Matt Haig’s new novel, *The Midnight Train*, explores themes of memory, mortality, and reflection through the story of Wilbur Budd, an octogenarian former business magnate. The narrative begins with Wilbur experiencing a heart attack shortly after reconnecting by phone with his ex-wife, Maggie, whom he has not spoken to in years. Following his collapse and death on his front lawn, Wilbur awakens on a mysterious train platform, where he meets Agnes, a ghostly figure who identifies herself as a former bookseller from Wilbur’s childhood.
Agnes guides Wilbur on a journey through pivotal moments of his past, including the premature death of his brother and his honeymoon in Venice with Maggie. This voyage functions as a metaphysical revisit of Wilbur’s life, embodying the common motif of a life flashing before one’s eyes at death. The novel’s tone manages to be comforting and reflective despite dealing with the heavy subjects of death and the afterlife.
Narrated by actor James Norton, known for his roles in *Happy Valley* and *McMafia*, the audiobook performance is noted for its gentle and emotive delivery, which underscores Wilbur’s introspective experience. Haig’s story, drawing some parallels to Charles Dickens’s *A Christmas Carol*, ultimately offers a contemplative look at choices made and opportunities missed, delivered with warmth and a sense of redemption.
In related audiobook recommendations, the memoir *You With the Sad Eyes* by Christina Applegate recounts the actor’s challenging childhood and her battle with multiple sclerosis. Also notable is *Birnam Wood* by Eleanor Catton, a smartly plotted eco-thriller narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, centering on an activist gardening collective in New Zealand opposing a billionaire’s land development.
In a separate reflection on formative reading experiences, writer Lucy Caldwell shares childhood memories of being captivated by storytelling cassette tapes and recalls her enduring affection for Susan Cooper’s *The Dark Is Rising* series. Caldwell also discusses the literary works that influenced her, including *Lady Chatterley’s Lover* by D.H. Lawrence, which she read later in life, and James Joyce’s *Ulysses*, which she revisited multiple times to deepen her appreciation.
These varied narratives underscore the lasting impact of literature and storytelling, offering insights into human experience through both fictional and autobiographical lenses.