A little speechless after finishing this. Will be relentlessly recommending this and can’t wait to read more by Maria Reva. Moves from intriguing to entertaining to horrifying with some really smart meta moments. A complex feat of a novel while also being extremely accessible. Support your local independent bookstores and libraries and put this on hold or pick up a copy of it in June 2025.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the eARC.

An endling is the last of a species, and biologist Yeva dedicates her life to attempting to breed these expiring creatures so that the species is not lost. Living in her mobile lab, she travels Ukraine carefully searching for certain snails, vital to the environment but at risk because of a number of factors, all scary. Her family wants her to give this up and settle down, not knowing that Yeva is filling in her budget between grants by entertaining men on romance tours, where these guys hope to find beautiful women untainted by feminism. Actually, saying that Yeva did anything like entertaining on her romance dates would be a very large stretch of the imagination--she realizes that none of the bachelors want to hear that she's a biologist. Best to just be quiet.

It's on one of these romance tours that she meets Nastia and Sol, two young women who are struggling after being abandoned by their mother. The mother promised to return on a specific date but did not show. The girls need a way to remind their mother that they are still there, that they are her true daughters. The way they plan to do this is will include some bachelors, the mobil lab, and yes, Yeva. All of this right as Russia invades.

This is an audacious novel filled with thoughtful, bright, brave people who are tangled by expectation, whether it's family, professional, political, or cultural. Maria Reva adds hints of the future into her test t, recommended but don't expect ube as well as clues from the past. It's confusing, and once you think you've got a grasp, your idea is revealed as way off base.

"Endlings" is a smart and complicated novel that would be a challenging book club choice--imagine the discussions about who is actually what! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

3.75/5 stars rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel. Endling is a very meta story about a young woman, Yeva, a loner scientist who travels around the Ukraine in a souped up RV/laboratory hybrid trying to preserve endangered species of snails. To fund her travels she participates in Ukrainian “romance tours.” During one of these tour stops she is persuaded by another woman participant Nastia, accompanied by her sister Sol, to kidnap 13 bachelors to make a statement about the romance tour/mail-order bride industry. Unfortunately the date this kidnapping occurs is the exact day that Russia finally invaded the Ukraine. This becomes a somewhat comedy of errors amid a hellish backdrop of war. Reva has perfected the art of black comedy, and in a simultaneous storyline throughout the book in which she herself is a character she perfectly defends her use of it in this situation “I totally understand how the jokes my friends and family and Ukrainians at large are passing around as they shelter in basements and subway stations might come off as a little inappropriate to folks out here…. If we don’t laugh, we will drown.” Her social commentary on family dynamics, feminism, sexuality (or asexuality), and the concept of home are expertly handled with the perfect combination of humor and heart. I really enjoyed this read, and wouldn’t be surprised to see it end up as a Booker nominee this year.

Whew!…..I’m spent! ….. 🐌 …. > a FABULOUS novel!!!
[Literary Ukraine culture, meta fictional, science, contemporary]

“Snails, with their slow pace and spiral shells, symbolize perseverance, patience, slow but steady progress, and renewal. 🐌
An ‘endling’ is the last known individual of a species or sub species, whose death marks the extension of that species or sub species”.
Meet *Lefty* 🐌
Yeva, a young malacologist, and *Lefty* (🐌), lived together in a mobile lab ….along with hundreds of other snail friends.
Yeva, was running out of funds …..so she gets a paying job with an agency that connects prospective Ukrainian women with American bachelors in search of prey: a suitable wife!
Note….(shhhh….Yeva is undercover ….but don’t tell anyone ….Yeva does ‘not’ want a husband)….
Her 🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌snails are her life, her passion, her purpose, her identity, her survival….[preventing the extinction of ‘rare’ snail species]
But Yeva goes on dates ….and takes the money from doing the minimal dating duties.
A funny:
“Once a bachelor asked over dinner, “Ever tried eating them? Escargot?”
“Yeva almost bit through her tongue”.

We also meet two other women (sisters) — who work for the romance tourism—mail-order-brides —marriage agency, too.
Nastia and Solomiya (Sol) ….were also (shhh, undercover brides-to-be, just like Yeva).
Don’t tell that to Efrosinia (their supervisor)….

