Title: Verity
Author: Colleen Hoover
Narration: First Person Narration
Language: English
Published Date: 2018
Overall Rating: 4/5
Genre: Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Romance
Plot development: 4/5
Major Characters: Jeremy, Verity Crawford, Lowen Ashleigh
Brief Overview:
The experience of reading the novel Verity by Colleen over Hoover can be summed up into 3 words: engaging, new, and (somehow) disappointing.
I bought this book as I have read many novels including but not limited to It Ends With Us and Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. Those novels have not only inspired but also entertained me. Also, as the novel has become an internet sensation, so I decided to give it a read. I had very high hopes regarding this book; however, I didn’t find the book as much entertaining as it should have been.
The Story of the Verity:
The story of Verity revolves around a successful writer, Verity Cropford, and her family. However, she is unable to finish her successful series of compelling books due to her terminal illness. Therefore, her husband Jeremy invites a financially struggling writer named Lowen Ashleigh to complete the series. Furthermore, he invites her to live with them so that she may have a better idea regarding the writing style and subject of Verity. The moment she enters the home, Lowen feels strange and curious. She wonders how the present home surrounded by the wind of gloominess and tragedy would have been once cheerful, welcoming, and happy. With passing days in the mysterious house, Lowen becomes infatuated with the presence of Jeremy. Meanwhile, the presence of ill Verity seems to haunt Lowen.
Stuck between her work, the world of her heart, and curiosity, Lowen should leave the house immediately as her choice will shape her future. Will she choose to stay or will she prefer to maintain distance?
Review of The Verity:
The novel is difficult to fit into one category, therefore, it is where the writer inspires me the most. Be it the genre of romance or psychological thriller, the novel fits into each category completely.
As I did not like the novel much, I think the reason lies at the core of personal taste and interest.
The narrative, the plot line, and the character development are both strong and weak at the same time. The captivating and engaging plot pregnant with twists throughout the novel, becomes a nail bitter.
The story starts with very good, promising, and strong notes, and the story ends seamlessly as well. However, the story loses its essence in the middle, with overlapping concepts, and dragging scenes.
Just as It Ends With Us talks about ordinary yet unique social dilemmas, Verity also unveils very serious concerns packed with interesting concepts, such as the concept of The Chronics. The imagery also tickles the mind of the reader.
“Have you ever heard of people referred to as Chronics?” he asks. I shake my head. “I think Verity might have made up the term. After our daughters died, she said we were Chronics. Prone to chronic tragedy. One terrible thing.”
Writing Style:
The writing style in Verity is engaging, simple, and creative.
Recommendation:
If you want to read a good psychological thriller, you might like Verity. Likewise, if you want to read a good book, you can give it a read.
However, the novel has scenes of abuse that can be upsetting. Therefore, not suitable for all types of audiences.
