trigger warning: domestic violence
*there are a few spoilers ahead*
I was recently walking through Barnes & Noble with my friends, looking for a book to read for pleasure for once and not for an academic purpose. We approach the section with books written by the author Colleen Hoover. My friend told me that Hoover is an amazing writer and is famous for writing lovely meet cute scenarios. I bought Hoover’s book It Ends With US and was not able to put it down. I ended up finishing it in two days. Here is how I would rank the main characters after reading It Ends With Us:
- Atlas Corrigan
-
Atlas was the main character Lily’s first love in the novel. She met him because he was homeless and was in need of food, shelter, and warmth. Atlas is my favorite character because he was never rude towards Lily, unlike the other men in her life. He always wanted what was best for her. He would always make her feel safe and encourage her to “just keep swimming.”
- Alyssa Kincaid
-
Alyssa was Lily’s best friend, employee, and sister of the second love interest of the novel. She had an uplifting attitude that added moments of happiness when the novel turned a bit dark. She always took care of Lily and was on her side even when her brother was not being a good boyfriend to Lily.
- Lily Bloom
-
Lily lives in Boston and has dreamed of opening a flower shop, which she later fulfills. Her father recently died and she spends a majority of the book reading her old journals about her first love and how her father was abusive. I respect her because she has been through a lot in life, and realizes her self worth throughout the novel by acknowledging she is in a toxic relationship and subsequently getting out of that relationship.
- Jenny Bloom
-
Jenny is Lily’s mom, who was also in an abusive relationship with Lily’s father. Her mom initially doesn’t seem like a great character as she used to ignore the abuse by Lily’s father, and never fought back or tried to leave him for Lily’s safety. However, by the end of the book, it is apparent that she really cares for Lily and their relationship does improve.
- Emmy Kincaid
-
Emmy is the daughter of Lily who is born at the end of the novel. Lily decides to leave Ryle for Emmy because she does not want her to grow up with parents who have a toxic relationship.
- Ryle Kincaid
-
Lily met Ryle on a roof where she was there to reflect on giving the eulogy at her father’s funeral. Ryle seems like the perfect man for Lily, until he is unable to control his anger halfway throughout the story. He tries to get better for Lily, but is unable to stop the recurring domestic violence. The domestic violence aspect of the story is absolutely heartbreaking to read, and the book does definitely takes you on an emotional roller coaster.
- Andrew Bloom
-
Andrew Bloom is Lily’s dad who really represents what a husband or father figure should not be like. He constantly hits Lily’s mom for no reason and even yells at Lily. He is my least favorite character of the story.
One of the main reasons It Ends With Us is so great is because of the way the Hoover thoroughly provides a background story on each of the characters.
Can’t get enough of HC UMass Amherst? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Spotify, like us on Facebook, and read our latest Tweets!