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 of the Balearics 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.
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The Life Impossible tells the story of Grace Winters, “who lived the most boring life in the universe.” Things change when she unexpectedly inherits a house in Ibiza. This is a slow burning story that feels very calm and meditative to read despite the paranormal aspects. This is a great story about the environment, grief and gratitude. There is also music, maths and, as always from Matt Haig, a lot of wisdom. Anne, VIC, 5 stars
I am a fan of Matt Haig. I was expecting something wonderful, and I was not disappointed. He has such a way with words, including short, sharp, impactful statements that are thought-provoking. I laughed at the chapter titles and was impressed with the three-word chapter. The simple yet elegant language builds a sense of the unknown that drives the reader on. The story is written as a letter to a former student Maurice, and the main character Grace is giving a recount of what occurs to her when visiting Ibiza. This speculative fiction is reflective, posing and asking questions of the reader and giving words of wisdom about life. It deals with suicide and depression and the fine line between grief and wonder and finding the joy and whimsy in the ordinary. This philosophical novel builds with tension and the ending has the reader questioning what is real and imagined. In the end, even if you have trouble with the reality of what is experienced, Haig links all human and alien thoughts together. We are all in this ‘life impossible‘ together and we should embrace the mystery of it. Nina, VIC, 5 stars
Retired Maths teacher Grace Winters is growing old and weary; weighed down by grief. An old and devastating grief about the loss of her son as a child, and a more recent grief from the death of her husband. Her world is upended when she discovers, entirely to her surprise, that she’s inherited a house in Ibiza from a long-ago, incidental moment shared with a chance acquaintance. Mirroring that, Mrs Winters receives a letter from a former student Maurice who is looking for pastoral guidance. What follows is a fantastical tale of life, love, and wonderful characters, wrapped up in warm Spanish sunshine. Having loved Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, I was absolutely thrilled to be given a preview copy of The Life Impossible, and had high expectations. Those expectations were met and more. This is a beautiful, captivating story, and literary writing: I read half in one sitting the first time I picked it up. I’m not sure how to categorise it, but I think anyone who’s enjoyed his previous writing will love his latest. Part travel adventure, part mystery, part sci-fi; one for fans of Chocolat by Joanne Harris. 5 stars! Kylie, SA, 5 stars
I was totally transported by not only the moving story and the exquisite scenes that Matt Haig puts you in, but by the plight of our natural world. The Life Impossible is one of those novels you think about when you’re not reading it and I dare say I’ll be thinking about it for days to come. Haig really takes a deep dive (pun intended) into so many human conditions: love, grief, guilt, human anxieties, what it means to truely live and death, via both unnatural and natural causes, among others. It delves into the different angles various people around these events can perceive these emotions and it opens your mind to wanting the best out of our very short lives on Earth. Rebecca, QLD, 5 stars
I am one of the very few who haven’t read The Midnight Library – the hugely popular last book of Matt Haig. Having just finished his new book I definitely intend to rectify this! Novels involving fantasy were not my choice of genre, but this beautifully written and life affirming book has opened my mind to exploring more. 72 year old Grace is feeling despondent, guilt ridden and alone in her bungalow in the Midlands, UK, when, out of the blue, she is bequeathed a house in Ibiza from an old colleague who she had once shown charity and kindness. Her decision to explore this bequest changes her life immeasurably. The book is written as a manuscript to a former pupil who is himself struggling with his life. It is cleverly written, very thought provoking and will stay with me. It is one of those books where I felt the need to remember quotes or delve further. It is uplifting and will have you reflecting on your own life, being human with not only flaws but also many strengths and appreciating life’s large, and indeed small, magical moments. Sue, VIC, 5 stars
Wow, what a profound story with so much to think about! I loved it infinitely plus 1! I genuinely found this book thought provoking on a number of occasions! Highly recommend. Emma, WA, 5 stars
