It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover follows Lily Bloom, a determined young woman who is working to build a new life away from her troubled childhood. After the passing of her abusive father, she moves to Boston to start fresh, opening her own flower shop. Her first night in Boston she meets Ryle Kincaid, a gorgeous and successful neurosurgeon. The two develop a deep connection. As their relationship progresses Ryle starts to reveal a darker side that reminds Lily of the relationship her mother endured with Lily’s abusive father. She finds herself caught in a painful cycle she never thought she would experience.
Throughout Lily’s troubled childhood something that kept her grounded and gave her a sense of comfort through the hard times were her diary entries. Where we learn about Atlas Corrigan, Lily’s first love. Years later, Atlas reappears in her life bringing back unresolved emotions and threatening everything Lily has built with Ryle. Lily finds herself trapped in the same cycle her mother was after Ryle’s violence escalates.
Throughout the book, literary devices are used to enhance the book’s emotional depth. The title It Ends with Us foreshadows Lily’s decision to break the cycle of abuse. Also at the beginning Ryle’s quick temper that Lily is met with hints at his later abusive relationship. There is some irony when Lily, who didn’t always agree with her mother’s decision to stay with her father through the abuse, finds herself in a similar situation. Showing how deeply complex and difficult these choices can be. The repetition of the phrase “It ends with us” to empathize Lily’s decision to break the cycle of abuse.
I find the book very meaningful because it explores the difficulty in domestic abuse, breaking generational curses, the strength it takes to leave, etc. Unlike a traditional romance, It Ends with Us is a story of survival, resilience, and self-worth. Inspired by true events from the author Colleen Hoover’s real life showing the story of strength and resilience making this raw and very personal.
As one of my favorite books, I have read it multiple times and even watched the movie twice. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, as it delivers an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience. It Ends with Us is more than just a love story, it is a powerful narrative about survival and self-empowerment.
Get the book! Check out It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover at BMCC’s library, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library, or the Queens Public Library.
About the author This review is by an anonymous student.
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