This Is How We End Things â€” Reader Q&A

Questions About This Is How We End Things

by R.J. Jacobs (ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ Author)

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Can someone explain the meaning of the title of this book? I know there is a line of dialogue where one of the characters says these words, but I didn't understand why he was saying it, it didn't make sense to me.

Brian Shevory I saw the title as a reference to a few incidents in the book, some with greater implications. First, there is the study on deception that Joe Lyons iâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðI saw the title as a reference to a few incidents in the book, some with greater implications. First, there is the study on deception that Joe Lyons is managing with his research team. He decided to end the study due to potential problematic research methods that might be causing harm within subjects. This does not sit well with the research team who are not only looking to advance their own studies, research and careers, but also question his decision to end things. This could also be a reference to Joe and Elizabeth's clandestine affair, which she puts at a crossroad in the beginning of the book. In many ways, the characters initiate the end of something and this has profound consequences on further events in the story. Without going further and revealing other significant plotlines, there is another important ending of a relationship that has implications for the story. In addition to ending these events, the book deals with studies of deception, with Joe Lyons, a research psychologist, noting that people deceive when they potentially feel threatened, whether this is socially for status reasons or other reasons. As you read the novel, some of the characters decide to end their own deceptions and come clean about their pasts.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a great mystery story that kept me continuing to read and guessing who could have been the murderer. Furthermore, I really enjoyed reading a story about academia and the kinds of different personalities and drama that can go with being a part of a research team. Highly recommended book, and I look forward to checking out some of RJ Jacobs's other books. (less)

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