Nora seemed to be experiencing both of these, as well as feeling that there are no other options but to end the pain. This theory proposes that there are two key areas at play when a person wants to end their own life: thwarted belongingness, where a person no longer feels connected to others, and perceived burdensomeness, where a person believes they are a burden to others and they would be better off without them. While reading, I was thinking a lot about the interpersonal theory of suicide. The lead up to Nora’s suicide felt realistic, although – of course – tragic. All of these things build up, and – as part of an ongoing depressive episode – lead her to decide to end her life. She is disconnected from her family, and has grown apart from her best friend. With a lot of missed opportunities in her life, she is left feeling deeply unsatisfied and endlessly self-critical. Review Nora doesn’t want to be alive any more For example, he spoke to The Guardian about his experience when he was suicidal in his 20s. Matt Haig has spoken extensively about his experiences with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. He has sold over three million books worldwide. His novels for adults include the award-winning How To Stop Time, The Radleys, The Humans and the number one bestseller The Midnight Library. His children’s book A Boy Called Christmas was a runaway hit and is translated in over 40 languages.

His memoir Reasons to Stay Alive was a number one bestseller, staying in the British top ten for 46 weeks. Matt Haig is an author for children and adults.

The midnight library book review