No matter how lively the scenes are or how breathtaking the climax feels, for me, a novel's worth is ultimately decided by its ENDING.
It's that last pouch of magic dust that keeps me afloat for a little longer in fantasy land. It's that gentle hand that leads me slowly to reality. It's that smile that assures me that I can go back to the cruel world knowing that somewhere and somehow, the fictional characters I learned to love in that book are right where they belong.
Maybe these characters have passed away, but they did not die in vain. Or maybe they failed to achieve their ultimate goal, but instead they found something they could be at piece with. What do critics call it... Justice? The writer gave justice to the character.
And so the reader can close the book with at least good feelings and thoughts with her.
Maybe that's why people love reading romance. It's the reason why readers expect, even unconsciously, a happy ending from a story that's filled with romance and love. You feel cheated when the couple don't end up with each other. But then there are also instances that even if they don't end up together, something "good" happens. Maybe a last romantic gesture? Or a hint of a new beginning?
A hope in life and love. In a way, we all wish those things for the characters. And for ourselves, especially, since we read to go to a faraway place after all, to let go of our imagination and fantasies. Sometimes, it doesn't even matter if the ending is a cliché. Even with horror stories, we secretly wish for at least one character to survive all the blood and gore.
That said, I like happy endings. Or endings where justice is served. I think every writer should aim to write a worthwhile ending.
Anyway... My favorite ending, so far, would be from Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto. But if you plan to read this book, read it from beginning until the end. That's how we can truly appreciate a novel, because I believe that no novel is trash (the published and edited ones, at least). It has SOMETHING. And it's just a matter of whether that something resonates with you or not.
Reading should be enjoyed at all costs. Good luck on bumping over your kind of ending. ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment