Jo Harkin

Tania Rodrigues

tell-me-an-ending

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more

source_10558

By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our <a href="/company/about-us/notices/privacy-policy/">Privacy Policy</a>

Keep an eye out for a confirmation in your inbox

Stories, ideas and giveaways to help you spark young imaginations

source_10972

The latest books, activities and tips to help you grow little readers

source_10975

About us

About Us (Header 4)

john-le-carre-a-legacy-of-spies-960-2.jpg

Margaret Atwood

Richard Osman

Malorie Blackman

George Orwell

marian_keyes_mobile_320x200px.png

Elif Shafak

shonfaye

Authors (Header 3)

Books (Header 2)

Company

Features (Header 1)

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

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 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

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
What if you didn't have to live with your mistakes? 
 
Across the world, thousands of people are shocked to receive an email telling them that they once chose to have a traumatic memory removed. Now they are being given the chance to get that memory back. 
 
For Mei, William, Oscar and Finn there is a piece missing, but they're not sure what. And each of them must decide if the truth is worth the pain, or better left unknown. 
 
For Noor, who works at the memory clinic Nepenthe, the process of reinstating their patients' memories begins to shake the moral foundations of her world. As she delves deeper into the programme, she will have to risk everything to uncover the true human cost of this miraculous technology. 
 
An exploration of secrets, grief, identity and belonging - of the stories we tell ourselves, and come to rely on, Tell Me An Ending is a sharp, dark and devastating novel about the power and danger of memory. 
 
© Jo Harkin 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Jo Harkin studied English literature at university. She daydreamed her way through various jobs in her twenties before giving in and becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Berkshire.

'Beautifully drawn, sympathetic and with complex characters. I stayed up all night - I literally couldn't put it down' CARYS BRAY 
 
'An extraordinary novel . . . Tell Me an Ending is gripping, inventive, and a memory I'll never forget' EMMA STONEX 
 
'A triumph of a novel . . . I loved it' EMYLIA HALL 
 
What if you didn't have to live with your worst memories? 
 
Across the world, thousands of people are shocked to receive an email telling them that they once chose to have a traumatic memory removed. Now they are being given the chance to get that memory back. 
 
For Mei, William, Oscar and Finn there is a piece missing, but they're not sure what. And each of them must decide if the truth is worth the pain, or better left unknown. 
 
For Noor, who works at the memory clinic Nepenthe, the process of reinstating their patients' memories begins to shake the moral foundations of her world. As she delves deeper into the programme, she will have to risk everything to uncover the true human cost of this miraculous technology. 
 
An exploration of secrets, grief, identity and belonging - of the stories we tell ourselves, and come to rely on, Tell Me An Ending is a sharp, dark and devastating novel about the power and danger of memory. 
 
'A smart, thought-provoking page-turner. I loved it' MARCEL THEROUX 
 
'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' KAREN THOMPSON WALKER 
 
'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' LUCY CLARKE

Tell Me an Ending

Select a format:

Retailers:

Summary

Reviews

About the author

Jo Harkin

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter