Literary Criticisms on Colleen Hoover
What critics had to say about colleen hoover
Breaking Down Atkinson's Analysis
Jennie Young's take on "It ends with us"
Jennie Young's take on "It ends with us"
Critic, Whitney Atkinson, has some issues with Hoover's novel, “It Ends with Us”. This is a story about an abusive relationship. She says, “With a lot of romance and romantic books, you want to be in that story, or part of that world temporarily..” Atkinson then goes on to say that with Hoover's “romance” books it is hard to do that because the readers can only really relate to the characters, not so much the story line. Atkinson said she saw a pattern in Hoover's novels of women taking the abuse from their partners. She says that it is normal to write about abuse in novels but that it seems like Hoover is making the abuse seem normal in her novels, which is the problem. Many critics have said that they do not agree with Hoover when she states that her novels are empowering because they feel the novels are encouraging abuse. Amanda Diehl says that most people read Hoovers books because of the intense feelings they stir up. She says that there would be no problem if people knew what they were reading in Hoover's books. However, the problems occur when the book is, “marketed as something it is not.” Diehl believes that Hoover’s books aren't being marketed right, so some people don’t really know what they are getting themselves into when they start reading her books. Critics believe this could lead to problems with people reading these books and not fully understanding the impact they could have.
Jennie Young's take on "It ends with us"
Jennie Young's take on "It ends with us"
Jennie Young's take on "It ends with us"
Jennie Young from Ms. Magazine talks more about “It Ends with Us”. Hoover views the end of “It Ends with Us” as empowering. At the end of the novel Lily, the main character, finally leaves the abusive relationship with her husband, Ryle, to keep her kid safe. Lily decides that she just wants to co-parent with Ryle. Hoover wrote this part thinking she was showing how strong Lily was for finally leaving. However, the critic, Young, has a different opinion. She says that everyone knows that Ryle is described as, “violent sex offender with a history of manipulating and victimizing women.” Young believes that Hoover sending the message of Ryle and Lily still co-parenting and Lily letting her abuser see her child is very dangerous. People may read the story and think that it is okay for women to leave their abusers but still let them see their kids. Young thinks this is a bad message to add in the book and this should not be painted in a positive light. More critics state that Hoover's writing is also at an elementary level. Many have said, “Sounds like it belongs on Wattpad.” A lot of critics have a problem with her writing style because it is below level.
Anika Benerjee breaking down a New york Times bestselling author
Winda Dwiastuti discussing the impacts on the character, Allyssa in "It Ends with us"
Winda Dwiastuti discussing the impacts on the character, Allyssa in "It Ends with us"
Critic, Anika Benerjee, talks about how the novel, “It Ends with Us”, makes her uncomfortable. She feels like she can’t talk about the book with her friends because they hope the main characters, Lily and Ryle, “work out in the end”. Ryle is abusive towards Lily, so the fact that the book is making people want Lily to take Ryle back is a red flag. Benerjee does not blame her friends reading the book for feeling this way. She points the blame at Hoover for writing it that way. She made the people want for Ryle and Lily to get back together, even though he abused her. Most critics' main problem with Hoover is how she markets herself. Hoover is making the abusive events in her books look okay by labeling herself as a romantic novelist as well as designing the covers of her books colorful with flowers, bows, and more. Many critics also state that Hoover is not advanced in academics and her writing is too easy. Critics think it is not advanced enough for the materials that are in the book. Other critics say that Hoover's books are perfect for people who have not read since they were young and do not enjoy it as much. Books that are easy to read, such as Hoovers books, are more likely to get young adults back into reading.
Winda Dwiastuti discussing the impacts on the character, Allyssa in "It Ends with us"
Winda Dwiastuti discussing the impacts on the character, Allyssa in "It Ends with us"
Winda Dwiastuti discussing the impacts on the character, Allyssa in "It Ends with us"
Critic, Winda Dwiastuti, talks about Allyssa’s coping with the abuse between her brother and best friend in the novel, It Ends with Us. Allyssa is Ryles brother and Lily's best friend. When Allysa found out about the abuse happening, she decided to tell Lily about Ryles past. Allyssa goes on to tell Lily about their brother who passed, which has deeply affected Ryle. Most people thought that a good best friend would have warned Lily about the abuse and tried to get her out of it. However, Allyssa instead defended her brother to maintain their relationship. Allyssa justifies Ryles actions toward Lily because of Ryle’s loss of his brother. Even though Allyssa really wants to tell Lily about Ryles abusive side, as Ryles brother she also wants to protect him. This then leads Lily to give Ryle another chance, and makes her feel guilty for wanting to leave. The author states that Allyssa has, “hegemonic femininity: womanly characteristics that facilitate her subordination as a sister and that sustain the domination of her brother.” This is the reason she is defending her brother for abusing her best friend. She cares a lot about her brother and feels like she needs to protect him. Readers can easily detect Allyssas mixed feelings on the abuse, especially when Allyssa discovers Lily’s bruises. Allyssa asks Ryle what he did to Lily while holding back tears. Lily expresses her confusion as to why Allyssa isn’t more angry at Ryle for this. The readers can also see how odd it is that Allyssa is calm for the situation and is not furious at Ryle. This can cause readers to be confused and wonder why Allyssa isn’t acting like Lily’s best friend.
