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A review by pzdrnk
The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells
5.0
This book completely drew me in and left a lasting impression I’ll carry for a long time. It’s not a quick read—partly because I kept needing to pause and absorb everything.
Jules, the lonely, introspective protagonist, pulled me into his inner world with his struggles: the constant battle with self-esteem, the relentless self-examination, his attempts to untangle the motives of those around him, and above all, his deep, complicated love for the woman who defined so much of his life. I found myself underlining lines, taking notes, and re-reading entire passages. The way this book captures loneliness and longing is nothing short of extraordinary.
Jules, the lonely, introspective protagonist, pulled me into his inner world with his struggles: the constant battle with self-esteem, the relentless self-examination, his attempts to untangle the motives of those around him, and above all, his deep, complicated love for the woman who defined so much of his life. I found myself underlining lines, taking notes, and re-reading entire passages. The way this book captures loneliness and longing is nothing short of extraordinary.
But loneliness doesn’t stop with Jules; it’s a thread woven through every character in this story. The people in this book feel so real, so human, with all their restlessness and struggles. Alva, in particular, is unforgettable—complex and deeply poignant. The love story between Jules and Alva is messy, raw, and tangled, yet undeniably beautiful. By the time I reached the ending, I was completely undone, moved in ways I didn’t think a book could manage.
What sets this story apart is how it explores life’s unpredictability—the way it shifts between moments of quiet beauty, aching sadness, and everyday mundanity. It captures the randomness of existence in a way that feels so true. The idea that “no man is an island” is central here, but the story also makes it clear that loneliness is something we all carry in one way or another.
This is more than a book—it’s an experience that stays with you. The characters, the emotions, the insights into life and connection—they’re all etched into my mind. It’s the kind of story that demands to be revisited, and I know I’ll return to it. It’s unforgettable in every sense of the word.