I find it difficult to finish a book I’ve loved, as closing the book feels like farewelling a good friend. There are some books that will stay with me forever, whose endings I cherish for their simplicity, veracity or beauty.
These endings are among my favourites:
1. So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
2. But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing. House at Pooh Corner, A.A Milne.
3. But, in spite of these deficiencies, the wishes, the hopes, the confidence, the predictions of the small band of true friends who witnessed the ceremony, were fully answered in the perfect happiness of the union. Emma, Jane Austen.
4. The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J. K. Rowling.
5. Young girl. New frock. Box of chocolates. That’s all just as it should be! The Women in Black, Madeleine St John.
6. After all, tomorrow is another day. Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell.
7. What would YOU do if your mother asked YOU? The Cat in the Hat, Dr Seuss.
I seriously need to read Harry Potter! I was lazy and just watched the movies, but books are always better!
Oh so true! And you will love the Deathly Hallows – a superb ending to the series.
Endings are very important, they can make or brake an entire novel, just like first sentences
I just tweeted this list out, I absolutely loved it! Thanks for putting it together.
Thanks Tracey, so glad you liked it!
The best book endings tie up all loose ends. There is little mystery to the final moment. I’m sure book endings with no closure leave readers with no absolution.
We write anout movie endings and video game endings. Book endings is our next project. Thanks for sharing the article. Great read!
Good luck with your project, Jason. Glad you enjoyed the article.