Unpacking Colleen Hoover's It Ends with Us controversy and how it doesn't really fit in the conventional romance genre

Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover's It Ends with Us (Image via Instagram/@colleenhoover)

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover has become a cultural phenomenon with its intense and emotional story. The novel follows Lily Bloom as she navigates complex relationships and a traumatic past. Though labeled as a romance, the book delves into darker themes like domestic violence and the cycle of abuse, sparking controversy.

Critics argue that Hoover’s portrayal of violent relationships may blur the line between love and abuse. While the depiction of real-life struggles is powerful, its placement in the romance genre raises questions about the genre's boundaries.

While some commend Hoover for bringing significant concerns to light, others think that the story's romantic framing lessens the seriousness of the abuse that is portrayed. The debate over It Ends with Us's genre designation and the moral implications of its storyline endure as the film continues to strike a chord with viewers.

Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of domestic abuse.


It Ends with Us sparks controversy

Critics contend that because the book It Ends with Us is set in a romanticized setting, it may be difficult for readers to distinguish between abuse and love. This could be misleading given the genre's propensity for idealized relationships and escape.

Some think Hoover is running the risk of downplaying the seriousness of the abuse the novel portrays by classifying the plot as a romance. The worry is that because of the emotional bond between the characters, readers would mistake Ryle's actions for something more acceptable or understandable.

However, the book's proponents contend that It Ends with Us is a fearless and truthful depiction of the difficulties inherent in violent relationships. They commend Hoover for drawing attention to the tough choices that victims of domestic abuse must make. Drawing from her own mother's experiences, Hoover's connection to the event deepens the narrative and further muddies the debate.

Social media users have weighed in on both sides of the debate, adding fuel to the fire. This has sparked a wider discussion about writers' obligations when it comes to tackling delicate subjects. Also on how genre designation affects how readers react to stories.


About It Ends with Us

Colleen Hoover's novel It Ends with Us follows Lily Bloom, who moves to Boston after her father's death to start fresh. She fulfills her dream by opening a flower shop and meets Ryle Kincaid, a successful doctor. Their relationship quickly becomes intense, and Lily believes she's found true love.

However, as their relationship deepens, Ryle's darker side emerges, leading to physical abuse. This mirrors the toxic dynamics of Lily's parents' marriage, forcing her to confront her feelings. During this struggle, Lily reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, who had once provided her comfort and security.

The book explores love, forgiveness, and the complexity of interpersonal relationships. It focuses especially on the cycle of abuse and the challenges associated with ending it.

The intensely emotional novel It Ends with Us forces the reader to think about how decisions made in the past affect decisions made now. And how strong it is to stand up for oneself against an abusive relationship. Lily's will to break the cycle of abuse that has been suffered by her family for many generations is evident even in the title.


Justin Baldoni's drama-romance film It Ends With Us is based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel. The film was released on August 9, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates.

Edited by Divya Singh
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