It Ends With Us: An in depth book review

"It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking novel about the complexities of love and the destructive power of abuse.

The story follows Lily, a young woman who falls in love with a successful and charismatic man named Ryle. Despite her reservations about his controlling behavior, Lily is swept up in the intensity of their relationship and ignores the red flags. As their love deepens, Ryle's true colors begin to show and Lily finds herself trapped in a cycle of emotional and physical abuse.

One of the most powerful aspects of this novel is the way it addresses the issue of domestic abuse in a nuanced and honest way. Hoover does not shy away from the difficult realities of abusive relationships, depicting the manipulation, gaslighting, and trauma that victims often endure. At the same time, she also explores the complex emotions that can make it so difficult for people to leave abusive relationships, including love, fear, and a sense of responsibility.

One of the strengths of this book is the double timelines and the letters Lily writes to Ellen Degeneres which makes Lily a relatable and well-developed protagonist. However, the supporting characters, including her friends and family, are not so well written and do not add depth to the story. Ryle, the abusive partner though, is a complex and multi-dimensional character, and Hoover does a good job of showing how he is able to manipulate and control Lily.

Overall, "It Ends with Us" is a poignant and powerful read worthy of a 3.5 star rating that will leave a lasting impression on readers whether positive or negative. It is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of domestic abuse and the strength it takes to break free from it.