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A review by hiraeth_
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Another CoHo read, so some things aren't new: the character-focused writing, the dramatic (often really predictable) plottwists, the weirdly privileged writing (what is her thing with homelessness? no explicitly named non-white characters, the one non-straight person is VERY stereotypically portrayed, ...), the not-like-other-girls-ness, ...
But, since the topic is quite different than the ones in her other books it was actually quite interesting. While I want to heavily criticise that there are NO TRIGGERWARNINGS whatsoever, her way of fabricating the story makes the reading experience much more emotional. You fall in love with Ryle together with Lily and can feel her struggles. Because I was already spoilered, I looked out for ✨signs✨ and was actually shocked about the amount.
Like... this man had so many red flags! I put a tab on each one and ran out of tabs... Regarding Atlas: I mean I liked him very much but my boy just ✨existed✨ and was ✨not a shitty human being✨ and is everybody's favourite bookboyfriend? Talking about the bare minimum... But I guess I can kinda understand the hype bc in contrast to Ryle... 🙃 What I don't see talked enough about though is the fact that he was with Lily when she was a minor??? And he even asked about her age and had only sex with her the night she turned 16...
I think this book received a lot of valid criticism, mostly about it being advertised as a romance book (WHICH IT ISN'T) and the missing TWs. I honestly cannot imagine what it would be like to read this at 15 with no warning... Nowadays it's so much more accessible for younger ppl to see stuff they simply shouldn't be confronted with (alone).
But (especially with CoHo's note at the end and Lily's reflection in the last chapters) it is certainly a way to point out the problems we as a society have with abuse and victim blaming. By putting us readers into Lily's shoes while she's falling in love with Ryle, CoHo showcases the complexity of abusive relationships.
But, since the topic is quite different than the ones in her other books it was actually quite interesting. While I want to heavily criticise that there are NO TRIGGERWARNINGS whatsoever, her way of fabricating the story makes the reading experience much more emotional. You fall in love with Ryle together with Lily and can feel her struggles. Because I was already spoilered, I looked out for ✨signs✨ and was actually shocked about the amount.
I think this book received a lot of valid criticism, mostly about it being advertised as a romance book (WHICH IT ISN'T) and the missing TWs. I honestly cannot imagine what it would be like to read this at 15 with no warning... Nowadays it's so much more accessible for younger ppl to see stuff they simply shouldn't be confronted with (alone).
But (especially with CoHo's note at the end and Lily's reflection in the last chapters) it is certainly a way to point out the problems we as a society have with abuse and victim blaming. By putting us readers into Lily's shoes while she's falling in love with Ryle, CoHo showcases the complexity of abusive relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol, Misogyny, Suicide, and Pregnancy