Book Review: Verity by Colleen Hoover

Published by Colleen Hoover, 2022

Review:

Verity by Colleen Hoover is a psychological thriller that grips readers from the first page, offering a suspenseful and intense exploration of secrets, deception, and manipulation. The novel centers on Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to complete the bestselling series of Verity Crawford, a famous author incapacitated by a tragic accident. As Lowen sorts through Verity’s notes, she uncovers a disturbing manuscript that reveals dark secrets about Verity’s past and her family.

Strengths:

• Engaging and Unpredictable Plot: Hoover excels at crafting an intense atmosphere, keeping readers on edge as they navigate the mysterious and unsettling narrative. The alternating timelines, with Lowen’s present-day discoveries and excerpts from Verity’s manuscript, create a dual-layered plot that heightens the tension.
• Complex Characters: Both Verity and Lowen are deeply flawed, yet compelling characters. Verity, through her manuscript, reveals a chillingly manipulative personality, while Lowen’s vulnerability makes her a relatable protagonist, even as she becomes increasingly entangled in Verity’s world.
• Themes of Power and Control: The novel effectively explores psychological manipulation, abuse, and the power dynamics in relationships. Verity’s manuscript, in particular, forces readers to question the reliability of her narrative and her motives, adding depth to the suspense.

Weaknesses:

• Ambiguity in Resolution: While ambiguity can enhance the psychological thriller genre, some readers may find the novel’s ending too open-ended. The conclusion raises significant questions about truth and deception, but for those who prefer clear resolutions, it might leave them feeling unsatisfied.
• Simplified Secondary Characters: While the primary characters are well-developed, some secondary figures, such as Jeremy, Verity’s husband, feel less fleshed out. His role is crucial to the story, yet his character’s motivations and depth could have been more thoroughly explored to enrich the narrative.

Conclusion:

Verity is a dark and gripping novel that delves into the complexities of psychological manipulation, trauma, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. Hoover’s ability to create suspense and her exploration of morally ambiguous characters make this a standout thriller. While the ambiguity of the ending may not appeal to all readers, Verity remains a compelling, thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after the final page.