Radio 4

Matt Haig is the bestselling writer, whose work ranges from magical realism to memoir. His novel The Midnight Library became a global phenomenon, selling 15 million copies, while his memoir Reasons to Stay Alive has provided comfort to millions around the world.

He grew up in Newark-on-Trent in a loving family, though his mother struggled with post-natal depression. Difficulties at school and the death of his grandmother led to a period of teenage rebellion. Matt met his future wife, Andrea, at university and credits her with helping him through the most dangerous period of his life. In their early twenties they spent summers in Ibiza, culminating in Matt’s mental breakdown, and an intense three-year recovery.

In 2015 he published Reasons to Stay Alive, a memoir based on his breakdown. It became a bestseller and transformed his public profile, though the way he handled his newfound success has become one of his biggest regrets. Further literary success came in 2020 with his novel The Midnight Library, which has been published in 56 languages and is being adapted into a film starring Florence Pugh. His children’s book, A Boy Called Christmas, was also turned into a film starring Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins, and Jim Broadbent.

Matt Haig lives in Brighton with his wife, Andrea, and they have two children.

Presenter: Lauren Laverne

Producer: Hannah Hufford

Desert Island Discs has cast away other writers to the island over the years including David Nicholls, Kate Atkinson and Bernardine Evaristo. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.

Details of organisations offering help and support with mental health or feelings of distress are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline