Unforgettable endings from some of our favorite novels
What makes a good novel ending isn’t just how it concludes the story, but how it has readers feeling as they turn the last page. Some are bold, sudden, and unforgettable, while others ease readers to a tidy end. The most popular endings range from an unsuspecting twist to a bittersweet farewell to a happily ever after.
Here are some novels known for their popular endings. The final pages of these books live rent-free in readers' heads long after the final pages. They prompt in depth discussions, regular rereads, and must-read sequels because a great ending to a novel is timeless.
Thriller
The Silent Patient
by Alex Michaelides
Like most mysteries, the plot twist ending is a fan favorite trope for the suspense and thriller genre. But what sets this ending apart from others is its connection with the main character and the emotional impact the revelation has on readers.
The End of Her
by Shari Lapena
Ending thriller novels without a clear solution is a bold choice, but what has everyone loving Shari Lapena’s ending to The End of Her is it’s deliberate ambiguity. It leaves readers with a sense of uneasiness that has them wanting more.
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
Without spoiling the soon-to-be film adaptation of Project Hail Mary, the ending of this popular sci-fi novel is polarizing. It subverts expectations and tropes, which means readers will either love it, or hate it.
She Who Became the Sun
by Shelley Parker-Chan
This story of a survivor turned figure of power ends with a bold, brutal, and emotionally charged scene that stays with readers long after finishing the book. The ending doesn’t offer answers to lingering questions, but sets readers up for a sequel. It ends with a powerful cliffhanger.
Classics
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen - Anna Bond
This classic romance not only ends with a happily ever after for multiple beloved characters, but a satisfying end for everyone, even the villain. The ending of Pride and Prejudice has since influenced romance stories across all genres.
The Great Gatsby: The Only Authorized Edition
by F Scott Fitzgerald
This classic novel may be best known for it’s popular ending. Full of action, surprise, and a harsh realization about the truth of the American Dream, what sticks out most in readers minds is the green light at the end of a dock.
1984: 75th Anniversary
by George Orwell - Dolen Perkins-Valdez - Sandra Newman
George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece isn’t a classic popular novel ending because it is happy or hopeful. It is one of classic literature’s best last lines because of the sense of despair and urgency it leaves lingering in reader’s minds.
Romance
Happy Place
by Emily Henry
While most readers expect a happily ever after at the end of a romance novel, Emily Henry crafted an ending that is bittersweet and satisfying. This could start a trend of popular romance book endings that don’t end in love.
The Pairing
by Casey McQuiston
This second-chance romance does end on an uplifting and satisfying note, with promise of a bright and loving future. But what makes the end of this novel so good is how perfectly it ties up all the loose ends left from the character’s adventures.
General Fiction
Remarkably Bright Creatures
by Shelby Van Pelt
At the end of a story of unlikely bonds and personal growth, this novel’s emotional closure is full of optimism and the promise of new beginnings.
Demon Copperhead
by Barbara Kingsolver
Simply put, this ending resonates with readers because it offers hope to those struggling with addiction. It shows readers that if you put in enough effort, you can overcome your past and embrace a positive future.
YA
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
What makes the ending of The Fault in Our Stars one of the most memorable endings in literature is the surprise of it all. The book sets readers up for a completely different ending, so when they reach the final pages, they are left surprised, but satisfied.
Clap When You Land
by Elizabeth Acevedo
This novel-in-verse does a great job of showcasing the journeys of the two main characters, but instead of providing an ending tied neatly in a bow, Acevedo allows readers to imagine how the sisters will move forward together.
The last line of a novel is just as important as the first.Popular endings shape how books are remembered and help them standout among the rest. So whether you're in the mood to be surprised, satisfied, or utterly undone, an unforgettable ending is waiting for you on the last page.