Another thought provoking read from Matt Haig! Retired UK maths teacher Grace is left a house in Ibiza in a friend’s will. Despite some misgivings, she divides to leave her sad and lonely life and travel to the island. What follows is a mystical, magical journey for Grace as she makes new friends, discovers new worlds, and starts to heal her paralysing guilt and sadness over the loss of her son. Environmentalism is a major theme too and Grace finds that life is worth living when you have friends and a purpose. This book won’t be for everyone but I loved it, as I have Matt’s previous books. Denise, QLD, 5 stars
This is a story about Grace Winter, a retired mathematics teacher, who is mired in self-recrimination and guilt, still believing that her young son was killed many years earlier due to her own selfishness and grieving for a husband who had died four years ago. Out of the blue a letter arrives from a solicitor, informing her that she has been left a bungalow on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza by a former teaching friend with who she long ago lost contact. Unable to ascertain the circumstances under which her much younger friend has died, and also why she mysteriously decided to leave her the bungalow, Grace’s curiosity gets the better of her and she books an open airline ticket to Ibiza. Don’t go thinking that this is merely a story about a sad older woman finding love on a holiday island. This book was a delight to read – mesmerising, magical, and will possibly even change the way you look at the world. Expect the unexpected! This is the first book that I have read by Matt Haig but it won’t be my last. I will now be actively looking for more by this wonderful writer. Carel, VIC, 5 stars
The Life Impossible is a narrative on taking chances that don’t make sense, saying yes to adventure and knowing you’re never too old to change your life. Written as a series of emails to an ex-student, the story flows through themes of loss and grief, self-doubt, regret and a numbness to life, towards the changes that happen within when you are open to seeing life differently. I drank this book up! I enjoyed the email style chapters as even though they were short, they captured so much story and it was very easy to keep saying ‘one more chapter’ and then powering through a dozen more. It was refreshing to read an adventure story that didn’t centre around a perky twenty-something character. The setting of Ibiza challenged me to view the island as something beyond a party backdrop and Haig has skilfully shown the reader how to appreciate it for its natural wildness and original beauty. In his trademark speculative fiction style, Matt Haig has once again delivered a novel that asks us to stretch our views about life into something inspiring, incredible and completely wonderful. Michelle, NSW, 5 stars
Matt Haig never disappoints. This book was both thought provoking and heartwarming at the same time. Matt has the ability to help us see the world in a more beautiful light through his amazing stories. I would highly recommend this book. Jenny, VIC, 5 stars
“What looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet” is the the perfect quote from The Life Impossible by Matt Haig. This book is a blend of fantasy and realism that makes the reader believe anything is possible. Grace Winters is left a house on an island by a friend she hasn’t seen in years. Still carrying the guilt of a tragedy involving her son and as her husband has died, she decides to go there. When she arrives, she learns about her friend’s life and wants to know what happened to her. The more she discovers, the stranger the truth becomes. This book is filled with wonderful lines and insights. I liked the way the chapters varied in length and feel it helps with the pace of the story. Even if you don’t read fantasy or sci-fi, I recommend this book. It is a story that leaves the reader looking at life from a different perspective, and lifts your spirits. Theresa, NSW, 5 stars
The Life Impossible is a wonderful journey that should be taken by everybody. It is not a typical chapter book, but a transformative tale filled with hope, magic and wonder that may just change your life. Told from the perspective of a jaded retired teacher Grace Winters who inherits a house in Ibiza, Spain to her former student Maurice who is searching for meaning in his life. It tells of how to let go of the past that can have you shackled with regret, so you can live your best life. Second chances can happen if you are open to them, and Grace may just show you how. This was not the type of book I would usually read but I gave it a chance and found it inspiring. This was my first Matt Haig book and it certainly will not be the last. Glenn, VIC, 5 stars
