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A review by hamillherself
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was not an easy book for me to read. Only a year ago it would have sent me spiralling and I would have had to abandon it. Therefore, with my own experiences of c-PTSD I would say that this book will not be for everyone. I can’t imagine that it’s a very comfortable read even for those who have no experience of domestic abuse.
However, I am so grateful to Colleen Hoover for writing this book. The character of Lily will resonate so beautifully with so many women. The most painful character to read, though, is Ryle. Because he’s all the things we don’t want to see in an abusive man. Because he’s charming, and nice, and most importantly, he’s always sorry. For anyone who’s ever said ‘why doesn’t she just leave him’, please read this book. It’s impossible not to fall into the trap set by Colleen Hoover’s writing- we want Ryle to change. We want to believe that he’s a victim of his past and that no one is being punished more than he is. We want to believe that he’s justified in his actions, and that he means it when he says he’s sorry.
Most of all, I think this book is a love letter to the relationship between mothers and daughters. Lily’s mother isn’t perfect- and neither is Lily- but they’re probably some of the most realistic characters I’ve ever read. I see so much of them in the women that I know and love.
This review is definitely not my best- I haven’t stopped crying since finishing the book and so this is more a case of me quickly writing down my thoughts rather than analysing the book in any meaningful way. I guess I mostly just want to say this: to Colleen Hoover, thank you for writing this book. Thank you for putting into words so beautifully.
However, I am so grateful to Colleen Hoover for writing this book. The character of Lily will resonate so beautifully with so many women. The most painful character to read, though, is Ryle. Because he’s all the things we don’t want to see in an abusive man. Because he’s charming, and nice, and most importantly, he’s always sorry. For anyone who’s ever said ‘why doesn’t she just leave him’, please read this book. It’s impossible not to fall into the trap set by Colleen Hoover’s writing- we want Ryle to change. We want to believe that he’s a victim of his past and that no one is being punished more than he is. We want to believe that he’s justified in his actions, and that he means it when he says he’s sorry.
Most of all, I think this book is a love letter to the relationship between mothers and daughters. Lily’s mother isn’t perfect- and neither is Lily- but they’re probably some of the most realistic characters I’ve ever read. I see so much of them in the women that I know and love.
This review is definitely not my best- I haven’t stopped crying since finishing the book and so this is more a case of me quickly writing down my thoughts rather than analysing the book in any meaningful way. I guess I mostly just want to say this: to Colleen Hoover, thank you for writing this book. Thank you for putting into words so beautifully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence