is full of emotion and empathy, about being in the present and living for what we have.
A fantastical book five stars and a recommendation from me

Superb - I am not sure how Matt does it but his books are all so very different and yet equally brilliant and The Life Impossible continues that incredible achievement. The story is fresh, unique and utterly mind-blowing, More please.

Be prepared to journey into the unknown, open your mind to possibilities and believe in the power of otherworldliness. Written with Matt Haig's characteristic 'twinkle', The Life Impossible follows a grieving septuagenarian on a healing journey as she unexpectantly inherits a house in Ibiza,

Grace has lost a son and her husband, made small by a life now restricted to a bungalow in central England, her only comfort the familiar thrum and logic of numbers learnt from a career as a maths teacher. Following a letter detailing the death of a long forgotten colleague, Grace embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery of her friend's death, mingling with the strange collection of individuals entwined in her story.

By opening herself up to new possibilities, Grace is slowly able to lessen her guilt, accept what can't be changed and alter the path of her future, with a little help from the glowing fluorescent lifeform calling her from the depths of the Ibizan sea.

This book will envelop you in a world of wonder, risk and above all hope - beauty is to be found in the strangest places and the universe will heal those who are willing to share.

An absolutely stunning book that took my breath away as I was metaphorically picked up, floated on a cloud, and gently placed into a mesmerising and magical world in Ibiza.

This book has everything, from a mysterious disappearance, to a widowed 72 year old retired maths teacher rediscovering her zest for life, history and ecological preservation to other-worldly paranormal occurrences.

Everything that Grace Winters has believed in her 72 years is challenged. As a maths teacher, she firmly believes in science and that everything has a logical, scientific answer. but when she inherits a small house in Ibiza from a school friend she hasn't seen for decades, she can't resist the pull, her curiosity piqued.

The writing is totally immersive, as we have come to expect from Matt Haig and time just stopped for me as I was totally absorbed in the story.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Matt Haig and Canongate for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Another winner from Matt Haig! Mr. Haig again shows he is a master of employing a magical realism element and incorporating it into characters’ lives that feel fully three-dimensional and real. I right contradict myself a little here when I say that perhaps in our own “real” lives, we don’t usually live through huge arcs in relatively short periods of time. But I love it when characters do in fiction, and live an arc Grace does here! If you enjoy reading an MC’s journey in which their perceptions and understandings are fully challenged and their decisions and lives change greatly, then you’ll enjoy The Life Impossible; if you enjoyed The Midnight Library, you’re very likely to enjoy The Life Impossible. And there are echoes, too, of How to Stop Time in terms of loneliness and the MC’s willingness to embrace or change that.

MC Grace is an interesting choice. I loved that Grace could be, say, 30 or her 70+ as she is here. Grief, loneliness, and lack of direction are issues most of us have faced to whatever degrees at some time or other, making Grace as appealing and relatable no matter her stage of life. But if you’re a little older than your 30s (as I am!), you’ll relate to grace even more deeply, I’d say.

Not quite as strong as The Midnight Library or How to Stop Time, which, for me, are modern masterpieces (and it is thus unfair to judge this novel against them), The Life Impossible is, nonetheless, a 5-star read, for me. Its themes of environmentalism, history, and “the simple life” standing up to rampant capitalism are very on point and told well. Set Grace’s amazing journey among those, and The Life Impossible is hard to resist.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Another amazing one from Haig, I adore his writing and am always swept away into his worlds. Grace is a retired teacher and is shocked when she is left a house in Ibiza, we follow her adventure of uncovering more about her friends life. As usual this book is full of big emotions and it will make you feel all the things.

The prose from Matt Haigh is utterly mesmerising.
He compares the life of 72 year old retired maths teacher Grace Winter to an empty crisp packet carried along by the rivers current. Instantly conjuring up images of hopelessness, loneliness and lack of direction. Wonderful but poignant.
The mix of mystic and magical on the island of Ibiza blends with the reminisces and regrets from Grace.
Beautiful.

