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Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl invited us to share “ten books I wish had an epilogue.” This is a great topic! I’m happy with the endings of each of these books, but part of me would like to see where the characters are several years later. I’m also a little hesitant to wish for an epilogue because sometimes they just ruin a book. So here are the books that I wish had a satisfying epilogue. (Maybe some of them do but I’ve just forgotten!)
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The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place (series) by Maryrose Wood, read by Katherine Kellgren and Fiona Hardingham–You would think that after six books, I would have had enough of the Incorrigibles, Penelope, Simon, and company, but no. I want to know what life looks like for these children when they grow up!
The Melendy Family (series) by Elizabeth Enright, read by Pamela Dillman–I could have read about the sweetly innocent antics of the Melendy children for another four books. Again, what do their lives look like as adults? Do they achieve their goals? I feel confident they do but it would be nice to get a peek at them.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson, read by Marin Ireland–More children with an unusual start in life. How does that translate to adulthood?
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune–I loved all of these characters and I’m honestly just desperate to spend more time with them, even if it’s just in an epilogue.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith–I have to admit that I was not happy with the ending of this book when I read it back in 2009. But now I’m older and wiser and I appreciate it more. I’d still like to check back in on Cassandra though.
Once Upon a Con (series) by Ashley Poston–Really, I just wish this series would continue since we get updates about previous characters in each book, even though they aren’t the main focus of the story anymore. Each of these books makes me grin as I read them.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Charles Vess–We all know that Tristan does not live an ordinary life after the adventures detailed in this novel. What further tales can he tell?
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan–This book ended just as things were starting to go okay for the characters. I’d like to spend a little more time with them in that space.
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, read by Prentice Onayemi–This book twisted on me a bit at the end. Maybe other readers saw it coming but I did not. I’d like to know what happens to this Cameroonian family later.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman–Is she really fine? I’d like to see what Eleanor’s life looks like in a few years too.
That’s my list! Have you read any of these? Which books did/would you choose? Link up every Tuesday at That Artsy Reader Girl!
26 Comments
I don’t want an epilogue for the Once Upon a Con series because I’m still holding out hope for another book… but we’ll have to see. I know Poston is done with the series at least for now, and I am looking forward to her adult book out this month, too.
I would prefer another book in the series too, but I’ll take an epilogue if that’s all I can get.
Yeah, even just a short snippet showing them meeting up at the con or something would be good.
I like your emphasis on a SATISFYING epilogue! Great list here. Thanks.
Unsatisfying epilogues are the worst!
I’ve read Nothing to See Here, I Capture the Castle, and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. All three would be great with epilogues! I’m eager to try The House in the Cerulean Sea, which keeps popping up in my feed.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is such a good book! It’s one that makes you feel good all over.
This is a great list, and brings back so many memories too! I’d also add on some of my favorite characters from Enid Blyton’s books, wonder what they are up to now?!
I’ve only read Five on a Treasure Island but I’m definitely curious what the Famous Five are up to now!
Oh, I would love an epilogue for Eleanor Oliphant!
Right? I just need to check back in on her a few years down the road.
I was going to put House in the Cerulean Sea too! But then I double-checked my copy and realized it already had an epilogue…but I want another one anyway
😀 I had a feeling that I would manage to choose a book(s) that already had an epilogue. Oh well. I’m ready for more time with those characters anyway!
A great list! I like how you explain your thoughts and explain your reasons.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/books-mentioned-in-a-recent-read/
Thanks!
I agree, a satisfying epilogue is needed it there is one. They are hit or miss with me.
Sometimes they are completely unnecessary, or, heaven forbid, derail an otherwise satisfying ending.
I agree sometimes an epilogue can just ruin a book, but I do like a satisfying epilogue. The only one of your books I’ve read is I Capture the Castle, but it was years ago and whilst I do remember I loved the opening and the book as a whole but I can’t remember how it ends. I chose books with ambiguous endings that I was happy with.
Oh, that sound like a good topic.
I’ve only seen the movie Stardust, haven’t read the book, but I LOVE Charles Vess’ art. I can totally see wanting more of thatstory!
Oh, you should read the illustrated edition of Stardust! It’s some of Vess’s best work, I think. But really, all of his work is fabulous. I probably just think it’s some of his best because it’s paired with Gaiman’s writing, which I also love.
His stuff is amazing! I’d love to visit any fantasy world he paints.
I love that you qualified it by saying satisfying epilogue. There’s nothing worse than an unsatisfying epilogue. I’d much rather not have the epilogue if it’s unsatisfying.
Agreed!
Great list. It’s so hard to say goodbye to beloved characters, so I need to know there going to be fine in an epilogue. Especially romances and dark fantasy or mystery-thrillers when the characters go through a lot.
Here is my TTT: https://herseriallife.com/top-10-books-i-wish-had-epilogue/
Have a great week🌈
I do have a hard time saying goodbye to characters I love.