It Ends With Us Book Review

Hey everyone, today I’m going to be doing my first ever book review, and instead of starting with a light and easy book I decided to go with the book which quite literally had my heart ripped to shreds and tissues soaked….

Okay maybe I’m exaggerating a little but this book… wow … just wow. Honestly some of you may disagree with me and think this is one of colleens more overrated books but I personally believe it deserves all the hype that it gets..

SPOILER ALERT DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK!!

But let’s jump right into it starting off with my opinions on the characters.

Lily- I honestly thought lily was so sweet, kinda naive initially but the way colleen has written this book it takes you on a journey with lily, from the moments you see her falling in love with Ryle, it’s as if you are too. Feeling he first heart ache she experiences it’s as if it’s your own. The way Colleen delves us into the deepest parts of her mind, and the thought process behind ever second chance she gives him, it honestly leaves you with a heavy heart and much anticipation. Lily served as a great protagonist in voicing an issue that many women and men face in reality, showing how hard it is to leave abuse and how it’s not just as simple as getting up and walking away.

Ryle- honestly it’s easy to say he’s the classic villain and to hate him completely, I mean don’t get me wrong he did some unimaginable things, perhaps even unforgivable. But he also gave a voice to the abusers, a side of the story which can be over looked sometimes. As someone who’s passionate for psychology I was constantly psycho analysing his character, asking questions like what are the root causes of his behaviour?, what trauma has he been through? And who hurt him so much he would cause pain to someone he loved ?. Ryle showed many red flags. Might even go far as saying he’s a walking red flag. But his character development towards the end of the book is something I do choose to acknowledge.

Atlas- atlas, atlas atlas… I think I love him more than I should for someone who’s fictional ;). Why do fictional guys have to be so perfect ??! Like the way he went from homeless to thriving and having his own restaurant. Naming it after lily. Loving lily and being there, sticking up for her when nobody else did. I’m so glad they got their happy ending. His character gave lily the love she deserved. My favourite quote of his has to be, “ in the future If by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love.. again fall in love with me” like how cute is that !!

General opinions of the book:

I mean it’s safe to say I loved this book, not only was it based on Colleen personal experiences which really brought the authenticity into the writing. But I also admired the way Colleen made lily almost a shadow to her mother. Who as we know was also a survivor of abuse. From an outsiders point of view we may think that because Lily has been exposed to these behaviours she’d be quick to up and leave. Which clearly isn’t the case. The manipulation faced is something that nobody is prepared for. I thought that component of the story line was a great in showing just that.

A particular part that had me sobbing was towards the end where their daughter had just been born, and lily finally decided “ it ends with us”, the way she made Ryle who held a strong love for his child consider what it would be like if his daughter was being abused by her partner. Asking if he would allow her to continue such a relationship. That was the moment Ryle truly internalised his actions, where he learned it was time to let Lily go, and heal from her trauma.

Overall I’d rate this book 4.5/5 only because I wanted more lily and atlas time at the end but good news Colleen announced the sequel to this book! So I can’t wait 🙂

Also guys please do let me know your thoughts on this book ! I’d love to have discussions on what you thought of the plot the characters and story line !

And let me know what books of Colleen’s that you’ve read and loved 🙂

– Sairah