Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - It Ends with Us

Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

69 reviews

kiwichill's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is a very realistic portrayal of domestic violence and the reasons so many people stay with their abuser.

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peckreadsbooks's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

Vowed to read 1 CoHo book in ifs entirety to affirm the suspicion that it wasn't for me. Worst thing I've ever read. Predictable and problematic with an air of trying desperately to "educate" readers. Also the mc is a florist who is called lily bloom.... eye roll. Mentioning the ridiculousness of that name in the book doesn't make it less ridiculous that its in the book. Nah. Nope. Not for me. Do not get the hype at all.

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emptzuu's review

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THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

Colleen Hoover's portrayal of women in her work is deeply troubling due to its tendency to reduce them to passive objects reliant on the choices and actions of male characters for agency. Her inclination to romanticize toxic masculinity, unhealthy codependent relationships, and abusive behavior is concerning, particularly in media aimed at young adult females, which ideally should promote healthy lessons about consent, boundaries, and sexual pleasure. Her narratives perpetuate the damaging notion that women cannot be independent or find fulfillment outside of romantic entanglements, reinforcing harmful societal norms.

Hoover's expressed disapproval and dislike for trigger warnings is irresponsible and inconsiderate. Despite acknowledging that some readers may have sensitive past experiences, she dismisses the need for warnings about potentially triggering content in her books. In This Ends With Us, Hoover claims to depart from her usual entertainment-focused approach, yet the execution remains similar to her previous works, undermining any attempt at a serious exploration of sensitive issues.

The supposed plotline wherein Ryle's abusive nature gradually becomes apparent does not align with the initial portrayal of his character. From the outset, Ryle exhibits concerning behavior, such as violent outbursts and coercive sexual advances, which should serve as clear warning signs of his abusive tendencies. He is portrayed as someone who does bad things rather than inherently bad. This approach raises questions about whether Hoover intended to highlight his manipulative nature or genuinely believed in his potential redemption. However, Ryle's actions, including attempted rape and manipulation, unequivocally paint him as an irredeemable abuser. Attempts to portray him as conflicted or charitable do not negate the harm he inflicts. The fact that there are still individuals excusing his behavior is deeply troubling, especially considering the severity of his actions.

Ryle weaponizes his trauma to manipulate and guilt-trip Lily. While it's understandable to sympathize with his past experiences, using them to manipulate and abuse Lily is unacceptable. Blaming his abuse on his trauma is misguided and dangerous, as it shifts responsibility away from his actions and onto external factors.

Internal misogyny is also evident in Hoover's writing. Lily postponing her decision to divorce Ryle until after having a baby because she believes her hormones would affect her judgment is an example of this. Additionally, Ryle only showing remorse after Lily compares his actions to potential harm to their future daughter echoes the societal pattern of men understanding wrongdoing only when it's related to their female relatives, which is deeply upsetting.

The lack of a conclusive stance at the end of the book is disappointing. Allowing Ryle to retain custody suggests a potential redemption arc, which contradicts the gravity of his actions. A clearer condemnation of Ryle's behavior and a discussion on the cycle of abuse within the narrative would have provided a more impactful conclusion, emphasizing the conscious and purposeful nature of his manipulative and abusive actions.

The subplot involving Atlas detracts from the book's intended message. Depicting Lily's salvation by another man undermines the narrative's focus and reinforces damaging stereotypes. Furthermore, framing Lily's choice between Ryle and Atlas oversimplifies complex relationships and diminishes the gravity of the abuse she endured.

Hoover's response to controversy, including her handling of her son's alleged sexual assault towards a minor and plans for a coloring book based on "It Ends With Us", undermines her credibility as an author. In light of these issues, Colleen Hoover's work is indefensible, and her reputation stands tarnished in my view.

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nixicat1's review against another edition

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challenging medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I understand why this book is so polarising and why some people connect with it. Although I agree with the intention to provide more lived experience of domestic and intimate partner violence, the failure of execution was too hard to overcome for me. The writing and characterisations are cliche and simplistic. There is a stunning lack of research or logical reasoning applied to the world building or plot progression. Although a bit of creative license is necessary to any fiction, I found it impossible to believe in these characters or the world they inhabit.

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