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A review by rxbynelena
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I feel like a big misconception about this book is that it romanticises violence - it didn’t feel that way to me. It felt like we were inside Lily’s head, and she was confused, and eventually brave, when faced with a horrible situation.
So to pals who aren’t familiar with it at all, I’d say there are two things to know going in:
1) it covers domestic violence
2) it also shows hope and a way out
Strengths
I read this book in one sitting. I just finished watching the movie, which made it really easy to jump in, especially as it hit so many of the same beats.
Where I think this book is really strong is in understanding some of the complexities of deciding to leave an abusive relationship.
Lily is privileged in a lot of ways. Financially, she can afford to leave this situation, which changes everything. But even then, her decision to leave is difficult, and as a reader, we watch her struggle with it on the page.
Weaknesses
To me, it reads like a first draft of the movie - I think they made cuts in all the right places.
Writing to Ellen Degeneres is a wild choice of plot device and was totally distracting.
The naming of the characters was also wild - Lily Blossom Bloom? Ryle? Atlas? Bffr
So to pals who aren’t familiar with it at all, I’d say there are two things to know going in:
1) it covers domestic violence
2) it also shows hope and a way out
Strengths
I read this book in one sitting. I just finished watching the movie, which made it really easy to jump in, especially as it hit so many of the same beats.
Where I think this book is really strong is in understanding some of the complexities of deciding to leave an abusive relationship.
Lily is privileged in a lot of ways. Financially, she can afford to leave this situation, which changes everything. But even then, her decision to leave is difficult, and as a reader, we watch her struggle with it on the page.
Weaknesses
To me, it reads like a first draft of the movie - I think they made cuts in all the right places.
Writing to Ellen Degeneres is a wild choice of plot device and was totally distracting.
The naming of the characters was also wild - Lily Blossom Bloom? Ryle? Atlas? Bffr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Pregnancy