Top 50 Happily Never After Novels

The old ‘happily ever after’ trope can become tired and predictable, so many authors decide to buck the trend and write a less satisfying ending: a “happily NEVER after”, if you will.

We asked you, our faithful Reading Addicts, for your favourite and most memorable fiction that ends with a disturbingly unhappy result. You gave us nearly 800 replies, steeped in your tears as you remembered deaths and disasters that had befallen your favourite characters. We have tallied them up and grouped the 50 novels with the most mentions to create this list of the unhappiest endings you have read.

Flowers For Algernon- Daniel Keyes

Originally a short story, this novel follows Charlie through his ordeal, and touches on ethical and moral themes of the treatment of the mentally ill. This tragic tale gained more than 150 votes from you!

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The Book Thief – Markus Zusak

This beautiful story of young Liesel, a girl living during WWII, is in second place, gaining over 100 of your votes. Death narrates, and the theme of mortality is ever-present in this novel so it is no wonder it has placed so high in our list.

The Book Thief US
The Book Thief UK

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Of Mice and Men- John Steinbeck

A classic novella published in 1937, this one still hits many people hard with its themes of injustice and oppression, and ultimately real heartache is felt for dear Lennie…

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1984 – George Orwell

Coming in fourth is this dystopian classic where a happy ending just was never on the cards. With themes of censorship, nationalism, and betrayal, and an ending that left many of us feeling a little sick inside.

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Where The Red Fern Grows- Wilson Rawls

This beautiful and tragic story about a boy and his dogs was always going to break your hearts. The love we feel for our animals can be felt through this book’s popularity, and this one is a hit with the young and old alike.

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Where The Red Fern Grows UK

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Bridge To Terabithia- Katherine Paterson

This novel made many of us throw the book across the room and cry “Noooooo!” at the surprising tragedy that befalls the characters. It is apparently a children’s book but many have enjoyed it/been broken by it as adults.

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The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas- John Boyne

A story set in the time of the Holocaust is undoubtably going to be tragic, and I suppose none of us were expecting a happy ending. Despite this, it still shocked and horrified many of us at what befalls the characters within…

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The Green Mile- Stephen King

This novel, described as ‘magical realism’, is a touching and tragic tale of injustice set in a high security prison. Don’t expect to finish this story feeling satisfied and happy!

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Me Before You- Jojo Moyes

A story that follows a quadriplegic man and his carer, Louisa, as they form a relationship, and ultimately fall in love. Many of you decided this story of love and relationships was one that ended so unhappily that it belongs on our list.

Me Before You US
Me Before You UK

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My Sister’s Keeper- Jodi Picoult

This should absolutely not be confused with the film as the end was adapted for movie-goers… The book is far more tragic and caused many of you to break your hearts for the pair of sisters, and their family.

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