Then What Happened?

My husband and I often share books. This is one of the many wonderful benefits of our relationship. Of course, we don't agree on everything. He tends to shy away from the bodice rippers and I don't generally tackle the Proust.

Last night I finished Lowboy, and Dan asked me what happened at the end of the book. This is a novel he read and recommended. It's probably the second time that's happened this month (the first was Await Your Reply), and it made me realize that a lot of the novels we've been reading are purposely vague about important plot lines.

I tend to always think my interpretation is correct. While Dan will often contemplate multiple interpretations.

So, what do you think dear reader? Why are so many recent novels purposely ambiguous? Is that a selling point, or do you like to read things where you clearly know what happens to each character in the end?