It Ends With Us

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

"It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of love, family, and domestic abuse. The story follows Lily, a young woman who falls in love with a successful and charming neurosurgeon named Ryle. However, as their relationship progresses, Lily discovers that Ryle has a dark side, and she is forced to confront the painful realities of domestic violence. 

Hoover's writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader into Lily's world and her emotional journey. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the relationships between them feel authentic and relatable. The novel tackles difficult and often taboo subjects with sensitivity and compassion and does an excellent job of shedding light on the complexities of abusive relationships. 

One of the strengths of "It Ends With Us" is its ability to show the different ways in which abuse can manifest, and how difficult it can be to recognize and leave an abusive situation. It also highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse and the power of forgiveness and self-love. 

The plus point of the novel is the honest portrayal of the realities of domestic violence and the difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship. The story shows how abuse can be insidious and gradual, and how victims can feel trapped and powerless. The author does not shy away from the ugly and painful aspects of abuse; the book is a powerful reminder of the need for awareness and action. 

However, some readers may feel that the book does not do enough to address the issue of romanticizing abusive behaviour in relationships. The story does, at times, present Ryle's actions as justifiable, and some readers may be concerned that this could reinforce harmful ideas about love and relationships. 

One other important detail that is distressing is that while the book is well-written and thought-provoking, it is also marketed and presented as a pure romance novel, which can be problematic. 

The book's marketing on any social media or media platform does not include a trigger warning or acknowledge the potentially triggering content it contains. While picking up the book the idea was that this would be a love triangle or some light romantic read when the reality was completely opposite. Domestic violence is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on survivors, and readers who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse may find the book's portrayal of the issue to be distressing. 

By marketing "It Ends With Us" as a romance novel without acknowledging its sensitive and potentially triggering subject matter, the author missed an opportunity to alert readers to the content of the book and provide the necessary support and resources for those who may need it. 

While "It Ends With Us" is a well-written and powerful novel that sheds light on an important social issue, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and recognize the potential for harmful messaging around romance and abuse. 

I recommend "It Ends With Us" to anyone who is looking for a powerful and thought-provoking novel that addresses important social issues with sensitivity and nuance. It is a deeply emotional and heart-wrenching story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.