I’m Thinking of Ending Things

I’m Thinking of Ending Things cover
Good Books rating 3.83

Technical:
  • ID: 915
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-09-23
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-10-01
thought-provoking 4.00

Iain Reid's 'I’m Thinking of Ending Things' is a philosophical and existential exploration that leaves readers contemplating life's deeper questions. The novel's allegorical and metaphorical depth, along with its unsettling and introspective writing, makes it a thought-provoking read.

Iain Reid's 2016 novel 'I’m Thinking of Ending Things' is a philosophical bowl of soup that leaves readers questioning the nature of existence. The story follows an unnamed woman visiting her boyfriend Jake’s parents, where she experiences a series of unsettling events that culminate in a horrific turn. The novel excels in its use of allegory and metaphor, exploring themes of isolation, significance, and the human need for connection. The writing is simple yet introspective, leaving readers yearning for more answers but ultimately encouraging them to contemplate life's big questions. The novel's unsettling and thought-provoking nature makes it a standout read, though it may frustrate those seeking clear resolutions.


Quick quotes

    What the hell is going on?

    Reid is a Canadian writer and the author of two memoirs as well as his debut novel, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things.

    The writing is simple, but in a way, introspective and complex.

thebloomstack.com · Unknown · 2020-09-04
excellent 4.00

The book is a wild and unnerving ride with a unique story flow that builds dread creatively. It's a psychological horror novel with dynamic characters and eerie moments, highly recommended for fans of the genre.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things is a thrilling and unsettling read that starts with a simple premise but quickly escalates into a masterful display of suspense. The story follows a girlfriend and her boyfriend, Jake, as they visit his parents' farm, with much of the narrative driven by the girlfriend's internal monologue about ending their relationship. The book is filled with thought-provoking quotes and eerie moments, making it a standout in the psychological horror genre. The reviewer appreciates the creativity and build-up of dread, even though they weren't sure about the book at times. They highlight the dynamic characters and the well-executed suspense, recommending it to fans of psychological horror with a contemporary twist. The reviewer also notes the upcoming movie adaptation and expresses curiosity about how it will compare to the book.


Quick quotes

    Seeing someone with their parents is a tangible reminder that we’re all composites.

    Even considering the data that shows the majority of marriages don’t last, people still think marriage is the normal human state. Most people want to get married. Is there anything else that people do in such huge numbers, with such a terrible success rate?

    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

elizabethreadsbooks.com · Unknown · 2020-09-03
unsettling 3.50

The novel is haunting and unsettling, with a protagonist whose thoughts and perceptions are unreliable. The ambiguity and psychological depth make it a thought-provoking read, though some may find the ending frustrating.

The novel is a deeply unsettling and haunting exploration of the human psyche. The protagonist's thoughts and perceptions are unreliable, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire story. The ambiguity and psychological depth make it a thought-provoking read, though some may find the ending frustrating. The writing is sharp and evocative, drawing the reader into a world that is both familiar and deeply unsettling. The themes of identity, memory, and the nature of reality are explored in a way that lingers long after the final page.


Quick quotes

    The protagonist's thoughts are unreliable and unsettling

    The ambiguity and psychological depth make it a thought-provoking read

    The ending is frustrating for some readers