Jo Harkin

Harkin's characters are drawn with wit and economy, and watching their stories dovetail is pure pleasure

Incredibly nicely written . . . [Jo Harkin] writes really well about human beings. I really enjoyed it

This compelling cautionary tale is set in an alternative present where it's possible to have painful memories removed . . . Interconnecting narratives by multiple character . . . weave into an ensemble piece that raises fascinating questions about how we use memory both to create and dismantle ourselves, and the ultimate mystery of who, or possibly what, "myself" actually is

A narrative that is as page-turning as a thriller, and as thought-provoking as an inquiry into the human mind should be

An extraordinary novel-- intelligent and searching, with deep questions about humanity, history and self. Expansive in its scope and themes, but never losing touch with its characters' hearts and minds, Tell Me an Ending is gripping, inventive, and a memory I'll never forget

Beautifully drawn, sympathetic and with complex characters. I stayed up all night - I literally couldn't put it down

Tell Me An Ending is a triumph of a novel . . . it asks searching questions about our relationship with memory, and each other. I loved it

A smart, thought-provoking page-turner. I loved it

Perfect for fans of David Mitchell, it's a twisty and compelling exploration of what might happen if humans were able to erase painful memories

Sharply, beautifully written and punctuated with wry, slanted asides, Tell Me an Ending is one of the most sophisticated works of science fiction I've read recently

Suspenseful, richly imagined, and brimming with compassion, Jo Harkin's Tell Me an Ending poses tantalizing questions about technology, ethics, capitalism, memory, trauma, and fate. How far would we go to live a happier life? Who are we without the memories that have shaped us? A feat of ingenious, intricate world-building. I finished the last page desperate to discuss this brilliant novel with everyone I know

Jessamine Chan, author of The School For Good Mothers

Tell Me an Ending is a cleverly conceived and wonderfully executed ensemble piece: intriguing, frightening, witty and humane

A cautionary tale about technology making its way into the very depths of our personal lives, Tell Me an Ending is thought-provoking and utterly compulsive

A triumph! Original, compelling, and utterly captivating. Told through a cast of sharply observed, complex characters, Tell Me An Ending takes us on a fascinating journey into the depths of human memory

Original, morally complex, heartbreakingly human. Dares to pose the question: how much do our traumas define us, and who are we without them?

TELL ME AN ENDING is that rare bird: a page-turner that not only makes you think but forces you to question your perception of the world. It will stay with me for a long time

Clever and imaginative, Tell Me an Ending is a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of one of our most precious and fragile powers: the ability to remember the moments of our lives

A compelling page-turner rendered in exquisite prose

Whip-smart and thoughtful with a dark vein of humour. Compulsively readable. I loved it

An important novel . . . Jo Harkin does a masterful job . . . this mind-bending debut will certainly make you think

A terrific read - I enjoyed it tremendously

Jo Harkin has created a speculative novel which digs into our instinctual curiosity and our need to know everything

A New York Times sci-fi book of the year

'Compelling' GUARDIAN 
'Incredibly well written . . . I really enjoyed it' MARIAN KEYES 
'One of the most sophisticated works of science fiction I've read recently' NEW YORK TIMES 
 
The promise at Nepenthe is simple: they will erase the memories you cannot live with. 
 
After the procedure, psychologist Noor will assess you for two things: your mental wellbeing, and the successful erasure of the memory. But there is no assessment if you choose to delete the memory of the Nepenthe procedure itself. If you do that, you're on your own. 
 
And what if one day, out of the blue, your memory is offered back to you - would you want to remember what you've chosen to forget? 
 
'Extraordinary' EMMA STONEX 
'Riveting' KAREN THOMPSON WALKER 
'Utterly captivating' LUCY CLARKE 
Thought-provoking. I loved it' MARCEL THEROUX

Jo Harkin

Praise for Tell Me an Ending

Harkin's characters are drawn with wit and economy, and watching their stories dovetail is pure pleasure

Incredibly nicely written . . . [Jo Harkin] writes really well about human beings. I really enjoyed it

This compelling cautionary tale is set in an alternative present where it's possible to have painful memories removed . . . Interconnecting narratives by multiple character . . . weave into an ensemble piece that ra ...

Harkin's characters are drawn with wit and economy, and watching their stories dovetail is pure pleasure

Incredibly nicely written . . . [Jo Harkin] writes really well about human beings. I really enjoyed it

This compelling cautionary tale is set in an alternative present where it's possible to have painful memories removed . . . Interconnecting narratives by multiple character . . . weave into an ensemble piece that ra ...

Harkin's characters are drawn with wit and economy, and watching their stories dovetail is pure pleasure

Incredibly nicely written . . . [Jo Harkin] writes really well about human beings. I really enjoyed it

This compelling cautionary tale is set in an alternative present where it's possible to have painful memories removed . . . Interconnecting narratives by multiple character . . . weave into an ensemble piece that ra ...

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter