I have very mixed feelings about this book. On paper, it would typically be something I would enjoy a bit more.
The writing was spot on and Reid can certainly create an atmosphere of dread and unease, but there was some parts of the book that went on longer than was necessary and some parts that were not expanded upon enough. When I reached the end, I understood why Reid felt the long spouts of dialogue were needed to help tie in what happens in the story and to explain the intelligence of one of the two main characters, but I still felt it was over done.
There is a sense of isolation that comes with this book, from the long drive, the small town, and even within the characters themselves, which makes this book an eerie read from beginning to end. Reid has a knack of diving into issues of everyday people with his books, especially his other novel, Foe, and takes it to another level.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things uses isolation to create an atmosphere of confusion and dread and manages to create a level of uncertainty that will keep the reader engaged. However, the end result may be a mixed bag as Reid does create moments that take place after events at the end of the book which may give you some clue on what the ending may entail when you reach it.
3 out of 5
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