As someone who is deeply passionate about reading, my decision to write on this topic- review of a novel, was never in question.
Additionally, the choice to pen a book review for Colleen Hoover’s ‘Verity’ was a swift and unwavering one. The story left an indelible mark on me, occupying my thoughts for days on end, and I eagerly recommended it to everyone I encountered.
Colleen Hoover’s writing style in this book was an absolute delight. So much so that I devoured the entire novel within a mere four hours of cracking it open. I could not pass on the opportunity to write about this and am genuinely excited to share my insights with my teachers. I feel compelled to dive into Verity’s intricate themes and characters. It is a book that ignited my passion for storytelling and I cannot wait to explore it further in my writing.
Plot-
The book Verity is about a struggling writer named Lowen Ashleigh who is on the brink of bankruptcy when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Lowen has been hired by bestselling novelist Verity Crawford’s husband, Jeremy Crawford, to finish the novels in a popular series that his injured wife is unable to finish.
Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of the night their family was forever altered.
Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already-grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her .
Review:
Verity is the first book I read from the author Colleen Hoover. Personally, I am not a huge fan of her world-famous book- it ends with us. Hence, I was a little skeptical to read this book. Upon my brother’s insistence, I decided to give it a try and read it. To say I was mesmerized is an understatement. Verity was a thrilling five star read for me. Colleen Hoover has produced a novel of fine distinction. Defined by three untrustworthy narrators who each have their own fascinating private agendas, Verity is a novel that completely dominated my time. Hoover works hard to build a strong air of tension, mistrust, fear and danger at every axis point in this story, it was quite amazing. Although there are some shocking and appalling situations in Verity it is in keeping with the novel’s direction as a whole. I loved the full characterization, the creepy home and the discoveries made by fill-in writer Lowen. The final massive plot twist at the close of the book turned this story on its head. I was in a daze after reading this book. The twist at the end shook my core.
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the read. I was marveled, shocked, horrified all at the same time. I could not stop reading it and finished it in one go in 4 hours. This might reflect poorly on me as student- ignoring all my assignments, but this book was worth it.
Style
I really love literary based, psychological thriller style novels. It is hard to attach Verity to a particular genre, but I would say this contemporary fiction tale would slot in somewhere in the psychological thriller, mystery, suspense, gothic fiction and possibly even crime genres. Verity opens on a dark and dramatic note. Lowen and Jeremy meet over a gruesome accident, complete with blood spatter. It was a clever twist on this romance trope and set the tone for the darkness to come. Lowen and Jeremy’s relationship is a case of instant-love, a trope necessary in a more plot-driven book where the couple’s relationship isn’t the center of the story.
I loved the book within a book aspect of Verity. It left me irresistibly curious about the unfolding narratives. One storyline delved into Verity’s disturbing personal diary, while the other focused on Lowen’s journey as she navigated the complexities of the present.
Character analysis
Lowen Ashleigh is a 32-year-old woman living in New York City who has just lost her mother to cancer. Lowen begins the novel in a state of strict self-isolation. As a result of her traumatic experiences with sleepwalking, Lowen does not trust herself or others around her. She is uprooted from the anonymity of the city and placed in the tense atmosphere of Jeremy and Verity Crawford’s Vermont estate. The change of locations forces Lowen to confront the demons she has been avoiding. She must face her issues with self-doubt as she begins to follow in the footsteps of the successful Verity while also struggling with her growing feelings for Verity’s husband Jeremy, to whom she slowly unveils her deepest secrets. As she and Jeremy fall deeper in love, Lowen navigates suspicious incidents that leave her questioning appearance versus reality.
Jeremy Crawford is a widower and the husband of Verity Crawford, and his character is marked by grief and a sense of responsibility. A devoted husband and father, Jeremy attempts to carry the burden of everyone around him. A fierce protector, he maintains a steadfast focus on doing what is best for his one remaining child, his son Crew. Jeremy is deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Verity’s apparent accident, and the responsibility of caring for their child. His grief is a significant part of his character. Jeremy’s character also showcases his determination to protect his daughter, regardless of the circumstances. This protective instinct drives many of his actions in the story. His vulnerability and moral dilemma add depth to his character.
Verity Crawford is one of the central characters in the novel, and her character is shrouded in mystery and complexity. She is a successful and acclaimed author known for her thrilling and dark novels. Verity’s character is deeply enigmatic, and her true nature and intentions are a major source of intrigue throughout the story.
She is initially portrayed as a mysterious and reclusive figure. Her character is layered with secrets and a troubled past, making her a compelling and unpredictable character. Her character challenges the reader’s perception of right and wrong.
Themes-
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.
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.
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.
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 book challenges readers to consider the depths of human depravity and the potential for evil that exists within otherwise normal people.
Ending
Verity is a captivating psychological thriller that will have you questioning everything you’ve believed when you read the very last page. It offers the readers no solidity of truth that they could hold in their hands. Even as I was reading and rereading the last chapter I was mining it for clues, trying to make everything. Whatever I read up until that point felt like a false memory
There are just enough clues to leave reasonable doubt in our minds about what really happened in the book – whether Verity’s dark manuscript is fact or fiction. We are left with an open ending that shakes everything up, leaving us thinking about these characters long after it ends.
Who will enjoy this book?
People who enjoy psychological thrillers with dark and suspenseful plots, will likely find Verity engaging as it has a mysterious and unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. Readers who even enjoy unravelling mysteries and piecing together clues will find Verity captivating. The novel is filled with secrets and hidden motives that drive the plot.
The book’s biggest triumph, to me, was the sheer energy threaded the pages, how it feels uncontrollable, yet it is perfectly under control by the author. I like the way Hoover makes you feel Lowen’s deep-skin unease and confusion as if it’s your own. While you can hardly see the newly horrifying future that is emerging in front of you, you can still feel the danger pulsing all around you. In short, if I were Lowen, I would have immediately left Verity’s house. Even though I like reading thrillers, I run as far away from it in real life.