Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Poignant, Reflective, Emotional, Intense
- Read it if
- You enjoy emotionally intense coming-of-age stories that explore complex themes of love, sacrifice, and the impact of other people's lives on your own.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted romance or shy away from stories dealing with difficult subjects like terminal illness and assisted suicide.
How It Ends Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Weight of Expectation
Seventeen-year-old Hanna is in a difficult relationship with Seth, her long-time crush. Their romance is not happy, marked by constant arguments and Seth's controlling behavior. Hanna feels trapped and wonders if this possessive dynamic is what love means. She also has neglected her school's required community service, and with graduation near, she needs to complete the hours quickly. Her lack of interest in her future and her emotional ties to Seth leave her feeling lost, setting the stage for big personal changes.
A New Responsibility
To finish her overdue community service, Hanna reluctantly becomes a caretaker for her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Schoenmaker. Mrs. Schoenmaker has advanced Parkinson's disease and needs constant care. Her husband, Mr. Schoenmaker, is devoted but cannot always be there. Hanna first sees the task as a chore to clear her academic hurdle. She is uncomfortable with the physical demands of caring for someone so frail and the quiet intensity of the Schoenmakers' home. This new duty, however, brings Hanna into a world far different from her own teenage dramas.
The Allure of the Audiobook
During her shifts at the Schoenmaker home, Hanna often hears an audiobook playing in Mrs. Schoenmaker's room. The story, a tale of deep passion, sacrifice, and loyalty, slowly draws Hanna in. She is mesmerized by the intense love described, which contrasts sharply with her own troubled relationship with Seth. The story speaks of a love so strong it goes beyond normal limits, making Hanna question her understanding of romance. She begins to listen closely, becoming more and more engrossed in the unfolding drama, captivated by the idea that such a lasting and selfless love could exist.
Whispers of a Past Life
As Hanna continues to care for Mrs. Schoenmaker and listen to the audiobook, small clues appear. The narrator's voice, specific details, and Mrs. Schoenmaker's reactions suggest a deeper connection to the story than just casual listening. Hanna eventually discovers the truth: the audiobook is not fiction, but a personal account of Mrs. Schoenmaker's own life, telling her extraordinary love story with her husband, Mr. Schoenmaker. This discovery deeply affects Hanna, changing how she sees the elderly couple and their quiet life. The story she thought was fiction is, in fact, a living example of a lasting bond.
A Love Transcending Time
The audiobook tells the Schoenmakers' journey, detailing their meeting, their struggles, and the strength of their commitment. Hanna learns about their sacrifices, the problems they overcame, and the deep, almost spiritual, connection that defined their relationship. The story shows a love that is both passionate and strong, a bond built through shared experiences and steady devotion. This account of their lasting love is a stark contrast to the superficiality and conflict Hanna experiences with Seth, making her think about the true meaning of companionship and sacrifice.
Hanna's Shifting Perspective
The Schoenmakers' powerful love story helps Hanna change. She begins to see her relationship with Seth differently. Seth's controlling nature and their constant arguments seem small and empty compared to the deep and selfless love in the audiobook. Hanna starts to question her definition of love, realizing that what she has with Seth is far from the ideal she now imagines. The Schoenmakers' steady devotion inspires her to seek a more real and respectful connection, causing her to rethink her choices and desires.
Confrontation and Disillusionment
As Hanna's view changes, her tolerance for Seth's controlling behavior lessens. She is less willing to compromise or put up with his possessiveness. Their arguments get worse, fueled by Hanna's new clarity and growing unhappiness. She starts to state her needs and boundaries, which Seth resists, leading to more conflict. The clear difference between the Schoenmakers' respectful partnership and her own difficult relationship with Seth becomes unbearable. Hanna realizes her love for Seth is not the fulfilling, life-affirming force she now knows love can be.