Matt Haig deals with issues of loss, grief, loneliness and, ultimately, hope in this wonderful story. Under the guise of a 72-year-old widow deciding to take an adventure to Ibiza where she meets new friends and a mystical presence, this story is so much more. Haig explores the complex themes of unresolved grief and guilt affecting the joy of living. Although there is a supernatural theme, the reflections and decisions made by Grace are ones that we can all learn from. That leaving a place and moving to a new one does not fix sadness and loneliness but opening our minds can. That we can choose to take joy in the taste of orange juice or the colour of the ocean and let go of the past, without forgetting it. A ‘feel-good’ story with a touch of mysticism and a good dash of humour, this is thoroughly enjoyable read encouraging readers to contemplate and choose happiness. Catherine, QLD, 5 stars
I was very excited to read The Impossible Life and my expectations were thoroughly met, even exceeded. The main character, Grace Winters, was full-bodied and exquisitely structured. She was real, flawed, intriguing and completely believable, even as she was showing talents that far out-lie our current concepts of believability. How Matt, a young man, writes so realistically and knowledgeably as a 72 year of woman is beyond my belief. The book is based on letters between Grace, a past teacher, and her one-time student, Maurice. I can honestly say that I have never been more interested in the written correspondence between a teacher and a student. It is so easy to forget that we are reading the letter/story of a woman to her past student. However, with the simple drop of a name like Maurice or Karl we are brought back to the reality in the fantastical story. I love how Matt has been able to create a story where magic and phenomenon sits so closely to the normality of accepted life. This is a great book for someone just dipping their toe into the genre of fantasy. It will bring them in, without scaring them off. Alicia, NSW, 5 stars
This book should appeal to those who have open minds and an acceptance that things might not be always what you expect. My initial reaction was that it was going to be about magic and to some extent it was, but not in the traditional sense of the word. In particular I could relate to the main character Grace, at times she was so sad it provoked mixed emotions within myself. However, I found her journey to be uplifting and a rollercoaster in equal measures of mystery, adventure, joy and sadness. Matt Haig’s style of writing never fails to hook the reader and take them on an unexpected journey. Most enjoyable read and definitely one I would recommend. Jacqui, QLD, 5 stars
I devoured this book in a weekend – something which rarely happens! The Life Impossible is a beautifully written book from Matt Haig. I’d always wanted to visit Ibiza and now feel like I have, thanks to the gorgeous prose and vivid imagery. Grace was a well-developed character, and I enjoyed the short chapters. While I’m not usually a fan of strange stories with fantastical elements, Matt Haig writes it in such a way that kept me enthralled and happy to surrender to the storytelling. It’s a unique, thought-provoking read that gets you reflecting on life. It makes me want to read more of his work. Rowan, TAS, 5 stars
The Midnight Library is one of my favourite books, so I was excited to read this! Matt Haig didn’t disappoint. He has a special way of capturing what it means to be alive. My heart feels richer, as if having received a warm hug, each time I read his work. I was hooked from the start of The Life Impossible. I love how Matt combines engaging storylines with wonderful nuggets of wisdom along the way. After reading this, I’m motivated to be a better person, contribute to society in more meaningful ways. This is a book book that I will probably re-read, discovering something new each time. Beautifully written. Highly recommend. Ellen, TAS, 5 stars
A wonderful story that takes you to a side of Ibiza I never imagined existed. I live the way her history as a maths teacher is woven through the story. Grace also finds peace and absolution for her past through some visions. It is a heartwarming tale which includes lessons for us all to take away. Tina, QLD, 4 stars
Was very excited to read this one as I loved Matt’s previous novel. Although a little slow to get into I was then taken on a rollercoaster of emotions with the characters, events and thoughts that kept me flipping through the pages to see how it would all end. Still giggle when I see in my mind those lobsters running to escape the restaurant in my mind. Read with an open mind to all possibilities to get the most out of a well written, descriptive novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Matt never disappoints. Tracy, WA, 4 stars
