“Verity” by Colleen Hoover is a gripping and suspenseful novel that straddles the genres of psychological thriller and romance, marking a departure from Hoover’s usual focus on contemporary romance. Published in December 2018, “Verity” offers a dark and twisted narrative that explores themes of ethics, truth, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. This summary aims to provide a detailed overview, an extensive plot summary, insights, notable quotes, and suggestions for similar books.
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Overview
The novel introduces Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, who receives an offer to complete the remaining books in a successful series by renowned author Verity Crawford, who has been left incapacitated by a tragic accident. As Lowen sifts through Verity’s notes and outlines at the Crawford family home, she uncovers an unfinished autobiography revealing horrifying admissions. The story intricately weaves together Lowen’s growing feelings for Jeremy Crawford, Verity’s husband, the ethical dilemmas she faces, and the chilling discoveries about Verity’s past.
Plot Summary
Lowen Ashleigh’s financial and emotional burdens lead her to accept a lucrative offer to finish Verity Crawford’s bestselling series. Upon her arrival at the Crawford residence, Lowen is introduced to a world of complexity, not only in her professional task but also in navigating her interactions with Jeremy Crawford and their shared grief over the losses in their lives.
As Lowen delves into Verity’s office, she finds an unfinished autobiography instead of the expected notes for the series. The manuscript contains disturbing revelations about Verity’s perspective on her marriage, her children, and the accidents that befell her family. Lowen is horrified yet compelled by the manuscript, which paints Verity in a manipulative and malevolent light, starkly contrasting the woman Jeremy describes.
The tension escalates when Lowen observes behaviors in Verity that suggest she might be aware of her surroundings, despite her vegetative state. Lowen’s ethical dilemma intensifies as she grapples with whether to reveal the manuscript to Jeremy, fearing it could devastate him or liberate him from his wife’s manipulative grip.
The climax of the novel is shocking, with Lowen deciding to keep Verity’s manuscript a secret, only for Jeremy to discover it on his own. This revelation leads to a series of events that culminate in a twisted ending, challenging the reader’s perception of truth and deception.
Insights
“Verity” is a masterful exploration of the moral ambiguities that define our sense of right and wrong. Colleen Hoover skillfully blurs the lines between victim and villain, leaving readers to question the reliability of narrators and the truthfulness of the characters’ perceptions. The novel delves into the complexities of human psychology, the destructive nature of secrets, and the lengths to which people will go to protect or expose them.
Notable Quotes
- “Some families are lucky enough to never experience a single tragedy. But then there are those families that seem to have tragedies waiting on the back burner. What can go wrong, has.”
- “The thing I realize is, that it’s not what you take, it’s what you leave.”
- “When you read a book, the story definitely happens inside your head. But it can happen in your heart, too. It feels like all of this is happening inside me.”
Similar Books
- “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn – A psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage, perception, and the dark secrets that couples can hide.
- “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins – Features themes of memory, truth, and the unreliability of personal narratives, wrapped in a mystery.
- “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides – A suspenseful story that explores themes of silence, obsession, and the hidden facets of one’s personality.
- “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty – While more focused on drama, it shares with “Verity” the exploration of secrets, lies, and the impact they have on relationships and community.
“Verity” stands out in Colleen Hoover’s oeuvre as a chilling and unforgettable narrative that pushes the boundaries of psychological thrillers. Its ability to engage and disturb, while provoking thought about the nature of truth and fiction, secures its place as a must-read for fans of the genre.
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