Retired maths teacher Grace is surprised to have been left a house in Ibiza by a long lost friend. Curious, she travels to the island to find answers about her friend’s life and once there she discovers a strangeness beyond her own imagination.

I enjoy Matt Haig’s ideas and stories
as he always manages to create imaginative, captivating plots, with a lot of hope and depth at the centre. This novel follows this pattern and was a beautifully written, emotional story that really gives you pause for thought. With great characters and a magical setting, this managed to be completely original and creative. If you have read and enjoyed this author’s books before, you will be sure to be moved by this one also. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

Below is the blurb

"What looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet . . .
When retired Maths 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 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 requested this book on my daughter's recommendation as she had just read The Midnight Library and I wasn't disappointed. Not my usual horror read but such as easy read with an element of scifi. The main focus of the story is not that though but about human interactions and a book more about appreciating life and living life to the full and not holding yourself back. Such a good read, will definitely be reading more by this author.

Another wonderful, life affirming book from Matt Haig. The character of Grace really resonated with me and her journey of discover and acceptance of things past was both funny and heartwarming. The evil property tycoon added a layer of menace to make sections of the book real page turners.
A strong message of hope, living for now and looking after the planet. I loved it.

Another thought provoking book from Matt Haig.
Grace is struggling with her life and no longer enjoys day to day living.
When she is left a house in Ibiza in an old friend’s Will, she decides to head out there and take a look.
The house is nothing special but Grace is intrigued by the letter her friend has left her in the house.
She goes off to meet a man called Alberto who Christina seems to have been close to, and after a late night dive, her life changes forever.
I won’t spoil what happens but Grace starts to see the world through different eyes and realises she is needed.
This is a heartwarming story that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Canongate for the opportunity to read this book.

This is a really life affirming read. It is sad in places touching on grief but it is also about embracing life and not letting it pass you by.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

When Grace receives a letter from an ex-student, Maurice, which mentions grief and an uncertainty in life, Grace decides to share her story with Maurice, and in doing so we get the magical story which is The Life Impossible.
Grace is struggling with life, she feels pleasure in nothing and is still grieving the loss of of her son Daniel, and the more recent loss of her husband and dog. When she receives a letter from a solicitor letting her know that she's been left a house in Ibiza by Christina, a woman she showed kindness to many decades before, she doesn't quite believe it. Surely is must be some kind of scam? But it turns out to be true and so Grace journeys to Ibiza to see this house. Once there she can't help but begin to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding Christina's death. Her search leads her around the island, to hippie markets, grocery stores and to Alberto, a diving instructor who had a connection with Christina. Grace simply thought she could take a holiday, but Christina and the island seem to have other ideas... What follows is the perfect blend of magic and reality, leading Grace past the certain and into a whole new understanding of her life and the world she lives in.


There's something about Matt Haig's writing that is almost rhythmic, for me when I pick up one of his books I find myself lost in the story almost instantly and don't realise that time is passing. I felt it with his non-fiction book Reasons to Stay Alive with The Midnight Library but strongest with this book. Once I was a few pages in it was as if I was being lulled into the story, with the sensation that I was almost being read to rather than doing the reading myself. There's also a gorgeous summery setting, and reading this in the August heat was the perfect combination. It lost itself a little in the last third in my opinion, but it's a lovely heartwarming book all about being present and grateful. A message I think a lot of people could benefit from.

A lovely book and one that I highly recommend if you're feeling a little lost in life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Canongate Books for the eARC.

Matt Haig’s latest novel is like a sun-soaked escape with a twist of mystery and magic. When Grace Winters, a retired math teacher, inherits an old house on a Mediterranean island, she throws caution to the wind and heads to Ibiza. What begins as a simple quest for answers turns into an adventure filled with unexpected wonders and life-changing discoveries.

This book feels like a self-help guide wrapped in a heartwarming story, reminding us to embrace our flaws, forgive ourselves, and find beauty in the everyday. It's a charming mix of adventure, introspection, and a touch of the fantastical that leaves you feeling uplifted. Perfect for anyone in need of a little life-affirming magic!

