I’m Thinking of Ending Things is the 2016 debut novel by Iain Reid and it has really blown readers away. So much so that Netflix has made a movie based on it. The movie is due to be released on Sep 4, 2020. I’m one of those people who feel the need to read the book first whenever possible. So I dove right into the book and this is what I think:
This book is different. Not bad different. Just different. For those expecting an action filled story, this isn’t it. It’s more of a slow burn. You know you’re building up to something big, it’s just not coming anytime soon.
I was actually a little put off by the story for awhile. The thing is, I started reading the book not having a clue what it was about. That was sort of a mistake. But after all was said and done, I’m glad I read it not knowing.
The author takes us on a journey down a rabbit hole even Alice would steer clear of.
The book is read as a narrative. You are experiencing the story from Jake’s girlfriend’s point of view and she is clearly on the fence about ending things with him.
But she takes a road trip with him to visit his parents on a rural, secluded farm.
What transpires from there is the most fascinating tale. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I’m not going to say any more about the event that unfold.
What I will say is I was beginning to feel like I was going crazy trying to make sense of this story. But now I wonder if maybe that was the whole point. The book leaves you on edge. I was a bit antsy the entire time I was reading it. And the twist at the end left me shell shocked.
It’s definitely a worthwhile read as long as you don’t mind a slow start. The writing is superb and I’m excited by this new author. Can’t wait to see it on Netflix.
Leave me a comment if you’ve read I’m Thinking of Ending Things. I’d love to know what you thought.