I used to think a novel's ending made or broke the whole book, but after reading 'The Vegetarian' and 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation', I'm leaning toward this: the opening pages matter more for literary fiction. A strong first chapter sets the voice, the rhythm, and your trust in the narrator; if that fails, I often abandon the book before reaching the ending anyway. Sure, a disappointing finale can sour a great build-up, but isn't a mediocre beginning more fatal to a reading experience? The ending only works if you've stayed engaged enough to get there.