Book review: The Midnight Train by Matt Haig

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: May 26, 2026

Goodreads rating: 4.11

My rating: 4

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Ever since reading The Midnight Library, I’ve been eager to pick up The Midnight Train. Both novels take place in that mysterious space between life and death that Matt Haig writes so well, blending magical realism with deeply reflective storytelling.

The Midnight Train follows Wilbur who, after dying of a heart attack, boards a magical train that takes him on a life-review journey. There, he examines his relationship with his wife, family, and friends, and revisits decisions he made throughout his life.

I sunk into this book easily. The chapters are short, the pacing flows naturally, and the characters are easy to bond with almost immediately. I found myself moving through it quickly while still pausing often to reflect on the ideas the story raises. Despite the story being nostalgic, it has a strong thread of warmth running through it, making it feel like a cozy read despite the bigger life questions being addressed.

I’ll admit that at first, I worried that the ‘life-review’ storyline would be a bit predictable, but a twist occurs halfway in the book that breaks that predictability, which I quite enjoyed.

I also loved how the story pulled in some of the minor characters of Wilbur’s everyday life and exposed them as people who had a bigger impact on his life than he realized. It makes you wonder and think back to your own life to identify these people.

Beneath the magical realism, this is a story about family, love, acceptance and learning how to live a life reflective of your true self.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

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