“Verity,” the enthralling thriller by Colleen Hoover, has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide, earning acclaim as The British Book Awards’ Page Turner of the Year. In this post, we will delve into the heart of “Verity.” We will provide a concise summary of the story, introduce you to its complex characters, and unravel the intricate themes that make this novel a standout in its genre.
For those who have followed our series, you might recall our detailed list of Verity book club questions in a previous post, as well as a collection of thought-provoking quotes in another.
Today, we aim to offer a broader perspective, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of Hoover’s masterful creation. Whether you’re revisiting the novel or experiencing it for the first time, this post aims to enhance your understanding and spark further interest in Hoover’s work.
Verity Summary
“Verity” by Colleen Hoover is a riveting thriller that has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide winning The British Book Awards’ Page Turner of the Year. This novel is a masterful blend of suspense and emotional depth, reminiscent of the intense narratives in “Rebecca” and “Gone Girl.”
The story centers around Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she receives a job offer that seems too good to be true. Jeremy Crawford, the husband of renowned author Verity Crawford, hires Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series that his injured wife can no longer finish.
Upon arriving at the Crawford residence, Lowen embarks on a journey through Verity’s disorganized office, sifting through years of notes and outlines to gather material for the book series. In the midst of this, she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: an unfinished autobiography that Verity never intended for anyone to read. This manuscript contains harrowing admissions, including a detailed recollection of a night that changed their family forever.
The ethical dilemma Lowen faces is profound. She chooses to keep the manuscript a secret from Jeremy, understanding the devastation it would cause him. However, as her feelings for Jeremy deepen, she finds herself entangled in a web of manipulation and self-interest. She realizes that revealing Verity’s dark truths could serve her own desires, potentially freeing Jeremy from his devotion to his wife.
The brilliance of “Verity” lies not just in its thrilling plot, but also in the way it delves into the complexities of human emotions and moral ambiguity. Hoover’s writing is sharp and engaging, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading to a climax that leaves readers utterly speechless.
The novel has resonated deeply with its audience, earning an overwhelming number of five-star reviews. Readers praise it for its powerful storytelling, originality, and the mind-blowing emotional journey it takes them on. The ending, in particular, has been a topic of much discussion, noted for its unexpectedness and the intense reaction it evokes.
Verity Characters
In “Verity” by Colleen Hoover, the characters are intricately crafted, each contributing to the novel’s gripping narrative and psychological depth. Here’s a closer look at the key characters:
- Lowen Ashleigh: She is the protagonist, a struggling writer whose financial difficulties lead her to accept a job offer from Jeremy Crawford. Lowen is characterized by her vulnerability and her complex emotions as she navigates the moral dilemmas she faces. Throughout the novel, her character evolves significantly, revealing various layers of her personality.
- Jeremy Crawford: Jeremy is the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford. He hires Lowen to complete his wife’s book series. Jeremy is depicted as a grieving and devoted husband, struggling with the tragic circumstances that have befallen his family. His interactions with Lowen reveal a man torn between his past and the potential of a new future.
- Verity Crawford: Though largely present through her writings and the perceptions of others, Verity is a central figure in the novel. A successful author, she is an enigmatic character whose true nature becomes a pivotal element of the story. The discovery of her autobiography introduces a dark and disturbing aspect to her personality.
- Supporting Characters: The novel also includes various supporting characters who contribute to the development of the main characters and the advancement of the plot. These characters are crucial in building the novel’s atmosphere and in providing insights into the complexities of the main characters’ lives.
Verity Main Themes
Verity by Colleen Hoover explores a number of themes that create a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. Some of the main themes in the novel include:
1. Obsession: The novel delves into the destructive nature of obsession, as seen through Verity’s fixation on her own dark thoughts and actions, as well as Lowen’s increasing preoccupation with Verity’s manuscript and her relationship with Jeremy.
2. Deception and Manipulation: Throughout the story, characters deceive and manipulate one another, leading to a complex web of lies and intrigue. Verity’s autobiography, in particular, stands as a testament to the power of deceit and the lengths people will go to in order to maintain control over their lives and the lives of others.
3. Love and Betrayal: The complicated relationships in the novel bring into focus the blurred lines between love and betrayal. Lowen and Jeremy’s growing connection, despite his marriage to Verity, highlights the struggle between loyalty and desire.
4. Grief and Loss: Verity touches on the impact of grief and loss, as both Lowen and Jeremy grapple with the deaths of loved ones. Their shared experiences of loss bring them closer together, while also shaping their actions and decisions throughout the story.
5. The Unreliable Narrator: The novel explores the concept of the unreliable narrator through Verity’s manuscript, which raises questions about the truthfulness of her account and her motivations for writing such a disturbing narrative. This theme challenges the reader to constantly question the reality of the characters’ experiences.
6. The Nature of Evil: Verity examines the nature of evil through the character of Verity Crawford, who is portrayed as a manipulative and cold-hearted individual in her autobiography. The novel encourages readers to contemplate the depths of human depravity and the capacity for cruelty that lies within seemingly ordinary individuals.
Concluding thoughts
In conclusion, “Verity” by Colleen Hoover is a wild ride from start to finish. The story challenges you to untangle a complex web of emotions, motives, and hidden agendas, with unexpected turns lurking around every corner. While it’s a fiction piece, it’s fascinating to consider how the themes here—obsession, deceit, and moral ambiguity—play out in real-life scenarios, including our own relationships and career choices. If you’re in for a psychological thrill laced with romantic suspense, this is a must-read.