Matt Haig's latest masterpiece, 'The Midnight Train', hurtles onto the audiobook scene like a runaway train on a mission to shatter your heart and reassemble it into a thing of beauty. The story kicks off with octogenarian Wilbur Budd, a man who's been around the block a few times, having a heart attack after a wistful phone call from his estranged ex-wife Maggie. But this isn't the end – oh no! It's just the beginning of an incredible journey that will leave you breathless.
As Wilbur finds himself on a mysterious train platform, he meets Agnes, the ghostly spirit of a bookseller from his childhood. She takes him on a wild ride through his past, where he relives pivotal moments like the tragic loss of his brother and his honeymoon in Venice with Maggie. These memories come flooding back, forcing Wilbur to confront the choices and relationships that have shaped his life.
'The Midnight Train' is often described as a 'cosy feelgood tale', but don't be fooled – it's so much more than that! This audiobook draws parallels with Dickensian classics like 'A Christmas Carol', but Haig's unique touch makes it a true masterpiece. Narrator James Norton brings his A-game, imbuing the performance with a rare softness and gentle longing that perfectly captures Wilbur's reflective tone.
The audiobook clocks in at 8 hours and 36 minutes – just long enough for you to get lost in Haig's world of poignant reflection and hopeful discovery. As Wilbur navigates his memories, he gains a deeper understanding of the things he could have done differently, ultimately seeking peace. And when you're finished, you'll be left pondering your own life choices and wondering what might have been.
If 'The Midnight Train' whets your appetite for more audiobooks, then look no further! Two other notable releases are 'You With the Sad Eyes', a candid memoir by Christina Applegate detailing her journey from a challenging childhood to her recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Or, if you're in the mood for something a bit more thrilling, try Eleanor Catton's Booker Prize-winning eco-thriller 'Birnam Wood', read by Saskia Maarleveld.