Iain Reid’s debut novel I’m Thinking of Ending Things is one of those rare books that burrows under your skin. Published in 2016, it quickly drew praise for its eerie atmosphere and psychological depth, earning comparisons to writers like Shirley Jackson and Ian McEwan. Part thriller, part meditation on memory and identity, it’s a story that refuses to let readers settle into certainty.
The book begins with a simple premise: a young woman takes a road trip with her boyfriend, Jake, to visit his parents. On the drive, she thinks—over and over again—about ending the relationship. What seems like a quiet, awkward domestic visit soon tilts into something stranger, darker, and more existential.
Reid’s prose is deceptively straightforward. The short chapters and clipped sentences create a rhythm that mirrors anxious thought patterns. Much of the novel is interior monologue, pulling readers into the narrator’s mind as she cycles between curiosity, doubt, and unease. It’s the kind of narrative that works on both a literal and metaphorical level, and Reid leans into ambiguity rather than explanation.
Themes of Isolation and Identity
At its core, I’m Thinking of Ending Things is less about a crumbling romance and more about the fragility of the self. The narrator struggles not just with her relationship but with reality itself. Conversations double back on themselves. Characters say things that don’t quite add up. Time and memory warp. Readers begin to question not only Jake’s intentions but also the reliability of the narrator’s perspective.
Loneliness and the fear of being misunderstood permeate the book. Reid explores what it means to be known by another person and whether true intimacy is possible. The novel suggests that identity is less stable than we like to believe—that who we are is always shifting, refracted through memory and perception.
Why It Resonates
The book doesn’t offer traditional thrills in the way a crime novel might. Instead, the tension comes from uncertainty and the dread of what might happen next. Reid taps into a primal fear: the inability to trust your own mind.
It’s also a book that invites multiple readings. The ending in particular has sparked plenty of debate. Some readers see it as a devastating portrayal of mental illness, others as a surreal metaphor for regret and lost potential. The ambiguity is deliberate. Reid has said he wants readers to engage with the novel in their own way, to live with the discomfort of not having all the answers.
The Netflix Adaptation
In 2020, filmmaker Charlie Kaufman adapted I’m Thinking of Ending Things into a Netflix film. Known for Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Kaufman was a natural fit for Reid’s slippery, psychological story. The film retains much of the novel’s tone but expands on certain elements with Kaufman’s trademark surrealism.
For readers who loved the book, the adaptation is both faithful and inventive. For newcomers, it can be just as disorienting. Either way, it brought Reid’s work to a wider audience and cemented the story’s place in modern literary and cinematic culture.
FAQs about Iain Reid’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things
Q: What genre is the book?
A: It’s often described as a psychological thriller, but it also leans into horror and literary fiction. Reid blends these genres to create something that defies neat categorization.
Q: Is the book scary?
A: Not in a jump-scare sense. The fear comes from atmosphere, disorientation, and the creeping realization that something isn’t right. It’s unsettling rather than traditionally terrifying.
Q: Who is Iain Reid?
A: Reid is a Canadian writer. Before this novel, he wrote two memoirs. I’m Thinking of Ending Things was his first work of fiction, and it quickly established him as a bold new voice. He has since written other acclaimed novels, including Foe and We Spread.
Q: How does the book differ from the Netflix film?
A: The film follows the broad outline of the novel but takes more liberties in style and interpretation. Kaufman injects his own themes of art, time, and existence, making the film more abstract than the book in some ways.
Q: Is the ending explained?
A: No, not directly. Reid leaves the conclusion open to interpretation. Some readers piece together a concrete explanation, while others embrace the ambiguity. That’s part of the novel’s lasting impact.
Q: Should I read the book before watching the movie?
A: It depends on what you want. The book provides a clearer (though still ambiguous) entry into the story, while the movie is more dreamlike. Reading first might help ground you, but it isn’t necessary.
Q: What makes the book unique?
A: Reid’s use of language and structure. The clipped narration, shifting perspectives, and unresolved tension make it stand out. It’s also rare to find a debut novel so confident in leaving questions unanswered.
Final Thoughts
Iain Reid’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things is not a book that ties everything up neatly. It’s unsettling, thought-provoking, and deliberately open-ended. For readers who like clear answers, it can be frustrating. But for those who enjoy ambiguity, it’s a gripping exploration of loneliness, identity, and the fragility of the mind.
At under 250 pages, it’s a quick read, but the unease it creates lingers long after the final page. Whether experienced on the page or the screen, Reid’s story is one that challenges, unsettles, and refuses to be forgotten.
