please recommend some books without the traditional happy ending.

[sweetheart]

My sister loves reading but is always complaining that books always have too much of a happy ending. I thought for her Christmas present I'd try and seek out some good books which don't have the traditional or anticipated ending for her to read. She normally reads fairly easy going books - no war and peace type stuff please.
Thanks

Blimey! Give her a box set of Thomas Hardy, That'd do it

Rupert Thomson - The Insult.

The Gathering by Anne Enright isn't a barrel of laughs. In the best possible way. Also The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. And Being Dead by Jim Crace.

Remains of the Day, as already mentioned, and Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene. They both made me miserable for days. As did the movie of Cold Mountain so I suppose the book would too.

oh, also The History of Love by Nicole Krauss and The Glass Room by Simon Mawer.

Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy. A totally smile free read is guaranteed but if you bought it for your sister she may think you hate her.

Would not recommend We Need to Talk About Kevin for your sister. I know what kind of reader you mean, and that kind of book she wouldn't even get to the end of.

I was going to suggest One Day, but see you are giving that to her already. Will go away and have a think now, just wanted to ax the Kevin suggestions.

Has anyone mentioned The Time Traveller's Wife?

And, maybe too frivolous, but The Deep End Of The Ocean.

Shoot, I broke the thread!