End of Story

End of Story by A. J. Finn explores how the presence or absence of support can profoundly shape the psychological journey of its characters, particularly in times of deep emotional distress. Through a series of parallel and contrasting character arcs, Finn underscores how vital emotional, familial, and professional support systems are in helping individuals cope with grief, trauma, and mental health challenges. The novel suggests that the availability of support can be a determining factor in whether individuals have the tools to emerge resilient or feel they must succumb to their inner turmoil. Characters like Nicky and Sebastian, who receive crucial emotional reinforcement, are able to navigate their struggles, while those like Freddy and Madeleine, left isolated, find themselves spiraling into self-destructive patterns. By examining both supported and unsupported characters, Finn illustrates the transformative power of human connection during psychological crises.

Finn uses characters’ grief to show the importance of the support system in one instance of this theme. Sebastian says that “The family visited nearly every day, separately or together” in an attempt to keep him from suicide (57). While it’s ultimately his daughter’s picture that sustains him every morning, he says he is able to get through writing his next novel with Simone creating a pleasantly ignorable but “soothing” drone in the background.