But some novels turn this linear story progression on its head. Some deliver those spoilers to you on a platter by serving it up in the first few pages. These are the novels that begin at the end: that lay out the cards early and reveal all the sordid or dramatic details of how the story ends. Sometimes they’ll go in full reverse chronological order, so you’re going back in time to rewind all the way to the beginning.
This is a fun and fascinating way to tell a story, because yes, you know the ending, but do you know how it came be? Not at all! The story still has a chance to slowly reveal to you why this thing happened, or who’s responsible. The author can deliberately leave details out that the narrative fills in as you rewind the clock until it all makes sense.
Here are ten amazing books that make inventive use of the reverse chronology/beginning at the end narrative structure.
There we have it: ten novels in reverse that span across genres, so you’re bound to find something to your liking on this list. Happy backwards reading!
If you’re looking for more books with interesting structures? Try these books with inventive structures, or learn more about the classic East Asian narrative structure known as kishōtenketsu.
