It Ends with Us

Synopsis

Summary

IT ENDS WITH US is a young adult romance novel by Colleen Hoover. The novel follows protagonist Lily Bloom, who after moving to Boston with her family, finds herself crashing back into her past - her high school flame, Atlas Corrigan. When Lily reconnects with Atlas, she begins to question not only her life choices but her stance on relationships; unaware of her capability to love someone and of her own strength to survive.

In Chapter 1, Lily moves with her family to Boston having recently graduated from college. During a lunch run, she meets Atlas who is a waitress at a small diner. This introduces the reader to the two characters and the conflicts that will arise throughout the novel.

In Chapter 2, Atlas reveals that he shared a past with Lily in high school that ended abruptly when his father remarried. Their time rekindling their connection is cut short as Atlas senses Lily’s hesitation of getting too close and abruptly leaves. This chapter establishes the long-standing tension between the two characters and provides the motive for the issues that will arise in the novel.

In Chapter 3, Lily meets Ryle Kincaid, the man she believes is her future. We see Lily contrast pieces of him against Atlas - Ryle’s money and his controlling nature against Atlas’ cryptic past and alluring mystery. Ryle’s presence throughout the story foreshadows the choices that will be important later.

In Chapter 4, we see Lily and Ryle's relationship get progressively more serious, and Atlas become increasingly distant, as he finds himself caught between his duties as a police detective and the fear of getting too close to Lily. This chapter also introduces the darker elements of the novel such as abuse and bullying.

In Chapter 5, the darker elements of the novel begin to unfold. Throughout this chapter we learn more about Atlas’ family history and the story of his mother’s abuse, as well as Lily’s experiences of bullying. This chapter also introduces the idea of victim blaming, as both Lily and Atlas become further entrenched in a cyclical pattern of unhealthy relationships and our understanding of why they are the way they are deepens.

In Chapter 6, Lily is saved from a dangerous situation and ends up in Atlas’ arms. This chapter introduces us to an end goal - for Lily to be saved from the darkness in her life and to find happiness with Atlas. Lily and Atlas become closer as they share secrets and the complicated past that has kept them apart.

In Chapter 7, Atlas’ secret is revealed and we understand fully why he has been so distant, and why Lily found it so hard to open her heart to him. Both characters must confront their past mistakes and this chapter provides readers with a tear-jerking resolution.

In Chapter 8, Atlas and Lily finally reconcile. After all the darkness and difficulties they have overcome throughout the novel, the reader can feel the love and warmth between the two characters. Lily is able to understand her worth and to stand up for herself and to finally find love and happiness with Atlas.

In short, IT ENDS WITH US is a heart-wrenching story of two people who are on a journey to fight their own demons and unite in true love. By the finale of the novel, readers can appreciate the strength of Lily and Atlas’ relationship, the power of self-worth and the importance of taking a stand against abuse.