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A review by eitakbackwards
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Bit of a mind fuck at the end.
Read this over Halloween weekend for some spooky vibes. I think it does do a good job of slowly cranking up the tension with classic devices like the creepy remote buildings, long drives in the dark etc. It definitely has get out vibes for the first half. And you do want the character to literally Get Out Of There.
The twist is good, I was kind of guessing at it through the book and something close did cross my mind but wasn't convinced enough for that to spoil the reveal. I like creepy stories that leave you kind of wondering on the finer details at the end so was glad there was room for intepretation left in. I definitely understand people reading it twice and things making a lot more sense (&seeming more intentional/clever) the 2nd time around. I've not bothered to do this but can see how the dialogues take on a new dimension of meaning in restrospect.
I've heard the audiobook is the best way to consume this. I think it would aid better understanding of the ending.
Read this over Halloween weekend for some spooky vibes. I think it does do a good job of slowly cranking up the tension with classic devices like the creepy remote buildings, long drives in the dark etc. It definitely has get out vibes for the first half. And you do want the character to literally Get Out Of There.
The twist is good, I was kind of guessing at it through the book and something close did cross my mind but wasn't convinced enough for that to spoil the reveal. I like creepy stories that leave you kind of wondering on the finer details at the end so was glad there was room for intepretation left in. I definitely understand people reading it twice and things making a lot more sense (&seeming more intentional/clever) the 2nd time around. I've not bothered to do this but can see how the dialogues take on a new dimension of meaning in restrospect.
I've heard the audiobook is the best way to consume this. I think it would aid better understanding of the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
I think it is debatable whether it is problematic for mental health issues to be used to forward plot in these kind of books as they are often harmfully misrepresented. I think this could be an issue depending on how you interpret the story, something to consider anyway.