I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid -Review

I’m Thinking of Ending Things

by Iain Reid

Canadian, 224 pages

Published June 14th 2016 by Simon & Schuster Canada

You will be scared. But you won’t know why…

I’m thinking of ending things. Once this thought arrives, it stays. It’s always there. Always.

Jake and I have a real connection, a rare and intense attachment. What has it been…a month? I’m very attracted to him. Even though he isn’t striking, not really. I’m going to meet his parents for the first time, at the same time as I’m thinking of ending things.

Jake once said, “Sometimes a thought is closer to truth, to reality, than an action. You can say anything, you can do anything, but you can’t fake a thought.”

And here’s what I’m thinking: I don’t want to be here.

I’m thinking of ending things.

Iain Reid explores the depths of the human psyche, questioning consciousness, free will, the value of relationships, fear, and the limitations of solitude. Reminiscent of José Saramago’s early work, Michel Faber’s cult classic Under the Skin, and Lionel Shriver’s We Need to Talk About Kevin, this tense and atmospheric novel will haunt you long after the last page is turned. -Simon and Schuster Canada

REVIEW

After completing this book I had to go back to some parts just to figure out what happen. The writing dragged on a bit in the beginning. I got interested in the book once the characters reached the house.  I also found the usage of words very advanced for the characters and at times I got annoyed at Jake’s lack of communication skills. I also got frustrated at the main character because she kept jumping from the present, to stories in the past. I was thinking to my self  “just be in the moment! Sheesh!”. I think that might have to do with my lack of patience and my urgency to find out what happens in the story.

I feel that the flashbacks/stories told by the main character tied in and made sense at the end. The story pulled me and and so did the characters. I enjoyed the mystery and enjoyed trying to find the answers to all the questions I had about the characters. The author really captured an eerie and mysterious environment and at times grotesque. At parts of the story there were little written parts that were out of context and these parts tied in at the end like a puzzle.  I wish the ending was written a bit different though. I think I would of liked it better if it was just a little more simple. That’s just me though.

After completing this book I found that the story lingered in my head a bit. I guess that’s a part of the psychological thriller thing going on. The author’s writing and story managed to get in my head especially everything that occurred at the house.  Overall I feel that you should give this book a try. The book is eerie and mysterious, the characters might be a little annoying at times and the ending is a little disappointing but overall the book is okay.

I give this book a 3 our of 5.