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A review by hi_im_tate
Verity by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I am truly at a loss of words about this book.
I wish I could allow myself to rate it higher, I really, really do. It is just so DIFFICULT for me to look past all of the ableism that shines through with this book. I don't know if Lowen was written as a character that could be hated, but she definitely is one for me. I think, I THINK all the ableism was written in a way to avoid readers growing attached to Lowen because some of the things that were said/written about Verity were things that seemed to me only to be things that only a blatant abelist would say, and I would like to think that is not something people would blatantly show in this day and age, but I could be wrong.
There was, also, the descriptions of the deaths. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions and think they add to the book in its horror. However, they could be extremely triggering for anyone who has ever lost a child in whatever situation. It could, also, be triggering for anyone who has ever been in a physically or emotionally abusive relationship. If you want to read this book, please, please, PLEASE take a look at the content warnings and be careful.
There is so much more I could say about this book. I loved and hated it. There are just so many things I cannot let myself get past with this book, so I cannot give it any higher rating than what I have.
I wish I could allow myself to rate it higher, I really, really do. It is just so DIFFICULT for me to look past all of the ableism that shines through with this book. I don't know if Lowen was written as a character that could be hated, but she definitely is one for me. I think, I THINK all the ableism was written in a way to avoid readers growing attached to Lowen because some of the things that were said/written about Verity were things that seemed to me only to be things that only a blatant abelist would say, and I would like to think that is not something people would blatantly show in this day and age, but I could be wrong.
There was, also, the descriptions of the deaths. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions and think they add to the book in its horror. However, they could be extremely triggering for anyone who has ever lost a child in whatever situation. It could, also, be triggering for anyone who has ever been in a physically or emotionally abusive relationship. If you want to read this book, please, please, PLEASE take a look at the content warnings and be careful.
There is so much more I could say about this book. I loved and hated it. There are just so many things I cannot let myself get past with this book, so I cannot give it any higher rating than what I have.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Abortion, Addiction, Cursing, and Physical abuse
Minor: Alcohol, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, Rape, and Vomit