What Themes Are Explored In 'It Ends With Us' Book Review?

Reading 'It Ends with Us' and 'It Starts with Us' back-to-back feels like witnessing the evolution of a storm. The first book, 'It Ends with Us,' is raw and unflinching, diving deep into the complexities of love, abuse, and self-preservation. Lily’s journey is heartbreaking yet empowering, as she grapples with the cycle of abuse she inherited from her parents. The emotional weight of her decisions, especially the one to leave Ryle for the sake of her daughter, is palpable. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, and it leaves you with a sense of hope, even if it’s a bittersweet one. 'It Starts with Us,' on the other hand, feels like the calm after the storm. It’s a gentler, more hopeful narrative that focuses on Lily’s healing and her rekindled relationship with Atlas. While the first book is about breaking cycles, the sequel is about building something new and healthy. The contrast between the two is striking—one is about survival, the other about thriving. If you’re someone who loves stories of resilience and second chances, 'It Starts with Us' will feel like a warm hug after the emotional turmoil of the first book. For readers who enjoyed these, I’d recommend 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' for another layered exploration of love and sacrifice, or 'Normal People' for a similarly nuanced take on relationships. If you’re into TV series, 'Big Little Lies' offers a gripping look at the complexities of marriage and abuse, while 'This Is Us' beautifully captures the messiness and beauty of family dynamics.

In 'It Ends With Us', the symbolism of the daffodils is deeply woven into the narrative. They represent resilience and the ability to bloom again after hardship, much like the protagonist, Lily, who endures and overcomes an abusive relationship. The daffodils are first mentioned in her childhood, tied to her father’s violence, but later, they become a symbol of her strength and renewal. The cyclical nature of the daffodils—how they die and return—mirrors Lily’s journey of breaking the cycle of abuse. Another powerful symbol is the atlas moth, which Lily’s father once told her was a sign of change. The moth’s transformation from a caterpillar to a winged creature parallels Lily’s own metamorphosis. She starts as a vulnerable girl, shaped by her past, but emerges as a woman who chooses her own path, even when it’s painful. The moth also symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seizing moments of freedom. Lastly, the title itself is symbolic. 'It Ends With Us' isn’t just about ending a relationship; it’s about ending generational patterns. Lily’s decision to leave her husband, despite loving him, is a testament to her resolve to protect her daughter from the same cycle. The book is a raw, emotional exploration of how love and pain can coexist, and how sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away.

The primary criticism I’ve seen in reviews of 'It Ends with Us' revolves around its portrayal of domestic abuse. Some readers feel the novel romanticizes abusive relationships by focusing too much on the emotional connection between Lily and Ryle, rather than fully condemning his actions. The book’s attempt to humanize Ryle, showing his struggles with mental health, has been divisive—some appreciate the complexity, while others argue it excuses his behavior. Additionally, the pacing feels rushed in parts, especially the resolution, which leaves key issues unresolved. For those who prefer a more nuanced exploration of similar themes, 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty offers a deeper dive into the complexities of abusive relationships.

In 'It Ends With Us', the symbolic elements are deeply woven into the narrative, reflecting the complexities of love and resilience. The title itself is a powerful symbol, representing the protagonist Lily’s journey to break the cycle of abuse. The recurring motif of the atlas flower, which Lily’s mother gave her, symbolizes hope and the strength to endure. It’s a reminder that even in the harshest conditions, beauty can thrive. Another significant symbol is the journal entries Lily writes to Ellen DeGeneres. These entries serve as a mirror to her past, helping her process her emotions and make sense of her present. The act of writing becomes a therapeutic tool, symbolizing self-reflection and growth. The contrast between Lily’s childhood home and her new life in Boston also symbolizes her transition from a place of pain to one of potential and new beginnings. The relationship dynamics between Lily, Ryle, and Atlas are symbolic of the different forms love can take. Ryle represents the allure of passion and the danger of control, while Atlas embodies unconditional support and the possibility of healing. The book’s ending, where Lily chooses to end the cycle of abuse, is a powerful symbol of empowerment and the courage to prioritize self-worth over societal expectations.

In 'It Ends With Us', the key moment for me is when Lily finally confronts the cycle of abuse she’s been trapped in. It’s not just about her relationship with Ryle; it’s about her realizing she’s repeating her mother’s past. The scene where she reads her old journals and sees the parallels is gut-wrenching. It’s a raw, emotional turning point that forces her to make a heartbreaking decision for her daughter’s future. The book doesn’t sugarcoat the complexity of leaving an abusive relationship, and that’s what makes it so powerful. If you’re into stories that tackle tough themes, 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah is another must-read.

The most impactful moment in 'It Ends with Us' for me is when Lily decides to break the cycle of abuse. It’s not just about leaving Ryle; it’s about her realizing that love shouldn’t hurt. The scene where she writes a letter to her younger self, explaining her choices, is heart-wrenching. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at how hard it is to walk away from someone you love, even when they’re toxic. This moment resonates because it’s not just about Lily—it’s about anyone who’s ever had to make a painful choice for their own well-being. If you’re into stories that tackle tough emotional decisions, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a great follow-up.

The biggest twist in 'It Ends with Us' is when Lily realizes that her husband, Ryle, is repeating the cycle of abuse she witnessed in her parents' relationship. This moment is gut-wrenching because it forces her to confront the painful truth that love isn’t always enough to fix deep-seated issues. The novel doesn’t shy away from showing how difficult it is to break free from toxic patterns, especially when you care about someone. What makes this twist so impactful is how it mirrors real-life struggles. Lily’s decision to leave Ryle for the sake of her daughter is both heartbreaking and empowering. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones that lead to healing. If you’re into stories that explore complex relationships, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid offers a similar depth of emotion and moral ambiguity.

Lily's evolution in 'It Ends With Us' is a raw journey from naivety to self-empowerment. At the start, she’s a dreamer, idealizing love based on her parents' flawed relationship and her teenage romance with Atlas. Her marriage to Ryle seems perfect until his abusive tendencies surface. What struck me was how Lily’s growth isn’t linear. She wrestles with guilt, love, and fear, especially after having her daughter. The turning point is when she realizes staying for the sake of family isn’t worth the cost of her dignity. Her decision to leave Ryle isn’t just about escaping abuse; it’s about breaking the cycle for her child. This book resonates deeply with anyone who’s faced tough choices in love. If you’re into stories about resilience, check out 'Educated' by Tara Westover, which also explores breaking free from toxic cycles.