The beginning of this novel is much like starting a new job. You think: Who are these people? Why are they so paranoid? Why are they so neurotic? But slowly, slowly you get sucked into the insanity. For really, what is work without the insanity? Then We Came to the End is engrossing the same way that workplace gossip is an addiction.
This novel focuses on a Chicago advertising firm that is consistently laying people off in an attempt to keep itself afloat. The timeline jumps back and forth which may be confusing to some, but is reminiscent of how you learn about your co-workers: one story about what they’ll do this weekend, one story about a project from a year ago. This keeps the book populated despite the layoffs that are occurring, but also brings us into the fold. We are learning about these people, these teammates the same way that we would if we were working with them. They are interesting and once we’ve become part of it we can’t help but want to know more.
There is a heart breaking middle section to the book that is extremely well written, but seems to come out of nowhere. It is a completely different pace than the rest of the book and focuses on one particular person’s issues rather than the groups. At the end of the book this section is tied back in, but it still does not seem to entirely fit with the rest of the writing.
In the end, both section of this book are engaging and touching, although in vastly different ways. This book is worth reading for anyone who has ever worked in an office and thought they knew everything about those around them, until they find out they know everything but what matters.
Add Then We Came to the End to your rental pool!
- Kristin
Diverxtrme
