The End of Everything

The End of Everything by Megan Abbott

Publisher: Picador

Originality : ••••

Quality of Writing : •••••

Setting : ••••

Character : •••••

Overall : •••••

Blurb:

 A close-knit street, the clink of glass on glass, summer heat. Two girls on the brink of adolescence, throwing cartwheels on the grass. Two girls who tell each other everything. Until one shimmering afternoon, one of them disappears.
Lizzie is left with her dread and her loss, and with a fear that won't let her be. Had Evie tried to give her a hint of what was coming, a clue that she failed to follow?
Caught between her imaginary guilt, her sense of betrayal, her own powerful need, and the needs of the adults around her, Lizzie's voice is as unforgettable as her story is arresting. This is no ordinary tale of innocence lost . . .

What went well:

I’ve read Abbott’s ‘Dare Me’, and after reading this, I have come to a conclusion that I actually really love her writing style. Some may find it a bit confusing, but it is as poetic as much as it is a normal piece of narrative. In this narrative I found that more than one voice stood out despite being written in first person.

The ‘abduction’ plot is uniquely shown through the eyes of a thirteen year old, desperate to get her best friend back. But as we read on, we realise that it is no ordinary abduction. And this is where the many voices of different characters stood out. The book was very easy to get into, interesting with it’s little anecdotes which slowly give you a sort of back story on the abduction. It also gives you deeper insight into each character’s mind, allowing you to create your own judgements and theories.

I love how quickly I read this book, keeping my unwavering attention all the way through. It is disturbing at certain moments, but not entirely too graphic either. It is, however, a tender subject, so some may want to take that into account before reading.

What wasn’t so great:

Although I really like the writing style, and lyrical narrative, I sometimes found it unbelievable that this was a 13 yr olds point of view. It did get me a little confused although it didn’t distract me from the story too much. 

Overall, I thought this was a strong piece of work. Abbott is fast becoming an author to look out for! Five stars.