What did you think of the novel's ending? Was it the ending you were expecting?

What did you think of the novel's ending? Was it the ending you were expecting? Why or why not?

I thought the ending was perfection. No big crisis or reveal, just the quiet fortitude that life goes on. As Pru walks downtown to Morningside Heights, she revisits all the places that were once there but are no no longer - just like her relationship with Spence.

I liked the ending too, and like paulak, I loved the way she revisits all of the places she and Spence shared together.

It was not what I expected but I liked it. It was beautiful.

I felt the ending was right. Spence passed on and everyone got on with their lives. Pru was sentimental and thoughtful and I like that she was able to make plans for her future

At first I didn't much care for the ending. I turned the page looking for more. That's it? But then I realized that she had accepted her past was exactly that, the past, and so many things in the neighborhood had changed with the years, just as she had. She was ready to move forward.

I liked the ending also. I like what paulak said Pru revisiting all the places that once were but no longer just like her relationship with Spence. Once again I want to say I enjoyed this book and the ending was wonderful.

The ending as wonderful. A lot like real life. It ended with a sense of peace and serenity.

The ending showed an acceptance of the past and a willingness to move toward the future -- totally appropriate and very hopeful.

I thought the ending was very well done. It wasn’t a big splash just another quiet ripple and it fit with the book.

Perfect ending! Did I expect it? No, but I thought it really pulled the entire book through to the end.Beautiful!

I was confused with the ending because I didn't understand the time frame.

The visit with Enid was completely out of character for Ginny and Enid - and what did the letter mean?

Morningside Hts changed - you can't go home again- but I didn't get the context. Yet Arlo bought the old apartment from Pru? The neighborhood changed (which is understandable), but Walter was still there - now a grandfather-sitter for his young grandson. He was more affable at the end of the book than he ahad been in the middle when he was a player.

And the young woman with the license plate around her neck like a charm???? What did I miss?

I didn't care for the ending.

There were no surprises in the ending for me. It ended just as I thought it would. It didn’t surprise me that Pru wanted to go back to school. I might have found Arlo’s success a little shocking but Inalso thought he would come around at some point.

Excellent ending. Life went on. No dramatics.

I also liked the ending a lot. A much more realistic depiction of life - and very peaceful.

The ending seemed predictable - things change, but still go on; Walter reappears; Pru moves forward. It was tidy.

The ending is appropriate and fitting. Spence has been the focus of so much attention; then he dies and the family moves on with their lives. As much as we love someone, we do have to keep going ourselves when we have lost a loved one. There is a sense of relief as well when Spence dies because he was no longer the Spence Pru fell in love with or the father that Sarah grew up loving. They can still love him and now remember him for his love and accomplishments.

I agree with most of the answers above. I thought the ending was very well done. I think the fact that Pru wanted to go back to school was great. She had lost her husband, but her life had not ended. Some people do not realize this. I am not sure what I think about Arlo buying her the apartment.

I too liked the ending. The author could have just ended the book with Spence's death leaving us to wonder how Pru would survive. But he didn't. We learn that she has accepted what has happened and can move forward without Spence.

I thought the ending was fitting, leaving the reader with a sense that life goes on, and the characters would mourn the past but get on with their lives. And as with many types of death, like Alzheimer’s or cancer, there can be a sense of relief that the person is no longer suffering and that the caregiver can move on. I was surprised that Pru was going to undertake law school. I hope she continues her relationship with Walter.

It seems I am never completely satisfied with the ending of most books...they are either packaged too neatly, or I feel like I am left dangling without a conclusion. I did like the way this book ended with reflection of the past and the acceptance that life goes on.

As with a lot of others, I did not like the ending as I read it. However, after I finished the book and started to think about the ending, I don't think the author could have written a better one

I loved this ending! It is an ending that is realistic and let's the reader dream up what happens next. I'd love a sequel to this book also though!

As many people before me have said, the ending was not really surprising. Especially the part with Pru wanting to return to school. The ending fit. It does not, however, seem like a book that begs for a sequel.