The Unthinkable Choice
The audiobook's story ends with a devastating fact: the Schoenmakers' love story is nearing its final, tragic chapter. Mr. Schoenmaker tells Hanna about the difficult and heartbreaking decision he and Mrs. Schoenmaker have made together. Because of Mrs. Schoenmaker's advanced Parkinson's and her worsening quality of life, they have chosen to end her suffering on their own terms. This confession shocks Hanna, forcing her to face the deep and often painful realities of love, loss, and the ultimate act of devotion. She struggles with the ethical and emotional parts of their choice.
A Final Act of Love
In a deeply emotional and carefully planned series of events, Mr. Schoenmaker helps Mrs. Schoenmaker carry out their shared decision. The scene is shown with great care, focusing on the deep love and understanding between them. Hanna witnesses, directly or indirectly, the end of their bond, experiencing the raw grief and deep peace that comes with such a radical act of love. The tragic yet beautiful end to the Schoenmakers' story leaves a lasting mark on Hanna, forcing her to confront the ultimate expressions of devotion and the complexities of human suffering and compassion.
The Aftermath and New Beginnings
Affected by the Schoenmakers' story and its devastating end, Hanna finds the strength to end her relationship with Seth. The experience has changed her understanding of love, self-worth, and the life she wants to lead. She sees the toxicity of her past relationship and is ready to move on. The community service, at first a burden, has become a transformative journey. Hanna emerges from this experience with a clearer sense of self, a deeper appreciation for real connection, and a new resolve to pursue relationships and a future based on respect, understanding, and true devotion.
Principal Figures
Hanna
Protagonist
A seventeen-year-old grappling with a toxic relationship and a lack of direction.
Hanna is a typical teenager at the outset, more concerned with her boyfriend, Seth, than her academic future or personal growth. She is initially depicted as somewhat naive and easily swayed, particularly within the confines of her controlling relationship. However, she possesses an underlying capacity for empathy and introspection, which is ignited by her exposure to the Schoenmakers' story. She is observant, though initially passive, and capable of deep emotional response. Her journey is one of self-discovery and the painful realization of what true love and sacrifice entail.
Relationships: Seth (Controlling, tumultuous boyfriend); Mrs. Schoenmaker (Elderly patient, indirect mentor); Mr. Schoenmaker (Elderly neighbor, direct mentor/confidant)
Seth
Antagonist/Supporting
Hanna's possessive and controlling boyfriend.
Seth is Hanna's long-time boyfriend, characterized by his possessive and controlling nature. He frequently argues with Hanna, dictating her choices and making her feel isolated from her friends and interests. He represents the kind of love that is unhealthy and stifling, serving as a foil to the profound and selfless love portrayed by the Schoenmakers. Seth is resistant to Hanna's attempts to assert her independence, highlighting the toxicity of their dynamic. His character underscores the challenges Hanna faces in breaking free from an unhealthy relationship.
Relationships: Hanna (Controlling boyfriend)
Mrs. Schoenmaker
Supporting
An elderly woman with advanced Parkinson's, whose life story deeply impacts Hanna.
Mrs. Schoenmaker is an elderly woman suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease, requiring constant care. Despite her physical limitations, she possesses an inner strength and a profound love for her husband. Her life story, revealed through the audiobook, becomes a powerful testament to enduring devotion and sacrifice. She is largely silent due to her condition, but her presence and the narrative of her past speak volumes, acting as a profound, if indirect, mentor to Hanna. Her ultimate decision, made with her husband, highlights the depths of their bond and the complexities of end-of-life choices.
Relationships: Mr. Schoenmaker (Devoted husband); Hanna (Patient, recipient of her life story)
Mr. Schoenmaker
Supporting
Mrs. Schoenmaker's devoted husband and the narrator of their love story.
Mr. Schoenmaker is Mrs. Schoenmaker's loving and dedicated husband, who cares for her with unwavering devotion despite her debilitating illness. He is the quiet, steadfast force behind their extraordinary love story, serving as both its central figure and its chronicler through the audiobook. He confides in Hanna, revealing the heartbreaking decision he and his wife have made, showcasing his profound love and respect for her autonomy. He embodies true, selfless love and the agonizing choices it can demand, becoming a profound mentor figure for Hanna, guiding her understanding of life's deepest commitments.
