An End in Itself: A Novel

by Terry Fallis

From two-time Leacock Medal winner and bestselling author Terry Fallis comes a slim parable of a novel that imagines a world where literature rules—and one humble writer discovers that success can be the strangest fiction of all.

What if novelists were the new rock stars?

Malcolm Forde is a novelist who's made peace with the modest life of a working writer—half-empty book events, glowing reviews that don't sell books, and the quiet satisfaction of a good sentence. But after falling asleep while writing late one December night, Malcolm wakes up in a world that looks very much like his own . . . except everything has changed. Writers are now global celebrities, lit tours fill stadiums, and he's suddenly rich, adored, and world-famous. 

As Malcolm is swept into a surreal whirlwind of fame—including private jets, red carpets, and rabid fans—he starts to lose touch with the quiet, solitary art that once gave his life meaning and purpose. An End in Itself is a wry, thoughtful, and deeply human satire that interrogates our obsession with celebrity and success while celebrating the enduring power of the written word.

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Audiobook, Books About Books, Contemporary

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 3, 2026

About the author

Terry Fallis is the award-winning author of ten national bestsellers, including his latest, The Marionette, all published by McClelland & Stewart (Penguin Random House). His debut novel, The Best Laid Plans, won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and was crowned the 2011 winner of CBC Canada Reads as the "essential Canadian novel of the decade." In January 2014, CBC aired a six-part television miniseries based on The Best Laid Plans earning very positive reviews. In September 2015, it debuted as a stage musical in Vancouver. The High Road was published in September 2010 and was a finalist for the 2011 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Terry's third novel, Up and Down, was released in September 2012. It debuted on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, was a finalist for the 2013 Leacock Medal, and won the 2013 Ontario Library Association Evergreen Award. In June 2013, the Canadian Booksellers Association presented Terry with the Libris Award for Author of the Year. Terry's fourth novel, No Relation, hit bookstores in May 2014, opened on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and won the 2015 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Poles Apart was released in October 2015, immediately hit the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and was a finalist for the 2016 Leacock Medal. One Brother Shy (2017), Albatross (2019), Operation Angus (2021), A New season (2023), and The Marionette (2025) were all instant bestsellers upon publication. His eleventh novel, An End in Itself, will be published in November 2026.

Terry Fallis earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and then spent several years working in federal and Ontario politics. In 1995, he co-founded Thornley Fallis, a full service communications and digital agency with offices in Toronto and Ottawa. He website is www.terryfallis.com. Subscribe to his Substack posts here: https://terryfallis.substack.com

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a world where authors are treated like rock superstars, the Minister of Culture is also Deputy Prime Minister, and enjoyment of literature is considered as essential as health care and defense. This is the "unireverse" that moderately successful author, Malcolm Forde somehow suddenly wakes up into one morning. Be careful what you wish for. This was a delicious read. #PenguinRandomHouseCanada #Netgalley

[Gen D. · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

It was a thought provoking read accomplished by inserting a character into an alternate universe where they learn that they are perhaps more grateful for the life they had then they first realized. The life of a celebrity has always struck me as overwhelming and claustrophobic. Personally, I can't imagine wanting such a life. In this book, Malcolm gets to experience what it would be like if writers were treated the way our world treats Hollywood stars.

The writing was well-done and the scenes were description-heavy. I am not the most patient person so I find I can struggle with books that have lots of descriptions but I did enjoy the storyline and took to skipping bits and pieces so I could follow the plot to the end. I had a similar experience with the Hobbit in which I enjoyed the plot but really couldn't stand to read every descriptive word! Alas, I think this book would make for a good bookclub pick. It closed the book feeling like it could spark some interesting conversations about how we find our purpose in the world, what we take for granted in life and how much dreaming can one do before they start regretting the time that has passed.

A solid read and a rather short one if you're looking to accomplish something in a couple hours.

[Chloe Hasson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

As always, Terry Fallis hits it out of the park again!

While very different than his typical novels, this one felt more intimate and personal to his own experience of being an author. As quoted by John Irving on the cover, this is definitely a novel for novelists!

This is definitely a no-brainer pick up for any Fallis fan, and a great cozy winter read for any aspiring writers or anyone in the book industry. :)

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An End in Itself is a little different from Terry Fallis’ other books, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. His trademark wit and humour still shine through! It’s a fun take on a world where authors are treated like rock stars and movie stars. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at first, but I was quickly taken in by Malcolm Forde (the main character) and really loved the premise. Definitely a recommended read!

[PJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always had difficulty getting into Fallis' books but this one took the longest to capture me. I've read most of his books and I find his world-building setup chapters slow. It's worth the struggle because I thoroughly enjoy his humour and wit.

This book is a different style than his other novels. This was a slow-burn all the way. His previous novels have had a "thing": a thing that needs to be fixed or solved, or the climactic situation; but this novel doesn't really have one. I personally didn't feel like the high-point actions were all that high or tense. But I'm grateful that this one still has a happy ending like all of his other books I've read.

I like the takeaway messages about the importance of writing, and reading/literacy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the eARC!

[Shannon · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This latest from a fav Canadian author of mine is one of his shortest yet and follows a middle aged author of limited success who falls asleep one night only to wake up with a completely different life where he lives in a condo and is a best-selling, renowned and award-winning writer with a biography and movie coming out about his life. He is also on the tail end of a huge book tour and has made a LOT of money. But does this bring him happiness?? He thinks it all seems great at first but that old adage too good to be true might just be accurate in this case. A love letter to writing and the writer's life, this one felt personal and had the author's trademark wit. I absolutely loved it and will have no trouble recommending it to everyone this year! Many thanks to NetGalley for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

CW: brain tumor diagnosis and surgery

[Cindy Veitch · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thanks to @libro.com for an audio copy of this book.
Terry Fallis' reading added to my enjoyment of this "alternate" look at society's appraisal of writers.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a novel!