I enjoyed reading Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible. Though the way he stretches ideas, creating unbelievable almost magical illusions of thought and action may not appeal to all readers. It is an interesting narrative both intriguing, puzzling, logical and illogical all rolled in to one individual’s adventure. I suspect I will be contemplating it’s observations and weird words of wisdom, on and off, for a while. Centred around tired, unhappy, guilt ridden Grace, a retired Math teacher, who is forced out of her safe predictable way of seeing her world. The reader follows her otherworldly encounters and thought processes as she slowly comes to terms with her new bizarre, altruistic life on Ibiza. All characters, both human and non, are well rounded and likeable, and each have an important place in the unfolding events. The ending leaves the reader with a reminder that all life on our fragile planet is interdependent, always vulnerable and in need of our active protected. Sandra, NSW, 4 stars
This book’s a bit of an adventure, and a bit of a guide for living a good life. Grace isn’t your typical main character, and I enjoyed watching her shift in energy and perspective. A pleasant and at times quite comedic read, I can see this book being popular. Eva, WA, 4 stars
Grace Winters a 71 year old lonely and troubled widow living in Lincolnshire was left a property in Ibiza, Spain by an old work colleague, Christina, who she helped once and hasn’t seen in over 40 years. Grace decides to move to Ibiza and find out what happened to Christina. Lots of strange things happen on your path to finding out what really happened to Christina. She make a couple of good friends and realises there is more to life and to stop feeling guilty over her son’s death and her relationship with her husband Karl. She meets Alberto Ribas and his daughter Marta, they work together to solve the mysteries and save Ibiza. This was a strange, weird but wonderful book that I just couldn’t put down. I highly recommend it. Renae, QLD, 4 stars
The Life Impossible started off as a mystery with Grace wanting to find out what happened to her friend. It then turned into a supernatural story which, while not my usual cup of tea, I found to be rather uplifting. The author’s style was different but this was an easy read that flowed well. I enjoyed this book Susan, NSW, 4 stars
I found The Life Impossible to be an interesting read. I couldn’t really buy into the magic and supernatural side of the story but the new beginnings and never too late aspect of the story did resonate. Overall an easy read and a heartwarming story. Natalie, NSW, 4 stars
‘Once upon a time there was an old woman who lived the most boring life in the universe.’ This was Grace Winters, widowed, retired and aged 72. But Grace’s life changed when a long-lost friend left her a run-down house on the island of Ibiza. Curious, Grace travels to Ibiza. And, when she finds that there are questions about her friend’s life (and death) she stays. Full of regrets about her own life, Grace is about to discover that new beginnings may seem illogical, but they are possible. The first part of this book, with its short sharp chapters, captured my attention. Part way through, my interest flagged because my logical self rejected elements of magical realism. But then, that part of me that wonders about possibilities and accepts that the improbable might (sometimes) be possible, intervened, and I enjoyed the balance of the story. Sometimes, the good guys don’t recognise themselves, but others do. Sometimes, letting go of the past enables the future to be embraced. Sometimes, the good guys win. Yes: ‘The difference between a gift and a curse was sometimes just a question of perspective.’ Jennifer, ACT, 4 stars
Matt Haig is the author of the acclaimed The Midnight Library and he has produced another unforgettably magical book. Grace Winters is a retired mathematics teacher. She has been living in a cloud of grief for decades. To her surprise, she is gifted a house in Ibiza from an acquaintance. This begins a period of self-reflection and the hope for a fresh beginning as Grace embarks on a new life on the wondrous island. But there is also an element of mystery. Something unexplained befell her benefactor and Grace sets out to find out what happened. It is at this point that the novel takes quite a turn, and this may polarise the thoughts of readers. It is an original book that features magic as it ponders the wonder and vulnerability of the environment and explores the healing benefits of friends and nature. It is a book full of hope that will keep readers mesmerised until the end. Heidi, SA, 4 stars