Relationships: Mrs. Schoenmaker (Devoted husband); Hanna (Employer, confidant, mentor)
Themes & Insights
The Nature of Love
The novel explores different types of love, contrasting the superficial, controlling love between Hanna and Seth with the deep, selfless, and lasting love of the Schoenmakers. It questions common romantic ideas, suggesting that true love often involves sacrifice, respect, and deep understanding, even in great suffering. Hanna's journey teaches her what love truly means, moving from a possessive, conflict-filled relationship to understanding a love that goes beyond life itself, as shown by the Schoenmakers' final decision.
“Love wasn’t a feeling. It was a choice. A decision. And it was a hard one.”
Sacrifice and Devotion
Sacrifice is a main theme, especially through the Schoenmakers' story. Their entire relationship is built on mutual devotion and deep sacrifices, ending in their heartbreaking decision to end Mrs. Schoenmaker's suffering. This act, though controversial, is presented as the greatest expression of love and respect for each other's wishes. Hanna sees this extreme devotion, which makes her rethink her own understanding of commitment and how far people will go for those they truly love, contrasting it with the small sacrifices she makes for Seth.
“There are some things you do for love, and some things you do because of love.”
Coming of Age and Self-Discovery
Hanna's journey is a classic coming-of-age story. At first lost and defined by her unhealthy relationship, she goes through a big change. Her community service, initially a chore, helps her discover herself. By seeing the Schoenmakers' life and death, she gains a deeper understanding of life's complexities, the meaning of true love, and her own desires. She learns to recognize and reject toxic relationships, asserting her independence and deciding her own path forward, becoming a more mature and self-aware person.
“Sometimes the end is really just the beginning.”
The Power of Storytelling
The audiobook works as a strong narrative tool and a central theme. The Schoenmakers' life story, told as an audiobook, is not just entertainment but a living example that deeply affects Hanna. It lets her experience a life far beyond her own, opening her eyes to different views on love, loss, and human connection. Listening to a story, especially one that turns out to be true, shows how stories can shape understanding, challenge beliefs, and cause personal change, proving that stories can be as powerful as direct experience.
“Stories were like maps, charting the landscape of the heart.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Audiobook
A recorded memoir that serves as a catalyst for Hanna's transformation.
The audiobook is the central plot device, initially presented as a fictional romance but later revealed to be the true life story of Mrs. Schoenmaker and her husband. It functions as a powerful narrative within a narrative, allowing Hanna (and the reader) to access the Schoenmakers' past and understand their profound love. It acts as a direct contrast to Hanna's own relationship, forcing her to re-evaluate her understanding of love. The audiobook is the primary vehicle through which the themes of enduring love, sacrifice, and the ultimate choices of devotion are explored, ultimately leading to Hanna's personal growth and the story's tragic climax.
Community Service Requirement
An external obligation that forces Hanna into a transformative situation.
Hanna's mandatory community service requirement serves as the inciting incident that forces her into the Schoenmakers' lives. Without this external pressure, Hanna would likely not have encountered the elderly couple or their impactful story. It's a classic plot device where an initial inconvenience or obligation leads to unexpected personal growth and a change in the protagonist's life trajectory. It highlights how even mundane requirements can lead to profound, life-altering experiences, pushing Hanna out of her comfort zone and into a situation where she must confront deeper realities.
Foreshadowing (The Title)
The title 'How It Ends' hints at the tragic conclusion and the cyclical nature of life.
The title 'How It Ends' serves as a significant piece of foreshadowing, immediately setting a tone of impending conclusion and potentially tragedy. It not only refers to the Schoenmakers' ultimate decision to end Mrs. Schoenmaker's life but also implies the ending of Hanna's toxic relationship with Seth and the end of her naive understanding of love. The title suggests a focus on conclusions, but the narrative cleverly subverts this by also showing how endings can lead to new beginnings, reinforcing the cyclical nature of life, love, and personal transformation.
