Summary

**Summary:** 'Endling' is a debut novel by Maria Reva that mixes humor with heavy topics. It follows Yeva, a Ukrainian biologist, who works with endangered snails and gets involved in a scheme with romance tour workers during a time of crisis in Ukraine. The story explores themes of environmental challenges, the mail-order bride industry, and the impact of war, all while questioning common stereotypes. **Key Facts:** - **Title and Author:** The book is called 'Endling', written by Maria Reva. - **Main Character:** The story follows Yeva, a Ukrainian biologist who collects snails at risk of extinction. - **Endling Definition:** An "endling" is the last surviving member of a species. - **Side Job:** Yeva works for a company that sells romance tours to Ukraine, which is linked to the mail-order bride business. - **Key Plot Event:** Another character plots to kidnap foreign bachelors as a stunt to criticize the bride industry. - **Setting Shift:** The plot turns when Russia invades Ukraine, affecting the characters' plans. - **Metafictional Element:** In the second part, the story tackles the idea of writing about one’s homeland from a distance, adding a layer of self-reflection. - **Themes:** It covers environmental issues, the bride industry, and the challenges of accurately representing one's culture in literature.