Part love letter to Ibiza, part love letter for the entirety of creation, Haig’s latest work reeks wisdom from start to finish. At times, it’s like Haig received profound insight from a psychedelic trip, then took that knowledge and turned it into a very relatable and readable work of fiction. I loved that the main protagonist is one we rarely encounter: an elderly, creaking-boned woman who’s sure she’s nearing the end of her life. Based in great science, the only people I could think of who might not enjoy this work are those like my mum who abhor anything even remotely other-worldy. Side note: as someone with a maths/science degree, I appreciated that the maths analogies, while accessible for all, were actually steeped in real maths and were accurate – which is hard to achieve in a work of popular fiction. Respect. Much like the dressing on a salad, while the science fiction aspects influenced the entire story, it wasn’t really central to the life wisdom and main messages. It was just enough to put the human drama as the championed central feature of the novel. I loved this work, and even learnt things along the way. Highly commended. Cathryn, TAS, 4 stars
Grace Winter is a retired Maths teacher who accepts a challenge she did not expect to have in her 70’s. An old friendship catapults her into a new life in Ibiza far from her boring predictable life in Lincolnshire. Everything logical becomes illogical and she discovers new hope while dealing with old regrets. I actually don’t know where to start with my review because this book has so much in it. Mystery, adventure, love, loss, life-changing decisions, family, friendships, the supernatural, magic and saving the world! I absolutely loved the imagery in the book and am particularly impressed with the way Matt Haig describes the indescribable. I think a lot of people will love this story and be surprised by how much they can learn from it. I’m reading it a second time because it’s just too beautiful for words. Leanne, NSW, 4 stars
Grace is a retired Maths teacher who recently became widowed but also still feels the loss of her son from many years ago. She appears to be leading a dull, well-ordered life which is turned upside down when she unexpectedly inherits a cottage from someone she briefly knew many years ago. The cottage is on the island of Ibiza off the coast of Spain. Grace bravely buys a one way ticket to visit the island and there is much interest and mystery about the characters she meets. She is soon faced with many challenges. The cottage is in a poor state and there is mystery surrounding the disappearance of her friend. The island is also under threat from developers and with her newfound powers there is much Grace has to offer in helping the residents fight to save the island. Although it is not the sort of genre I would normally read, I found the magical realism of this book held my attention throughout. It is beautifully written with great descriptions of Ibiza and many messages including ageing and environmental situations. Marg, VIC, 4 stars
This is a challenging and thought provoking novel which probably won’t appeal to every reader. However, for many this will be a novel that encourages them to take another look at the world around them. If you pushed me for a genre, I’d call this magic realism, although others might go for fantasy or even science fiction. Haig chooses not to over explain some of the elements of his plot; I think it works well, although it leaves a few questions. This is not a story where every detail needs to be pinned down forensically. Haig explores a few different things here: the capacity for change, for the world to contain more than you expected, and for there to be a future where you saw none. It’s quite moving in places, and although the messages aren’t new, it may prompt you to look at your own life with a new perspective. I enjoyed this novel, although it wasn’t quite what I initially expected. I found it beautiful and sad, with layers that will draw me back to thinking about it for quite some time. Lorraine, ACT, 4 stars
Grace Winters, widowed, retired and aged 72 years once saw herself as living the most boring life in the universe. But her life changed when a long-lost friend left her a run-down house on the island of Ibiza. Curious, Grace travels to Ibiza. And, when she finds that there are questions about her friend’s life (and death) she stays. Full of regrets about her own life, Grace is about to discover that new beginnings may seem illogical, but they are possible. The first part of this book, with its short sharp chapters, captured my attention. Part way through, my interest flagged because my logical self rejected elements of magical realism. But then, that part of me that wonders about possibilities and accepts that the improbable might (sometimes) be possible, intervened, and I enjoyed the balance of the story. Sometimes, the good guys don’t recognise themselves, but others do. Sometimes, the good guys win. Yes, ‘The difference between a gift and a curse was sometimes just a question of perspective.’ Jennifer, ACT, 4 stars
