Book Review: It Ends With Us By Colleen Hoover

I recently finished Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” and I’ve got to say, the experience was somewhat lukewarm. Despite the deafening buzz surrounding CoHo, as her legion of fans affectionately call her, and the book’s massive presence on BookTok, I couldn’t quite grasp what the whole fuss was about. Hoover, a figure ubiquitous in the world of contemporary fiction, seemingly has her work in every nook and cranny—from the hands of a fellow subway rider to the clandestine tablet of a dentist’s receptionist. Yet, after delving into “It Ends With Us,” I’m left pondering over its staggering popularity.

What is the book “It Ends with Us” about?

“It Ends With Us” is a novel that follows Lily Bloom’s journey as she navigates the turbulent waters of love, facing the challenges of domestic violence and making tough decisions to safeguard her own well-being and break the cycle of abuse.

The book itself sits at the zenith of bestseller lists, with Hoover reigning as a colossal figure in the literary landscape, particularly impressive in a field where hitting the tens of thousands in sales is often considered a success. Her narrative, a volatile concoction of steamy romance and domestic violence, aims to strike a chord with its readers, drawing from the very real and toxic relationship of her own parents. However, the sheer predictability of its plot and character dynamics left me yearning for more depth.

“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person’s character aren’t the mistakes we make. It’s how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.”
― Colleen Hoover, It Ends with Us

Despite Hoover’s claim to fame and the explosive sales numbers—four million copies in the US alone and a global footprint notably significant in countries like the Philippines and Brazil—I found myself echoing the sentiment of a colleague who, upon finishing one of Hoover’s novels, remarked, “It wasn’t so bad.” This encapsulates my feelings towards “It Ends With Us”: it’s not bad, but it’s also not groundbreaking. The story of Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid, entangled in a tumultuous relationship marred by violence, seemed to lack the complexity and nuance I crave in a story that tackles such heavy themes.

“Imagine all the people you meet in your life. There are so many. They come in like waves, trickling in and out with the tide. Some waves are much bigger and make more of an impact than others. Sometimes the waves bring with them things from deep in the bottom of the sea and they leave those things tossed onto the shore. Imprints against the grains of sand that prove the waves had once been there, long after the tide recedes. That was what Atlas was telling me when he said “I love you.” He was letting me know that I was the biggest wave he’d ever come across. And I brought so much with me that my impressions would always be there, even when the tide rolled out.”
― Colleen Hoover, It Ends with Us

Hoover’s straightforward prose is undeniably accessible, making her novels an easy pick for a broad audience. Yet, this simplicity also strips away the richness that could have lent her characters more dimensionality and authenticity. The dichotomy between likable heroes and outright villains, without much room for nuanced character development, makes the narrative feel somewhat flat.

Moreover, the enthusiastic reception on BookTok, with fans literally crying over the pages, sets a high expectation that, for me, the book simply didn’t meet. While Hoover’s intent to weave a narrative that resonates with the traumatic experiences of some is clear, the execution leans towards a dramatized portrayal that lacks the subtlety of real-life complexities.

Hoover’s ability to make readers fall deeply for her characters is unmatched. She paints a vivid picture of emotional manipulation and deceit in love, crafting twists that keep you hooked till the very end. Initially perceived as a quintessential romance, the novel evolves into a poignant examination of domestic abuse and its indelible impact, underscored by Hoover’s personal connections to the narrative.

The author’s intent shines brightly through “It Ends With Us,” aiming to shed light on the moral ambiguities surrounding domestic violence within the tapestry of romantic love. Given the alarming statistics surrounding intimate partner violence, Hoover’s narrative becomes not just a story but a necessary dialogue opener for many, including myself, within the vulnerable age bracket of 18 to 24.

Hoover’s storytelling prowess extends beyond mere narrative engagement; she delves into the emotional psyche with ease, making the heartache bearable without the need for exhaustive detail. This approach not only preserves the emotional integrity of the story but also accentuates its highs and lows, leaving readers like me torn yet appreciative of the delicacy with which she handles such harrowing themes.

“It Ends With Us” transcends the boundaries of a typical love story. It’s a narrative about self-love, the courage to break free from cycles of violence, and the nuanced reality of domestic abuse. My journey through its pages was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a beautiful, necessary conclusion that resonates deeply. Hoover’s narrative invites us to question, empathize, and, ultimately, understand the complexity of love and violence, making it an essential read for anyone with a heartbeat.

However, amidst this acclaim and personal resonance, I still harbor a lukewarm sentiment towards the book. While “It Ends With Us” undeniably shines in many aspects—its heartfelt portrayal of complex human emotions, its brave tackling of domestic abuse, and its ability to foster a profound connection between reader and characters—the narrative sometimes feels too streamlined, lacking the intricacies and depths that push a good story into the realm of greatness.

“Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break. It takes an astronomical amount of pain and courage to disrupt a familiar pattern. Sometimes it seems easier to just keep running in the same familiar circles, rather than facing the fear of jumping and possibly not landing on your feet.

My mother went through it.

I went through it.

I’ll be damned if I allow my daughter to go through it.

I kiss her on the forehead and make her a promise. “It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.”
― Colleen Hoover, It Ends with Us

The dichotomy between my expectations, shaped by the voracious BookTok community, and my actual experience is stark. Despite its critical acclaim and the personal revelations it provided, I found the narrative somewhat predictable and the characters lacking in the depth that drives truly immersive storytelling. This discrepancy doesn’t diminish the novel’s impact or its importance in sparking crucial conversations; however, it does temper my overall enthusiasm, leaving me to ponder the fervent hype.

“It Ends With Us” unfolds at a deliberate pace, meticulously charting the complexities of human relationships through the intertwined lives of Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid. This slow-burn narrative is not merely content with telling another love story; it seeks to challenge and expand the boundaries of the new adult fiction genre. Lily, a 23-year-old stepping into a new phase of her life in Boston, finds her world irrevocably altered upon meeting Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon whose charisma is matched only by the depth of his secrets.

As their story progresses, the reintroduction of Atlas Corrigan, Lily’s first love, serves as a catalyst for a profound exploration of past and present connections. This narrative choice, while slowing the story’s tempo, enriches the emotional landscape, compelling the reader to invest deeply in the evolving dynamics between Lily, Ryle, and Atlas. Hoover’s genius lies in her ability to weave a narrative that captures the heart’s complexities, making us fall in love with her characters, empathize with their dilemmas, and feel the weight of their decisions.

Central to the novel is its unflinching portrayal of domestic abuse and the moral ambiguities that often accompany it. Hoover draws from her personal experiences to craft a story that resonates with authenticity and emotional truth. The statistics on intimate partner violence are alarming, and Hoover’s narrative serves as a crucial conversation starter, especially for those within the most vulnerable age brackets. The book’s exploration of these themes is handled with a sensitivity and depth that makes it not just a story but a beacon of awareness.

Yet, for all its strengths and the palpable impact it has had on its readers, my feelings towards “It Ends With Us” remain ambivalent. While I acknowledge the book’s significance in fostering discussions on domestic violence and applaud Hoover for her narrative bravery, there’s a part of me that remains unswayed by the overall execution. The novel, for all its emotional resonance, occasionally feels too neat, too linear, lacking the narrative complexity and character depth that distinguish good literature from great.

The hype surrounding “It Ends With Us,” propelled to dizzying heights by BookTok, set expectations that were perhaps too lofty. While the book delivers a powerful narrative, it does so within a framework that feels somewhat predictable. The characters, though compelling, often seem more like archetypes than fully realized individuals, making it challenging to fully immerse oneself in their world.