Thank you NetGalley and Canongate for a Review Copy

This is a five-star read that will stay with you, honestly there was something about this story that encapsulated me, this is an odd story, and one that will leave you wondering in places until the full story unfolds and then you will have a sudden realisation, and the story unfolds in your mind like a flower. That’s the thing about this story, its not a standard plot or standard characters like we normally come across, its so much more. I don’t want to go into the story, as I will not do it justice, as the quality of the writing is just so beautiful. If you haven’t read this author before then please do, they have a unique voice that must be heard.

This is Matt Haig's latest delightfully captivating novel, it is joyous and stylishly written, profoundly moving, thought provoking, as it highlights what it is to live, with its magical realism that causes the inner spirits to soar. The characters are sharply drawn and engage, and with its themes of humanity, ecology, kindness, and forgiveness, it resonates, evoking empathy and love, whilst the glorious Mediterranean island location of Ibiza is inspired and atmospheric rich descriptions convey its tempting beauty. Grace Winters is a retired mathematics teacher in her seventies, despairingly whiling away her days, burdened by trauma, regrets, guilt, and grief, barely living a life.

In this exquisite story, Grace gets a surprise, an old friend she had not been in contact with, Christina, leaves her a remarkable gift and mystery. She has been a left a house on Ibiza, offering the opportunity to move to the Spanish island. Being pushed reluctantly out of the darkness of her current life turns out to be a transformative experience, Grace travels to Ibiza, determined to find out precisely what happened to her old friend, needing to know. The narrative goes on to impossible territories, and illustrates how you are never too old to climb out of existing ruts, work through emotionally difficult issues by gaining new and renewing perspectives. It demonstrates how everything is interconnected, life is for living, and the need for us to soak in the life enriching power of nature.

Haig is a wonderful writer, whenever a new book of his comes out, I want to read it. I have no doubt that this will be a success on publication simply because it is likely to appeal to a wide range of readers with its subject matter and characters, how it deals with complexities of life and essential themes that have the power to enthrall. A fabulous read that I highly recommend. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

A very enjoyable book and not what I expected.

It took a while to get in to but so worth it to keep reading through.

Grace Winter is a retired maths teacher now in her seventies. Living now full of regret as her husband recently passed away and the tragedy that took place and her boy little boy son was killed.
She has bequeathed a property in Ibiza from a woman that she hasn’t seen in a very long time. But only remembers that she did a good turn of a woman colleague and gave her a St Christopher necklace many years ago. The woman has now disappeared in mysterious circumstances.
Grace’s curiosity gets the better of her and she flies out to Ibiza. To find out where Christina has gone. Whilst there her life changes, she go scuba diving with an instructor called Alberto and emerges a new woman and magical powers not only to change herself but also to help the people in surrounding land that is destined for redevelopment.
This is another brilliant and beautifully written book from the author Matt Haig. The author always thinks outside the box with his unique, thought-provoking storylines that you always get fully immersed in. I read this in a couple of days and will resonate with me for some time. 5 stars from me.

I absolutely loved Midnight Library and a couple of Matt's non fiction books so I was excited to read his latest novel. The Life Impossible is set in Ibiza where 72-year-old Grace Winters had inherited a ramshackle house from an old friend. Strange things happen and everything she thought she believed is questioned. This was a magical story and I love the style of writing. Short chapters with interesting titles are great and I flew through it in a few days. The Life Impossible had some beautiful messages and, whilst heart-breaking in places, left me feeling very positive. A lovely summers read.

Suspend belief and enjoy. Grace, in her seventies, discovers she has been left a little house in Ibiza. Having no family left, she decides to move there. The story rips along as strange events unfold. She has been chosen to live in Ibiza for a reason. As a mathematician, she likes order and discipline but instead finds she has a special gift. A quirky book with great characters, especially piratical Alberto.

This was such a beautiful and magical read overall, I am very glad I read it and would have no hesitation is recommending it to others.