Jane and Dan at the End of the World delivers exactly what its title promises—an apocalyptic evening for a couple whose relationship seems to be ending, set against the backdrop of a hostage situation in an upscale restaurant. Colleen Oakley’s latest novel masterfully blends domestic drama with thrilling adventure, creating a story that is both heartwarming and suspenseful.
A Marriage at the Precipice
When we first meet Jane Brooks, she’s applying red lipstick in preparation for her anniversary dinner with her husband Dan. It’s their 19th anniversary (though Dan thinks it’s their 20th), and Jane has decided this will be “the last time.” The last anniversary they’ll celebrate together, because she plans to ask for a divorce over dinner.
Oakley brilliantly captures the complex emotions of a woman who feels she’s lost herself in the roles of wife and mother. Jane’s once-promising writing career has stalled—her only published novel sold fewer than 500 copies—and she’s discovered text messages suggesting Dan is having an affair. Her children are growing up and needing her less, leaving her questioning her identity beyond motherhood.
What makes this setup so compelling is how relatable Jane’s midlife crisis feels. Her inner monologues about the monotony of family life, the loss of passion in her marriage, and her unfulfilled creative ambitions strike a chord that will resonate with many readers:
“Sometimes it feels like I love my family, but I hate my life… The monotony of it—it’s exhausting.”
When Fiction Becomes Reality
The story takes a dramatic turn when terrorists burst into La Fin du Monde, the exclusive cliff-side restaurant where Jane and Dan are dining. In a surreal twist of fate, Jane realizes the hostage situation unfolding mirrors the plot of her own unpublished novel. This clever meta-element adds both humor and tension to the narrative.
Oakley excels at balancing the absurdity of this coincidence with genuine suspense. As Jane and Dan navigate this dangerous situation, they’re forced to confront not only their marital problems but also work together in ways they haven’t in years.
The Heartbeat of the Novel: Character Development
What elevates this book above a standard thriller is Oakley’s nuanced character development. Dan is revealed to be more complex than Jane initially gives him credit for. His boring reliability—which Jane has come to resent—becomes invaluable in a crisis. The gradual revelation that he hasn’t been having an affair at all (he’s been secretly playing ultimate frisbee) provides both comic relief and a poignant commentary on how couples can misinterpret each other’s actions.
But the true emotional core of the story centers on Jane’s relationship with her teenage daughter, Sissy, who turns out to be part of the terrorist group. Their mother-daughter dynamic is beautifully rendered, particularly in scenes where Jane must reconcile her protective instincts with her daughter’s growing independence:
“And Jane thinks of the many restless nights she suffered over the years wondering how to hold Sissy’s flame in her hands just so—that impossible balancing act of reining in her daughter’s fire without extinguishing it.”
Strengths and Standout Elements
1. Humor in Crisis
Oakley has a gift for finding humor in tense situations. The banter between Jane and Dan, even as they’re facing potential death, provides welcome comic relief:
“Are you kidding?” Dan says when Jane suggests they can still have a nice time despite being held hostage. “You’ve just asked me for a divorce and now you’re… I don’t even know what you’re doing.”
2. Pacing and Structure
The novel’s countdown structure—with chapter headings marking time until “the end”—creates a ticking-clock tension that keeps pages turning. The alternating perspectives between Jane and Dan add depth to the narrative and allow readers to see their marital issues from both sides.
3. Thematic Richness
Beyond the thriller elements, the novel explores substantive themes:
- The evolution of long-term relationships
- Parenting adult children and letting go
- Finding purpose in midlife
- Environmental activism and corporate responsibility
Room for Improvement
While the novel largely succeeds, a few elements could have been stronger:
1. Convenient Coincidences
The central premise—that Jane’s unpublished novel mirrors the terrorist plot—requires a significant suspension of disbelief. Though Oakley eventually provides an explanation (involving a publicist who gave her book to the terrorists), it still feels somewhat contrived.
2. Resolution of the Environmental Subplot
The climate activism angle, while timely, sometimes feels underdeveloped. The terrorists’ motivations shift throughout, from environmental activism to personal revenge to theft, making their cause less coherent than it could be.
3. Moral Ambiguity
The end of the novel presents a somewhat troubling moral stance, as several characters essentially get away with major crimes without significant consequences. While this adds complexity to the story, some readers might find it unsatisfying that justice isn’t fully served.
Comparisons to Oakley’s Previous Work
Fans of Oakley’s previous novels like The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise and The Invisible Husband of Frick Island will recognize her signature blend of humor, heart, and unexpected adventure. However, Jane and Dan pushes into slightly darker territory, with higher stakes and more complex moral questions than her earlier work.
Who Will Enjoy This Book
This novel will particularly appeal to:
- Readers in long-term relationships who will appreciate the honest portrayal of marriage
- Parents of teenagers navigating the complex emotions of letting go
- Fans of domestic fiction with a thriller twist
- Anyone who enjoys stories that blend humor with genuine emotional depth
If you enjoyed books like The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave or Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, you’ll likely appreciate Oakley’s ability to balance domestic drama with suspenseful elements.
Final Thoughts: A Marriage Worth Saving
What ultimately makes Jane and Dan at the End of the World so satisfying is how it transforms a marriage that seems beyond repair into one worth fighting for. Through the crucible of their harrowing experience, Jane and Dan discover that what initially appeared to be weaknesses in their relationship—Dan’s predictability, Jane’s overactive imagination—become strengths when combined.
The novel’s conclusion delivers an emotionally resonant message about long-term commitment: that sometimes loving someone isn’t enough—you also have to like them. And liking someone after nineteen years of marriage, as Jane realizes, “is a rare thing indeed.”
Oakley has crafted a story that acknowledges the challenges of sustaining a relationship through the mundane moments of life while still celebrating the deep connection that can develop between two people who’ve weathered those moments together. The novel reminds us that extraordinary circumstances can sometimes help us see the value in our ordinary lives.
Despite some plot contrivances, Jane and Dan at the End of the World succeeds as both an entertaining thriller and a thoughtful examination of modern marriage. It’s a testament to Oakley’s skill as a writer that she can make readers laugh, gasp, and reflect—sometimes all on the same page.
