Summary
Writer Matt Haig reflects on his diverse literary career and personal struggles during a recent interview. Known for his feel-good narratives, Haig's breakout work, "The Midnight Library," explores themes of regret and alternative life choices, resonating with millions and soon to be adapted into a film. He discusses the importance of storytelling in his life, particularly as a means of coping with his mental health challenges, which he candidly shares stemmed from a tumultuous youth marked by anxiety and feelings of isolation.
Haig's journey through mental illness led him to write "Reasons to Stay Alive," a memoir that unexpectedly became a bestseller. Despite its success, he admits to feeling overwhelmed by the public's reaction and the expectations that followed. He emphasizes the need for authenticity in his writing, often drawing from his own experiences, including his recent diagnoses of ADHD and autism, which have provided clarity and understanding of his past struggles.
The conversation also touches on Haig's family life, his decision to homeschool his autistic son, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his writing. He reflects on the cathartic experience of returning to Ibiza, where he faced a personal crisis years earlier, and how that journey has shaped his perspective. As he prepares to be cast away to a desert island, Haig chooses to bring his favorite music and a supply of writing materials, underscoring his belief in the power of creativity as a lifeline.
Show Notes
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. DISC ONE: Here, There and Everywhere - The Beatles DISC TWO: The flying theme from E.T. - John Williams DISC THREE: A Forest – The Cure DISC FOUR: Adagio for Strings.(Ferry Corsten Mix) Composed by Samuel Barber and performed by William Orbit DISC FIVE: The Boys of Summer - Don Henley DISC SIX: O-o-h Child - The Five Stairsteps DISC SEVEN: The Mother We Share – CHVRCHES DISC EIGHT: You Make It Easy – Air BOOK CHOICE: The Diaries of Samuel Pepys LUXURY ITEM: An unlimited A4 refill pad and pens CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Here, There and Everywhere - The Beatles 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
More from Desert Island Discs
The writer and broadcaster Richard Osman was cast away by Lauren Laverne. He is the author of the Thursday Murder Club series and has presented popular BBC shows including Pointless and Richard Osman's House of Games. When he appeared on Desert Island Discs in 2021, he revealed that at a time when his career was going well, he was struggling with an eating disorder. It's something he continues to manage day by day, but says he no longer feels any shame about. You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.
The actress Penelope Keith, who died earlier this year, was cast away by Roy Plomley in 1976. She became best known for her roles in the BBC sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born, but Penelope Keith began her career in repertory theatre. In 1963, she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, getting notices as a very enthusiastic 16th citizen in Julius Caesar. You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.
The boxer Anthony Joshua was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2024. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist who was raised by his mother after his parents divorced when he was 12. He credits her with much of his success, but says that she can't watch his fights, staying in her hotel room to pray for him instead. You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.
The actor and comedian Kathy Burke was cast away by Kirsty Young in 2010. She came to prominence when she appeared in Kevin and Perry TV sketches opposite Harry Enfield. Perry, the prepubescent schoolboy, was a role she was able to draw on from her own years as a teenager. What saved her, she says, was the arrival of punk music. You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.
The actor Stephen Mangan was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2025. He made his breakthrough on television playing Adrian Mole in The Cappuccino Years in 2001. Although he was glad to get the part, he describes being cast by Adrian Mole's creator, Sue Townsend, as a somewhat disconcerting experience. You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.