So….we take a journey with Yeva, Nastia and Sol…. > running from or running into - WAR — (the Russians are intensifying attacks).
Each character is distinct….with back stories…
(mothers, lovers, men, etc.) …..@ snails 🐌

I haven’t even scratched the surface on the depths….layers of complexities in this novel …..but it’s brilliant….
How does an author take a very serious political/cultural nightmare setting and create such intriguing page-turning warmth & humor & mystery….while also being earnestly real of the devastations and daily stresses? (masterfully…that’s how!)
At 352 pages ….Maria Reva offers up adventure, loss, grief, love,storytelling intimacy and insights with wonderful characters.

SAMPLE EXCERPTS…. (always out of context to avoid spoilers):

“Nastia told her mother that she thought the topless protests were stupid. She thought it was gross that most of the sponsors were men abroad.
“Of course, it was mostly men, her mother had retorted,
because men made more money than women, and anyway, unlike other activist movements, everyone around the world knew about Komod”.
“So what, Nastia yelled, everyone knew about McDonald’s, but that didn’t mean it had done much good for humanity”.

“All that time I thought, if I just kept trying to make the perfect cake, she’d keep coming home after the protest or jail or whatever. Or even better, if I made her really, really fat, the cameras wouldn’t love her anymore, naked or clothed. Sol let out a laugh. But here we go again, except now it’s you. I have to worry about. You’re plotting something, won’t tell me anything, and all I can do is bake cake”.

“Ever watch a pigeon try to get laid?”
Well, you should. There’s a lesson in there. He’s all puffed up, he’s bobbing and dancing circles around her, he’s vibrating with love, and she’s whacking at a piece of bread.
Doesn’t seem to notice him. And you know what? She’s right. Takes a lot of work to make an egg, a lot of protein to chalk up, you know? She’s gotta keep her gate on lockdown, that’s her job. And it’s a males job to prove he’s not just any male, he’s not going away, he’ll always be there.”

“Am I no better than a snail sniffing out the softest, most rotten part of a log to feast on? At least a snail digests the rot and excretes nutrients, useful”.

Wonderful novel!
Highly recommend!

Endling is Maria Reva’s upcoming novel (releasing June 3rd), and begins with the story of Yeva. A snail biologist traveling across Ukraine in her mobile lab to revive extremely endangered snail species in early 2022. However, her research isn’t going so well. With many more “endling” species than reviving ones. To fund her research, Yeva earns money by being a “bride” on Ukrainian wedding tours. Where Western bachelors come looking for their perfect Ukrainian wife.

Through these wedding tours, she meets two young women, Sol and Nastia, who are daughters of a somewhat famous female protest leader. Here, they hatch to shock the wedding tour industry and make a lasting political statement. However, the Russian invasion quickly derails their plans.

I did not expect one of the most moving books of the war in Ukraine would start with such an absurd plot. Reva uses this absurd plot to examine her own struggles watching the war from afar as a Ukrainian living in Canada, and that trauma that can bring. She does this well through injecting the main narrative with vignettes about this experience of watching the war unfold, the uncertainty of not knowing whether friends and family are okay. She also tells of her experiences going back to Ukraine after the shock of the initial invasion. Telling these as embedded asides throughout the story made for a compelling narrative, but also made the story much more emotionally moving.

I was alternately entertained and frustrated by this overlong and excessively quirky novel. Reva has a lot to say, some of it interesting, like the politics, the snails, the marriage agency business. But oh, there’s so much more, so many characters, major and minor. So much devotion to surprises, swerves, suspense. Then there’s the meta stuff, the author appearing, the ending that appears half way through. And the ending itself, so opaque as to be indecipherable. Would it have been so boringly linear just to tell us wrap up the storylines?
I imagine the Ukrainian setting will generate an amount of coverage, and perhaps others will have more patience for the playfulness than I did. Best of luck.

So far, my favorite book of this year. How Maria Reva has made the impossible accessible, that of a metafictional account of three women with distinct goals in Ukraine's early days of invasion, added to a healthy dose of scientific knowledge about of all things, snails, and one woman's attempt to track down a possible mate for what she believes to be the final remaining example of a species, or endling. To make ends meet, Yeva gets a paying job as a prospective Ukrainian wife for American "bachelors" on the prowl for suitable mates. Meeting two sisters using the same method to get the attention of their missing mother who once flashed Putin and has gone underground. Having lured 12 (make that 13) bachelors on an escape room adventure, the three find themselves confronted with the actual Russian invasion. And that's all I'll say about the plot. Reva has managed to incorporate auxiliary characters in short chapters, rounding out events. Highly recommended.

