What’s Up With the Ending?

The book ends on a happy note, with Noah and Brian emerging hand in hand from their reunion in the woods. Brian tries to drop Noah's hand when he sees that Mr. Sweetwine and Jude are watching, but Noah's not having it. His days in the closet are over. Way to go, Noah.

It's a tidy ending to a messy storyline—the final in a series of similar resolutions. In the last few chapters, all the characters enjoy a more or less happy ending. (Jude and Oscar are a happy couple. Mr. Sweetwine bought a boat. Noah and Jude made up. And Guillermo…well, Guillermo's not drunk, anyway.)

The last line ("Remake the world." [8.256]) drives home the point that, no matter how messed up things get, there's always room for a comeback. Inspiring, ain't it?