End Of Story by Louise Swanson

End of Story by Louise Swanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 320

Publisher - Hodder Books

Source - Netgalley & bought a treebook copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Once upon a time, there was a writer named Fern.

She was a bestseller. An award-winner. Loved by readers and critics alike. With her words, she changed the world.

Until her story took a turn.

Now Fern is a cleaner in a hospital. Condemned to anonymity. Because reading books is now a crime.

Only, Fern doesn't plan on going down without a fight. She'll keep writing, no matter the consequences. She will make her voice heard.

Because Fern's story is only beginning.

But can you guess how it will end?


My Review

Imagine a world where fiction is banned, authors have had their books/awards removed from them, gains from said books taken, the government isn't here to play. Meet Fern, Fern had only just really got into her stride as an author, published books, best sellers, events, signings, money rolling in, everything was looking up especially after everything she had been through. Now present day she is merely existing, doing a job she hates, not allowed contact with any other fiction writers, living in a home that gets period checks to make sure she is behaving and not writing. Fern isn't ready to give up and slowly finds herself rebelling.

What a wild ride and I wasn't sure what all was going on or where it was going which kept me on edge. Fern works as a cleaner at a hospital, had an aversion to the smell of milk and tries to stay off the radar. Whilst working she hears some really shady stuff, stuff similar to the out there fiction she created and the people from the government become increasingly more threatening and intrusive to her life/space.

I think whilst the initial idea you would be like oh that would never happen, recent years I think has showed us just how insane the world can get/be at times. Government included. The story is told with Fern writing diary entries so we get the chat directly from her as she tries to process her feelings and thoughts as she goes.

I really liked the tea guy, he isn't a huge character by any means but seems a tiny glimpse of normality, almost a lifeline for Fern as she is so lonely and untrusting of everyone. It is an interesting concept and when you think you know where the book is going or what is coming, you don't. To be fair I am terrible trying to work out who the bad guy is or what is coming but even those good at it I don't think you will with this one because it is such a different idea/theme and as I was reading, I didn't trust anyone lol. This is the first book I have read by Louise Swanson (I have read under her other/original pen name) and it won't be my last. I have at least one more on my tbrm (Beech) and will get the others, 4/5 from us. It is certainly different so if you are looking for something of a change that also looks at shady government behaviours, unscrupulous behaviours in the NHS/healthcare, friendship, mental health, grief, shady characters and a world where fiction is banned, then this is for you!

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