I am still thinking about this layered, complex tale of three women working in the bridal industry in Ukraine when the war breaks out in 2022. A genre bending mashup of speculative fiction, autofiction, and metafiction, this debut novel is sure to make waves given the cultural relevance and unique perspective it brings to the conflict.

Yeva is a scientist studying endling populations (the last of their kind before extinction), specifically for snails, and working in the bridal industry to fund her extensive research. Nastia (another potential bride) and Sol (interpreter) are the two daughters of a renowned feminist activist who has been AWOL for 8 months. The three women’s stories intertwine as Russia invades Ukraine and the women must discern what actions are pivotal for survival.

Thought-provoking and as absurd as it is dystopian, Reva’s writing is quirky and engaging, and the inane situations her characters find themselves in will evoke laughter, anxiety, and hope, in equal measure. Deeply rooted in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to find its own identity, Reva deftly captures the national battle between the past and the future.

Thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

This book is a deep look into Ukrainian resiliency, as they face an uncertain future with Russian invasion. Endling is about three women, all a part of the bridal industry, all for their own reasons, one in defiance of her mother, one to fund her snail conservation efforts, and one as a translator.

Yeva, the malacologist heads straight towards the invasion, to rescue a mate for her Endling, most likely the last of his own species, Lefty. Nastia, Sol, and Yeva, much like Lefty, are Endlings in the sense that their culture is under threat of extinction as the war rages.

Masterfully combing environmental, political, cultural, and personal connection with Ukraine, Maria Reva pulls together both her real life Ukrainian identity and her fictional story to bring light to the struggle that Ukraine is facing. It’s eye-opening, devastating, and yet, holds a fragile sense of hope.

I love that the author included real life moments from her life, watching her homeland be destroyed and shattered under a violent regime. Watching and worrying as her grandfather chooses to stay in his apartment. Her own personal struggle with identity as she is living in Canada, married, and away from the battle front.

Truly a remarkable read.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher DoubleDay Books for the eArc and for allowing to read and review the book before it hits the shelves! You can get your copy of Endling on June 3, 2025.

*Endling* by Maria Reva is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel that beautifully blends dystopian themes with a powerful exploration of human resilience. Reva's rich storytelling and vibrant character development make this a captivating and unforgettable read.

Am I no better than a snail, sniffing out the softest, most rotten part of a log to feast on? At least a snail digests the rot and excretes nutrients, useful.

I never thought I'd rave about a book about snails (I'm only partially joking lol), but here we are...

Maria Reva's Endling is a profound exploration of survival, identity, and the intricate dance between humanity and nature, set against the backdrop of contemporary Ukraine. At its heart is Yeva, a solitary biologist dedicated to preventing the extinction of rare snail species. Her unconventional methods of funding her research—engaging with Western men seeking traditional brides in Ukraine—serve as a poignant commentary on the commodification of culture and the lengths one goes to preserve what is precious.

Reva masterfully intertwines the personal and the political, digging into the lives of three women entangled in Ukraine's booming marriage industry. As they navigate their personal quests amidst the looming threat of war, the narrative highlights themes of extinction, both ecological and cultural. The metafictional elements of the novel add depth, blurring the lines between reality and fiction, and prompting readers to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves and their power to shape our existence.

In a time when Ukraine faces great challenges, Endling resonates deeply, offering a lens into the resilience of its people and the complexities of their struggles. Reva's narrative is both a tribute to the enduring human spirit and a stark reminder of the fragility of life, making it an essential read for those seeking to understand the multifaceted layers of contemporary Ukrainian society.

Thanks so much to Doubleday for the gifted copy!

Maria Reva’s Endling is a novel that resists easy categorization. It is metafictional, certainly, with the author positioning herself as the orchestrator of an intricate and often darkly humorous narrative. But while its themes lean toward the bleak, it is not truly dystopian, nor does it embrace the full absurdism its premise might suggest. Instead, Endling exists in a category of its own—a rare and original feat.

The title refers to the last known member of a species before extinction, an apt metaphor for Yeva, a scientist who studies vanishing species while remaining steadfastly detached from human connection. In need of funding, she turns to Ukraine’s booming marriage industry, where she works as an entertainer for foreign bachelors seeking submissive brides. There, she crosses paths with two activist sisters plotting an audacious stunt: the kidnapping of an entire truckload of these men to expose the industry's commodification of women.

