The scholarly journal The American Book Review has a list what it considers to be the best last lines from novels. A few samples:
7. He loved Big Brother. –George Orwell, 1984 (1949)
21. If I were a younger man, I would write a history of human stupidity; and I would climb to the top of Mount McCabe and lie down on my back with my history for a pillow; and I would take from the ground some of the blue-white poison that makes statues of men; and I would make a statue of myself, lying on my back, grinning horribly, and thumbing my nose at You Know Who. –Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle (1963)
37. P.S.
Sorry I forgot to give you the mayonnaise.
–Richard Brautigan, Trout Fishing in America (1967)
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7. He loved Big Brother. –George Orwell, 1984 (1949)
21. If I were a younger man, I would write a history of human stupidity; and I would climb to the top of Mount McCabe and lie down on my back with my history for a pillow; and I would take from the ground some of the blue-white poison that makes statues of men; and I would make a statue of myself, lying on my back, grinning horribly, and thumbing my nose at You Know Who. –Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle (1963)
37. P.S.
Sorry I forgot to give you the mayonnaise.
–Richard Brautigan, Trout Fishing in America (1967)
Link via Evangelical Outpost
I agree with R.S., I would enjoy a longer list.
I totally agree. I was hoping for lines that stood alone, as a great first line can do, though some are truly great on their own.
I wish I could read more and faster.
"Typhoon", by Joeseph Conrad
"All was well".
Also, the last line of Roald Dahl's last book, the Minpins:
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”
Okay I added in the line before it as well, but that's because it's just as fantastic.
Also I know I'm always plugging this book, but that's just because it's incredible (has in my opinion the best first line and last line ever):
"Only the margin to write in now. I love you, I love you, I love you."
I Capture the Castle
"It's never too late to have a happy childhood" - Still Life with Woodpecker.
"Indigo, Indigoing, Indigone" - Jitterbug Perfume.
The whole books are even better.