How It Ends Quotes
“I think about you and me, and I think about how if it’s not you, it’s nobody.”
“It’s amazing how much you can love someone, even when you know they’re going to break your heart.”
“Some things are just meant to be, no matter how hard you fight them.”
“You can’t outrun your past, no matter how fast you go.”
“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is let go, even when you know it’s for the best.”
“Love isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it’s messy and complicated and completely unfair.”
“He was the kind of beautiful that made you forget how to breathe.”
“We were two broken pieces trying to fit together, hoping to make something whole.”
“Every goodbye felt like a little death.”
“There’s a difference between wanting someone and needing them. And I needed him.”
“The hardest battles are the ones you fight within yourself.”
“Hope is a dangerous thing, but it’s also the only thing that keeps you going.”
“He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me.”
“Some scars never fade, no matter how much time passes.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Hanna's main concern as graduation approaches?
- Finding a college to attend
- Her strained relationship with Seth
- Completing her community service requirement
- Deciding on a career path
Show answer
C. Completing her community service requirement Hanna has been ignoring the school's community service requirement and needs to complete hours in a hurry for graduation.
Question 2
Who is Seth in relation to Hanna at the beginning of the story?
- Her best friend
- Her controlling boyfriend
- Her older brother
- A new crush
Show answer
B. Her controlling boyfriend The synopsis states that Hanna has been in love with Seth for a long time, and now they are in an actual relationship, but he is controlling.
Question 3
What medical condition does Mrs. Schoenmaker suffer from?
- Alzheimer's disease
- Advanced Parkinson's
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Terminal cancer
Show answer
B. Advanced Parkinson's Hanna volunteers as a caretaker for her neighbor Mrs. Schoenmaker, an elderly woman with advanced Parkinson’s.
Question 4
How does Hanna primarily fulfill her community service requirement?
- Volunteering at a local animal shelter
- Tutoring younger students after school
- Caring for her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Schoenmaker
- Working at a soup kitchen
Show answer
C. Caring for her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Schoenmaker Hanna volunteers as a caretaker for her neighbor Mrs. Schoenmaker to fulfill her community service.
Question 5
What is the nature of the audiobook Mrs. Schoenmaker is listening to?
- A historical drama about a queen
- A mystery novel with a shocking twist
- A love story of passion, sacrifice, and complete devotion
- A self-help guide on relationships
Show answer
C. A love story of passion, sacrifice, and complete devotion While caring for Mrs. S., Hanna becomes mesmerized by an audiobook that the older woman is listening to, described as 'a love story of passion, sacrifice, and complete devotion.'
Question 6
What significant realization does Hanna have about the audiobook she's listening to with Mrs. Schoenmaker?
- It is a popular bestseller she had previously avoided.
- It is not a fictional story, but the true story of Mrs. Schoenmaker's life.
- It was written by Mrs. Schoenmaker's husband.
- The ending is completely different from what she expected.
Show answer
B. It is not a fictional story, but the true story of Mrs. Schoenmaker's life. The synopsis reveals, 'what Hanna doesn’t know is that the story she’s listening to is not fiction—and that Mrs. Schoenmaker and her husband’s devotion to each other is about to reach its shattering, irrevocable conclusion....'
Question 7
How does the audiobook primarily affect Hanna's perspective?
- It makes her appreciate her relationship with Seth more.
- It makes her cynical about the existence of true love.
- It changes her understanding of what genuine love can be.
- It inspires her to write her own love story.
Show answer
C. It changes her understanding of what genuine love can be. Hanna is 'fascinated by the idea that love like that really exists, and slowly, the story begins to change her,' contrasting with her negative view of her relationship with Seth.
Question 8
What is the implied 'shattering, irrevocable conclusion' that Mrs. Schoenmaker and her husband's devotion is about to reach?
- They are moving away to a different country.
- Their love story will end with the death of one or both of them.
- They are facing a difficult financial crisis.
- They are planning to renew their wedding vows.
