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The Life Impossible

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The Life Impossible

By: Matt Haig
Narrated by: Joanna Lumley, Jordan Stephens
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About this listen

The remarkable new Sunday Times bestselling novel from the author of the international sensation The Midnight Library

‘A beautiful novel full of life-affirming wonder and imagination' BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH


'What looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet . . .'

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.©2024 Matt Haig (P)2024 Canongate Books Ltd
Editors Select Literary Fiction Feel-Good Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

Stunning. It's not only exquisitely written but has so much magic woven through it (Fearne Cotton)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Matt Haig, the wonder, is back (Lemn Sissay)

What listeners say about The Life Impossible

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I ❤️ this book

I love this book, it had me totally hooked, I binged on it and it went far to fast. I need friends to read it now so I can talk to someone about it!

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brilliant story

loved the story...and Joanna' narration made it even more special.

if you need a lift this book is for you

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Fabulous

Absolutely marvellous view of the world.
I'll try a Matt Haig on Kindle next as I would like to reflect on some of the things he writes as it's not always possible on Audible.

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Awful narration

Have had to stop listening as I can’t stick the way Joanna Lumley reads this book. So sing song, slow and weak. I don’t think the book itself helps, being repetitive and tiresome, but JL has killed it for me. I can’t even get past it in 1.7x speed.

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A dull story & Lumley’s accents are questionable

JL’s accents at times were so off which was incredibly distracting. Having loved Matt Haig’d books in the past, I’m afraid this time the plot was not for me. I found it quite dull. However, as always with MH’s books, it was well written.

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Just beautiful.

What a beautiful, engaging, thought provoking, honest story. So very well told. Matt Haig has done it again. An excellent choice having Joanna Lumley narrating this wonderful piece of literature. The journey I went through with this book has left me full of emotions. Thank you.

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Bit cheesy but heartfelt

Enjoyable enough story with a worthy and uplifting message, but the narration started to gnaw a bit. No doubt Joanna Lumley is a good storyteller with a soothing voice, but her accents started to grate after awhile - like she was trying too hard. That made me just want to get to the end as the tale progressed. Perhaps one of Haig’s works that is better read in old fashioned book format.

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The Life Impossible is a profoundly moving

Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible is a profoundly moving and brilliantly crafted exploration of life, its possibilities, and the choices that define us. It took me on a journey through the highs and lows of human existence, capturing the complexities of life in a way that feels personal and universal.

The book weaves together hope, resilience, and healing themes, making this story reflect life’s challenges and an uplifting reminder of its beauty.

I listened on Audible, narrated by Joanna Lumley. Her narration was pitch-perfect, lending grace and depth to the characters and the emotional landscapes they navigate. Lumley’s voice adds an extra layer of warmth and gravitas, making the listening experience all the more immersive and heartfelt. Her storytelling felt so seamless; it was as though she was speaking directly to me and drawing me deeper into the narrative with every chapter.

After finishing The Life Impossible, I felt hopeful, as if something inside me had shifted and was ready to heal. The novel presents life’s hardships and offers a nuanced look at how we can find meaning even in the most challenging moments. It reminds us that while life can feel impossible at times, it is also filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and healing.

Overall, The Life Impossible is a must-read (or must-listen) for anyone grappling with the weight of life’s challenges or simply looking for a story that inspires hope and healing. It’s a book that lingers with you long after the final chapter, offering a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, something beautiful can emerge.

Oh, and the Spotify playlist that accompanies the book is perfect. The music is perfectly curated, reflecting the emotional depth and complexity of the story.

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Lovely

Great story and how can it not be perfect when read by Joanna Lumley. Impossible miraculous life!

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A great 'beach read'

Love Matt Haig, Joanne Lumleys voice and Ibiza & 75% of the story was fantastic. However, without giving anything away, 25% of it was so completely bonkers it did begin to lose me a little. The book, for me, would have only been improved by losing the woowoo parts and retaining the crux, which spoke of loss, self reproach and new beginnings. So, if you like things a little fantastical, you'll love this story. If, like me, you don't, it's still worth a listen.

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