Lily Bloom was raised in an abusive household so she’s witnessed first hand what an abuser looks like. And, she never understood why her mother didn’t leave her father. Lily’s story begins on the day of her father’s funeral. She’s back in Boston, where she moved to put some distance from her hometown in Maine following her graduation from college, and has a chance meeting with Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon with an allergy to relationships. While there was a mutual attraction, both knew their goals were polar opposites and went their separate ways until a bizarre set of events reconnected them.
First, I consider this a contemporary fiction with romantic elements. It’s a compelling look at domestic abuse from a unique perspective of a character who you’d think would know better. We often ask the question, “why wouldn’t she just leave?” or some variation of that. Whether you agree or not with the points of view presented, the story does provide key insights as to why that decision may not be as easy a solution for the women involved.
I liked how Lily’s relationship with her first teenage love, Atlas Corrigan, was shared in retrospect through her reading of her journals. It was cleverly done and added an interesting element in how it was delivered. Her relationship with him helped provide definition to her character as well as provide a contrast to her subsequent one with Ryle.
The author’s post script gives important context for the story so I would encourage everyone to read/listen to her comments. I listened to the story and thought the narrator did a good job in distinguishing the characters and gave a solid performance. I liked this story, a lot, because I saw people I know personally in Lily and it’s helped me better understand an issue I thought was less gray than actuality.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 2, 2016
- Narrator: Olivia Song
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 11 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
This definitely seems like the most meaningful and interesting of Colleen Hoover’s books. The presence of a postscript is really neat, I wish more books had that.
It’s definitely up there in terms of social relevance. This book was personal so I’m glad she shared that, too.
So glad you found much to like about this book, Jonetta! Wonderful review as always!
Thanks, Marialyce!
I’m not one to read about abusive family dynamics, or books featuring a lot of female abuse, for personal reasons. So probably not one I’ll tackle anytime soon, even with the insight.
I understand completely, Alexandra. Fortunately, Hoover didn’t take the extreme route in this story. The abuse was much more subtle.
Ah, then maybe, just maybe. But I try to avoid certain topics and themes. Especially as there’s so many other things I could be reading, right? 😀
Why put yourself through unnecessary grief, especially if you’re reading for pleasure.
Great review, Jonetta! dreaded reading this one, but it turned out much more optimistic than I thought.
Thanks, Toni💜 I had the same trepidation in starting this one, too. I like the way she handled this one, though.
I’m always on the lookout for a good book! Thank you for bringing into focus a great writer! 🌸
That she is! I hope you enjoy💜
Great review, Jonetta. I’ve read so many positive reviews for Colleen Hoover’s work, but I’ve never actually read anything of hers. I’m going to snag this one from the library.
Thanks, Christopher! I came late to the CoHo party, too. I think I read my first book last year.
Fantastic review! Colleen Hoover really writes some heartbreaking books. She is tackling a difficult topic here; it’s good to know she did it well.
Thanks, Anne! I love this aspect of her stories as I like them meaty.
Wonderful review! This is such a powerful book and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it as well.
Thanks, Yvo! Perfect way to describe it.