A reader's cast

6 roles

Cover of The Midnight Library

The Midnight Library

Matt Haig

Cast by Justin Cone

Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?” A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time. Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

  • Lily James
    Lily James

    Nora Seed

    The protagonist, a depressed and regretful woman in her thirties from Bedford, England. Intelligent, sensitive, and self-critical, she is emotionally exhausted at the story's start but grows more open and hopeful as she explores alternate lives.

  • Helen Mirren
    Helen Mirren

    Mrs. Elm

    Nora's kind, patient former school librarian who appears as the guardian of the Midnight Library. Warm, wise, and grandmotherly, she serves as a gentle guide through Nora's choices.

  • Ben Barnes
    Ben Barnes

    Dan Ripley

    Nora's would-be husband in one alternate life, a charming but troubled man who owns a rural pub. Handsome and initially appealing, but revealed to be resentful and difficult in that timeline.

  • Antonia Thomas
    Antonia Thomas

    Izzy Clarke

    Nora's loyal best friend, adventurous and free-spirited, who wanted Nora to travel with her to Australia. Energetic and warm-hearted, she represents a life Nora didn't choose.

    Why Antonia Thomas? Naturalistic warmth and comic timing suited to a supportive, life-embracing best friend role.

  • Andrew Scott
    Andrew Scott

    Joe Ryan

    Nora's brother, a musician in a band; sensitive and once estranged from Nora due to a falling out. Artistic and somewhat fragile emotionally.

    Why Andrew Scott? Known for portraying raw emotional fragility and artistic sensitivity that fits Joe's wounded, musician temperament.

  • Dev Patel
    Dev Patel

    Ash

    A kind doctor Nora encounters in one alternate life, representing a stable, loving domestic path. Gentle, steady, and affectionate.

    Why Dev Patel? Combines charm and sincerity with an expressive tenderness fitting a devoted, caring husband figure.