Show answer
B. Their love story will end with the death of one or both of them. The phrase 'shattering, irrevocable conclusion' in the context of advanced Parkinson's and deep devotion strongly implies the end of their lives together, likely through death.
Question 9
The novel explores the idea that 'people and events have the ability to change who we are without our even realizing it.' What specific 'event' is central to this theme for Hanna?
- Her ongoing conflicts with Seth.
- Her decision to pursue a specific college major.
- Her caretaking role and exposure to Mrs. Schoenmaker's story.
- Her efforts to complete her community service hours.
Show answer
C. Her caretaking role and exposure to Mrs. Schoenmaker's story. The synopsis explicitly states the audiobook and Mrs. Schoenmaker's story 'begins to change her,' aligning with the overarching theme of how people and events change us.
Question 10
What is Hanna's initial perception of love, based on her relationship with Seth?
- It is a source of joy and stability.
- It is controlling and involves constant fighting.
- It is a fleeting emotion that doesn't last.
- It is less important than personal ambition.
Show answer
B. It is controlling and involves constant fighting. The text states, 'Seth is controlling and all they seem to do anymore is fight. If that’s what love is, Hanna doesn’t want any part of it.'
How It Ends FAQ
What is the central conflict Hanna faces regarding her relationship with Seth at the beginning of the novel?
Hanna is grappling with the reality of her relationship with Seth, finding it to be controlling and filled with arguments, contrary to her idealized vision of love. This stark contrast between expectation and reality causes her to question whether she wants to continue being a part of it.
How does Hanna come to volunteer for Mrs. Schoenmaker, and what is her initial motivation?
Hanna volunteers for Mrs. Schoenmaker out of necessity, needing to fulfill a last-minute community service requirement for graduation. Her initial motivation is purely practical, driven by the looming deadline and the need to earn hours quickly.
What kind of audiobook does Mrs. Schoenmaker listen to, and how does it impact Hanna?
Mrs. Schoenmaker listens to an audiobook described as a love story of passion, sacrifice, and complete devotion. Hanna becomes mesmerized by the narrative, finding herself fascinated by the concept of such profound love existing, which begins to subtly alter her perceptions and understanding of relationships.
What is the significant twist revealed about the audiobook Mrs. Schoenmaker is listening to?
The significant twist is that the love story Hanna is listening to is not fiction, but rather the true story of Mrs. Schoenmaker and her husband's own relationship. This revelation deepens Hanna's connection to the narrative and the elderly couple.
How does the novel explore the theme of 'how love ends' through Mrs. Schoenmaker's story?
The novel explores 'how love ends' through the tragic and irrevocable conclusion of Mrs. Schoenmaker and her husband's devotion. Their story culminates in a shattering event, suggesting that while love can be beautiful and enduring, it can also reach a heartbreaking, final point.
What specific details from the audiobook might foreshadow the tragic ending of the Schoenmakers' story?
The audiobook likely contains subtle details about the depth of the couple's devotion and the challenges they faced, which, upon the revelation of its truth, would retroactively serve as foreshadowing. For example, descriptions of extreme sacrifice or unbreakable vows might hint at their ultimate, tragic decision.
Are there any parallels between Hanna's relationship with Seth and the early stages of Mrs. Schoenmaker's love story, even if contrasting?
While explicitly contrasting in their healthiness, there might be subtle parallels in the intensity of feeling or initial attraction. Hanna's initial idealization of love, despite Seth's controlling nature, could reflect an unrefined echo of the powerful emotions that characterized Mrs. Schoenmaker's early romance before its complexities developed.
How does Mrs. Schoenmaker's physical condition (advanced Parkinson's) play a role beyond just being a plot device for Hanna's community service?
Mrs. Schoenmaker's advanced Parkinson's isn't merely a plot device; it's a critical element that underscores the depth of her husband's devotion and the sacrifices made. It also provides the context for the 'shattering, irrevocable conclusion,' making their ultimate decision understandable within the framework of their love and her suffering.
What is the significance of the title 'How It Ends' in relation to both Hanna's and Mrs. Schoenmaker's narratives?