Reva’s novel is a sharp and often satirical examination of contemporary Ukraine—its contradictions, its survivalist spirit, and the uneasy relationship between past, present, and future. Beneath its humor and adventure lies a deeper meditation on storytelling itself: do the narratives we construct offer us agency, or merely the illusion of control?

Richly intelligent yet eminently readable, Endling is both an insightful social commentary and an absorbing literary adventure. A novel unlike any other.

Many thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for the advance copy.

such an interesting book!!! the synopsis was spot on. It was a mix of horror and terrifying things mixed with comedy and ironic moments. I think it was a great take on the issues facing the world right now. It was a great book!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This novel has a fascinating premise: three women caught up in Ukraine’s romance tourism industry take an unexpected road trip just as the invasion begins. But while the story is ambitious, its shifting tones don’t always come together. At times, the humor and absurdity make it hard to fully connect with the heavier themes, pulling focus from the story's emotional depth.

That said, the characters are sharp and memorable, and the novel's take on survival, both physical and emotional, has some truly brilliant moments. The metafictional elements add another layer, though they won’t work for everyone and sometimes distract from the core narrative. It’s an inventive and thought-provoking book, but the mix of satire and stark realism doesn’t always blend smoothly, making for a compelling read in some places but not my favorite overall.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Endling" by Maria Reva is a unique absurdist piece of darkly humorous metafiction set in Ukraine at the onset of Russia's invasion in 2022. There's a lot to unpack in this novel, and revealing too much would spoil the enjoyment, but it offers an amalgamation of perspectives.

The central character, Yeva, is asexual and a loner scientist who feels disheartened in her fight to save endangered snails. When she joins a bridal scheme targeting Westerners, she encounters sisters Sol and Nastia, the daughters of a former famous activist akin to the Guerrilla Girls, Marina Abramović, or Pussy Riot. The story unfolds as these women scheme to kidnap a dozen foreign bachelors.

This novel delves into complex themes, such as what stories get told, what becomes marketable, and the role of propaganda. The women are engaged in divergent struggles—one is focused on saving the planet, or at least the snails. Paralleling her solitary snail existence, Yeva is a nomad, retreating into her shell or trailer amid chaos. The themes emphasize how individuals cope differently when it feels as though the world is ending. Some leaders create conflict avoiding solving real issues like climate change, poverty, illness. Other people maintain a normal life, and many struggle to adapt. The novel looks at the role of art and storytelling have.

I believe fans of "The Extinction of Irene Ray" by Jennifer Croft or Noor Naga's "If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English" would appreciate this read. Thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for the ARC.
Rating: 4.5 stars.

After turning the last page of Maria Reva’s fascinating new book, Endling, I sat still for a few minutes and asked myself, “What did I just read?”

Certainly, it’s a book of metafiction. It’s written by a Ukrainian expat who reveals herself as the puppeteer of this engrossing story. I would not call it absurdist literature because, while the themes are pessimistic, I was left with a feeling of hope, not nihilism. Nor would I call it fabulistic or dystopian or heaven forbid, romance. Endling is sui generis, and that, in my opinion, is a very good thing.

Let’s start with the title. An endling is the last known member of a species or subspecies. When the ending dies, the species becomes extinct. Yava – whose name translates to Eve, the mother of humankind – is a scientist who studies these soon-to-disappear species. Ironically, she has no interest in marrying or procreating herself, and it’s not a stretch to think of her as closed up in her own little spiral.

Since funding is hard to come by, Yeva earns money by being part of the booming marriage industry in Ukraine. Her job is to entertain bachelors who arrive from other countries, hoping to connect with beautiful brides unfettered by modern ideas. There, she connects to two activist sisters hatching an audacious plot – to kidnap a truck full of these bachelors to shine a light on the industry's excesses.

To provide more of the plot would be to deprive readers of the delight of reading this original novel, which is threaded with fascinating insights about how the Ukrainian people are functioning and holding up in these surreal times. So many questions arise: in a country where it’s hard to hold on to the past or future, where everything is trained on the present, how do ordinary people survive? Does the illusion of romance ever equal reality? How do we tackle the forces of nihilism – and even extinction – to end up with hope? And finally, most importantly, do we have any power over the stories we tell that define our circumstances and also give us reasons not to give up? How do our stories help us survive?

All this being said, Endling is also an accessible book, that can also be read as a sort of adventure and a peephole into biology, the wedding industry, and the state of the Ukraine people today. I am thankful to Doubleday and NetGalley for enabling me to be an early reader in exchange for an honest review.