No matter how old you get you can still learn and discover new things. A book of discovery and the importance you have on the lives of others, never give up as amazing things happen every day and you might just be the one to save someone’s life without even knowing. Raelene, QLD, 4 stars
I enjoyed the first half of the book and the story about retired teacher, Grace Winters. I loved hearing everything about the island of Ibiza. She reminded a little bit of me. But the second half of the book I didn’t enjoy as much. It was the story line I didn’t enjoy. Overall a good book. Karen, QLD, 3 stars
I loved The Midnight Library by Matt Haig so I was excited to read his latest book, The Life Impossible. This is an entirely unique story told in a unique way and it certainly had me intrigued. It also had some wonderful messages about the beauty of life and nature and it was ultimately a hopeful story. Whilst I didn’t enjoy this story as much as The Midnight Library and I found the short chapters made the story feel a little disjointed I certainly appreciated the themes of the story and it’s uniqueness. If you enjoy a thought provoking story with a twist of the supernatural you may enjoy this one – I can’t say ‘If you enjoyed … then you will like this’ because I really haven’t read anything like it! Kylie, WA, 3 stars
Who wouldn’t like to inherit a cottage on a Spanish island, Ibiza from a woman they met a very long time ago. This is what happens to Grace a 71 year old lady. Grace buys a one way ticket and heads to the cottage. Grace believes her friend Christine was killed by someone. She gets one of the locals to take her to the place Christine went missing. After diving into the water and encountered a light that embraces her. I found the story touching and thought provoking. I enjoyed the characters and liked learning about them. The life Impossible by Matt Haig is his first book that I have read. I am interested in reading his number one seller The Midnight Library. Maria, SA, 3 stars
Beautifully set out on a trip to Ibiza with the lovely Grace, its an exciting adventure from the very start. Likeable characters, just be willing to open your mind and expect some unexpected surprises. Kylie, NSW, 3 stars
The Life Impossible is another thought provoking novel by Matt Haig. For lovers of the Midnight Library, this new novel takes you on a journey with Grace as she upturns her boring life and embarks on the adventure of a life time in Ibiza. Amy, WA, 3 stars
Matt Haig’s new book, The Life Impossible is all about fresh starts and new beginnings. Grace Winter is left a house in Ibiza and, feeling very alone and regretful, leaves her life behind and heads into the unknown. This new life is far removed from what she knew and it takes her time to come to understand the eccentricity of life there. Up to this point, I was enjoying the story. His descriptions of life in Ibiza are gorgeous but the magical realism that changes her life however, is a little too far fetched for me. I’m sure this will find an appreciative audience in Haig’s fan base, but his beautiful writing wasn’t enough for me. Maree, QLD, 3 stars
Grace a 70+ year old woman that inherits a small cottage on the Spanish Island, Ibiza by a woman she barely knew a long time ago. Sadly this woman, Christine died with mystery surrounding her death. Grace believes she was killed and with the help of a local resident they start investigating. This involves a scuba diving trip where Grace emerges with special magical powers. I enjoyed the first half of the book but not being a fan of magical, fantasy books I didn’t enjoy the second half as much. This would greatly appeal to readers who enjoy imaginary, sci-fi books. Julie, QLD, 3 stars
I am a big Matt Haig fan, and loved the Midnight Library and The Humans. Whenever you read a Matt Haig book, it is like receiving a reassuring hug that you’re figuring out this thing called life pretty well by doing the best you can. The book was easy to read with a lot of relatable and likeable characters. Although some of the storyline did feel a bit of stretch for me and my personal beliefs, The Impossible Life still had at it’s core the real human values and experience Matt Haig is so well known for, and I still felt that hug at the end of the book. Although The Midnight Library is still my favourite, I enjoyed another of Matt Haig’s work in this new book. Christina, NSW, 3 stars
I read this book while I was at university. I used to hate mathematics and often dreamed of having a math teacher like Grace Winters from The Impossible Life. However, I was fortunate enough to be studying in the age of the Internet. Thanks to that, I was able to independently learn many topics using the website https://edubirdie.com/docs/ohio-state-university/math-1151-calculus-i , as I wasn’t particularly lucky with my teachers. The book made me realize that mathematics is very important.