The title 'How It Ends' holds dual significance: for Hanna, it refers to the potential ending of her unhealthy relationship with Seth and the end of her naive understanding of love. For Mrs. Schoenmaker, it literally refers to the tragic and final conclusion of her life and her husband's ultimate act of devotion, marking the end of their shared existence.
How does Hanna's initial perception of love, based on her relationship with Seth, evolve throughout the novel?
Hanna initially perceives love through the lens of her troubled relationship with Seth, viewing it as controlling and contentious. As she listens to Mrs. Schoenmaker's story, her perception evolves, leading her to understand love as something capable of profound passion, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion, challenging her initial cynical view.
What psychological impact does listening to the audiobook have on Hanna's self-identity and her understanding of her own desires?
The audiobook profoundly impacts Hanna's self-identity by introducing her to a radically different concept of love, making her question her own desires and what she truly seeks in a relationship. It forces her to re-evaluate her values and what she is willing to accept or strive for in her own romantic life.
How does the concept of 'sacrifice' in love, as depicted in the audiobook, challenge Hanna's adolescent understanding of relationships?
The concept of 'sacrifice' in the audiobook, particularly in its extreme form within the Schoenmakers' story, deeply challenges Hanna's adolescent understanding of relationships. Her experience with Seth is self-focused and turbulent, while the audiobook presents a selflessness and profound commitment that redefines what she thought love entailed.
In what ways does Hanna's empathy for Mrs. Schoenmaker develop, and how does this affect her own emotional maturity?
Hanna's empathy for Mrs. Schoenmaker develops significantly as she witnesses her struggles and, more importantly, learns the truth of her profound love story. This growing empathy fosters Hanna's emotional maturity, moving her beyond her self-centered concerns to a deeper understanding of human connection, suffering, and devotion.
Is the 'shattering, irrevocable conclusion' of Mrs. Schoenmaker's story an act of ultimate love or a tragic choice born of despair?
This is open to interpretation. It can be seen as an act of ultimate love, a final selfless devotion by her husband to end her suffering and honor their lifelong bond. However, it can also be viewed as a tragic choice born of despair, highlighting the painful realities of severe illness and the limits of human endurance, even in profound love.
How does the novel suggest that 'people and events have the ability to change who we are without our even realizing it'?
The novel exemplifies this through Hanna's transformation. Her seemingly mundane task of caring for Mrs. Schoenmaker and listening to the audiobook subtly but profoundly alters her understanding of love, relationships, and herself, without her consciously seeking such a change. The events unfold and reshape her perspective organically.
Could Seth be interpreted as a necessary catalyst for Hanna's growth, rather than just a negative influence?
Yes, Seth could be interpreted as a necessary catalyst. His controlling behavior and the unhappiness of their relationship provide the stark contrast that makes the idealized love in the audiobook so compelling to Hanna. His negative influence ultimately pushes her to question her assumptions about love and seek something more profound.
Does the novel endorse the 'passion, sacrifice, and complete devotion' depicted in the audiobook as the ideal form of love, or does it present a more nuanced view?
While the audiobook presents an idealized form, the novel likely offers a more nuanced view. It certainly highlights the beauty and power of such devotion, but the 'shattering, irrevocable conclusion' also subtly questions the extreme sacrifices and potential tragedy inherent in such an all-consuming love, suggesting its complexities.
What message does the book convey about the nature of true love, especially contrasting Hanna's initial experience with the Schoenmakers' story?
The book conveys that true love is far more complex and multifaceted than adolescent infatuation. Contrasting Hanna's turbulent relationship with Seth, the Schoenmakers' story suggests true love involves deep commitment, profound sacrifice, enduring devotion, and the willingness to face life's ultimate challenges together, even if it leads to heartbreaking decisions.
About the author
Laura Wiess is an author known for her works of fiction, including "Leftovers" and "How It Ends." Her writing often explores complex themes and emotional experiences, resonating with readers through relatable characters and situations.
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