A Novel Ending?

Which Novel Has The Best Ending?

The beginning of any book is important. That first sentence is used to draw your reader into your story, but it’s usually the ending of the book that stays with me. The great ones have you thinking about them long after you’ve read that last page and put the book down.

The Hunger Games is one example. A surprising ending (especially with the changes in power. I don’t want to give too much away,) and as a consequence, one that I am still thinking about and I finished that in the middle of last year.

I adored the ending to PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern. I was sad that Gerry was gone but optimistic that Holly was going to be OK.

The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood was another powerful ending for me. I read that when I was sixteen (half a lifetime ago,) and I am still thinking about it.

The end of Harry Potter though has stayed with me because I didn’t like it so much (which is sad.) Don’t get me wrong, I love the series and I can understand why she ended it the way she did but I found it a little underwhelming toward the end.

Finally, I don’t think I will ever be able to think about the reading I did in my childhood without thinking of Charlotte’s Web and how bittersweet the ending was and how much I cried.

Endings can be just as powerful as beginnings. What ending of a novel is your favourite? Is there one that has stuck with you? One that you didn’t like?

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.