Printable Book Club Questions for The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

Why do you think the author Matt Haig decided to have a 72-year-old widow for his protagonist?
Let’s discuss the significance of the title, The Life Impossible, in relation to the story and the larger message of the book.
The story is written as a email composed by Grace to her former student. Do you like the letter writing narrative? Why or why not?
After receiving the shock of being left a house in Ibiza by a former colleague, why did Grace decide to book a one way ticket and check it out?
When did you get that sense that this wasn’t a straight forward story, and that there was something magical, and even sci-fi, about Ibiza and what happened to Christina?
Despite her better judgment, she goes to Alberto, the man she knows is involved somehow with Christina’s disappearance. Why did Grace undertake this investigation?
We learn quite a bit about Grace’s past. Her 11-year-old son tragically died, and she always blamed herself for what happened. She eventually cheats on her husband in an effort to feel something again. And after her husband passed away, she is all alone. Let’s discuss all those key revelations and how it shaped the Grace we meet at the beginning of the novel.
It turns out that Christina and Alberto gained powers from a mysterious underwater entity, known as La Presencia, which gives them a form of telepathy, for at least a period of time. What were your thoughts as you read about the explanation of this discovery?
La Presencia calls to Grace, and she eventually receives the telepathy powers as well—in fact, she received even more skills than anyone else. Why do you think La Prescencia specifically wanted Grace? What did it see in Grace that she didn’t see in herself?
Why is La Presencia at this location in Ibiza? What is its purpose? What is the connection to the Salacia planet? Did you like this sci-fi/alien aspect? Why or why not?
Should Alberto have traveled to Salacia like Christina or do you understand why he decided to live out his remaining days in Ibiza?
Why was important for Grace to have those final conversations with her husband and son? What did these conversations help achieve? How did it help absolve herself of guilt for past mistakes?
Let’s talk about the villain, Art, why did he use his powers from La Presencia for evil?
What were your thoughts about the climax, and nature fighting back at Art?
Did you like the ending? What happens next for Grace?
Some of the key themes of the novel including second chances and overcoming grief. Let’s talk about these themes and any additional ones you picked up on.
What was your favorite passage or quote?
What would you do if you gained powers like Grace?