In The Life Impossible, Matt Haig introduces us to Grace Winters, a 72-year-old retired maths teacher from Lincoln, England, who describes herself as “a big nothing.” But Haig’s knack for finding extraordinary qualities in ordinary lives shines through as Grace’s life shifts to something quite extraordinary. A modest act of kindness from her past leads her to an unexpected inheritance—a house on the vibrant island of Ibiza, left to her by her late colleague, Christina. Recently widowed and still coping with the grief of losing her son, Grace sets off to uncover why Christina would bequeath her this unexpected gift and, ultimately, to find herself.
Upon arriving in Ibiza, Grace encounters a worn-down villa, a cryptic letter from Christina, and the enigmatic Alberto Ribas, a diving instructor who holds clues about Christina’s drowning. This is where readers need to stick with meas Haig goes into more magical realism than any of his previous examples. A midnight dive with Alberto reveals the mysterious La Presencia, a glowing underwater force that bestows Grace with mind-reading abilities, telekinesis, and a renewed zest for life. Fueled by her newfound powers, she delves into the secrets surrounding Christina’s death, confronting environmental threats, community ties, and corporate greed along the way.
Haig’s storytelling brings together Grace’s journey of self-discovery with themes of magic realism, environmentalism, and interconnectedness. As Grace sheds her emotional numbness, she begins to experience the world in vivid colour, transitioning from feeling nothing to everything. Her friendship with Alberto deepens, and she embraces a sense of cosmic connection, harking back to Haig’s familiar themes of love, loss, and resilience. In one memorable scene, Grace frees lobsters from a restaurant tank using her telekinetic powers, showcasing her transformation and a newfound compassion for all living things.
The novel’s charm lies in its unique blend of fantasy and reality, asking readers to suspend disbelief and embark on a journey that intertwines environmental activism with personal healing. Haig’s prose is heartfelt, peppered with literary and musical references—from Shakespeare to Joan Baez, adding layers to Grace’s character and the story’s themes.
With The Life Impossible, Haig explores the beauty of unlikely friendships, the impact of grief, and the significance of reconnection. This book is a love letter to the planet and a reminder that the world’s wonders, both natural and magical, can bring us solace during life’s most challenging times.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Canongate