Summary: Verity by Colleen Hoover

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Verity by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover’s Verity is a psychological thriller that has captivated readers with its intense plot, twisted characters, and unsettling exploration of truth and deception. Published in 2018, Verity is a departure from Hoover’s usual romance novels, diving deep into the dark and disturbing. The story revolves around a struggling writer named Lowen Ashleigh, who is given a life-changing opportunity to complete a bestselling book series after the original author, Verity Crawford, becomes incapacitated. As Lowen uncovers the secrets hidden within Verity's unfinished manuscript, she finds herself entangled in a web of lies, fear, and unimaginable horrors.

In this blog post, we will summarize Verity, breaking down its gripping plot, examining its complex characters, exploring its central themes, and discussing Hoover’s captivating writing style. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or simply curious about this book, this summary will provide insight into why Verity has become a must-read for lovers of suspenseful fiction.

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A Tangle of Secrets and Lies

Verity opens with Lowen Ashleigh, a writer struggling both financially and professionally, who is offered a lucrative opportunity by Jeremy Crawford. Jeremy’s wife, Verity, a successful author, is unable to complete her popular series due to a car accident that has left her in a vegetative state. Jeremy asks Lowen to step in as a ghostwriter and finish the series based on Verity’s notes and outlines. Desperate for the job, Lowen agrees and moves into the Crawford home to go through Verity’s office.

As Lowen starts sifting through Verity’s notes, she stumbles upon an unfinished autobiography hidden among the files. This manuscript reveals shocking and disturbing details about Verity’s life, particularly her feelings towards her children and her husband. The more Lowen reads, the more she questions the reality of Verity’s condition and the nature of the woman herself. The autobiography paints Verity as a manipulative, dangerous individual who harbored deep resentment towards her twin daughters, Chastin and Harper. Verity confesses to horrifying acts, including her role in one of the girls' deaths.

As Lowen becomes more entangled in the Crawfords' lives, she finds herself drawn to Jeremy, who is grieving the loss of his daughters and coping with Verity's condition. Their relationship grows increasingly complex as Lowen struggles with her attraction to Jeremy and her fear of Verity, who she begins to suspect may not be as incapacitated as she appears. Tension builds as Lowen debates whether to reveal the contents of Verity’s manuscript to Jeremy, knowing that doing so could shatter his perception of his wife and his entire life.

The climax of the novel occurs when Lowen confronts Jeremy with the manuscript, leading to a shocking and violent confrontation. However, the novel doesn’t end there; Hoover leaves readers questioning what is true and what is a lie until the very last page. The discovery of a letter written by Verity throws everything into doubt, forcing Lowen—and the readers—to reconsider everything they thought they knew about the characters and the events that transpired.

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Complex and Unpredictable

The characters in Verity are deeply complex, each hiding their own secrets and motives, which makes them unpredictable and intriguing. At the center of the novel is Lowen Ashleigh, a writer who is vulnerable and desperate at the start but becomes increasingly conflicted as she unravels the dark mysteries within Verity’s life. Lowen’s character is relatable in her struggles and fears, yet her moral dilemmas and questionable decisions add layers to her personality, making her a compelling protagonist.

Jeremy Crawford, Verity’s husband, is another key character whose charm and grief make him both sympathetic and enigmatic. As Lowen gets closer to Jeremy, she grapples with her attraction to him, complicated by the knowledge of Verity’s past actions as revealed in the manuscript. Jeremy’s love for his family and his pain over their loss are evident, but as the story progresses, his character becomes increasingly difficult to read, adding to the suspense.

Verity Crawford herself, though largely silent and bedridden throughout the novel, is perhaps the most complex character of all. Through her manuscript, readers are introduced to a side of Verity that is cold, calculating, and terrifying. The question of Verity’s true nature—whether she is a villain or a victim—drives much of the novel’s tension. Her character is a masterclass in ambiguity, leaving readers constantly questioning what is real and what is fabricated.

The dynamic between these three characters—Lowen, Jeremy, and Verity—is the heart of the novel. Their interactions, secrets, and conflicting desires create a web of psychological tension that keeps readers on edge. Each character’s motivations are slowly revealed, often in unexpected ways, making them both relatable and chilling.

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Truth, Deception, and the Nature of Evil

Verity explores several dark and unsettling themes, with truth and deception at the forefront. The novel raises the question of what constitutes truth, particularly when it is presented through the lens of an unreliable narrator. Verity’s manuscript, with its shocking confessions and horrifying admissions, challenges readers to discern what is true and what is a manipulation of the facts. This theme of deception is not only central to Verity’s character but also to the novel’s structure, as Hoover keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Another significant theme in Verity is the nature of evil and whether it is inherent or cultivated. Verity’s actions, as detailed in her manuscript, suggest a deep-seated malice that raises questions about her morality and sanity. However, the novel also hints at the possibility that her behavior may be a result of external pressures, traumas, or even the intense demands of her career and personal life. This ambiguity forces readers to grapple with the concept of evil and whether Verity is a monster by choice or by circumstance.

The theme of motherhood is also central to the novel, particularly in how it relates to Verity’s relationship with her children. The manuscript reveals Verity’s disturbing thoughts and actions towards her daughters, challenging the conventional notions of maternal love and sacrifice. This theme is further complicated by Lowen’s own reflections on motherhood and her growing bond with Jeremy and Crew, Jeremy’s surviving son. The novel examines the complexities of parental love, the sacrifices involved, and the dark side of familial relationships.

Lastly, the theme of trauma and its impact on individuals is woven throughout the novel. Each character is dealing with their own form of trauma—Lowen’s financial and career struggles, Jeremy’s grief over the loss of his daughters, and Verity’s psychological turmoil. Hoover delves into how trauma can shape behavior, influence decisions, and distort reality, making it a driving force behind the novel’s events.

Through these themes, Verity challenges readers to question the nature of truth, the impact of trauma, and the existence of evil in a story that is as unsettling as it is captivating.

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Suspenseful and Intense

Colleen Hoover’s writing style in Verity is a departure from her usual romance-driven narratives, showcasing her ability to craft a suspenseful and intense psychological thriller. The novel is fast-paced, with each chapter building tension and raising the stakes. Hoover’s use of first-person narration from Lowen’s perspective immerses readers in the protagonist’s thoughts and fears, making the unfolding mystery even more gripping.

The incorporation of Verity’s manuscript within the novel is a brilliant narrative device that adds depth and complexity to the story. This dual narrative—Lowen’s present-day experiences and Verity’s past confessions—creates a layered and multifaceted plot that keeps readers engaged. The manuscript serves as a dark mirror to Lowen’s reality, offering insights that are as disturbing as they are revealing.

Hoover’s prose is straightforward yet evocative, effectively conveying the novel’s dark and twisted atmosphere. She masterfully balances the psychological tension with moments of introspection, allowing readers to connect with the characters while maintaining an air of suspense. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding to the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and the overall believability of the story.

The novel’s structure, with its short, punchy chapters and alternating narratives, keeps the momentum going, making Verity a page-turner that is difficult to put down. Hoover’s ability to keep readers on edge, constantly questioning what is true and what is not, is a testament to her skill as a writer.

In Verity, Hoover has created a thriller that is both unsettling and addictive, showcasing her versatility as an author and her talent for crafting stories that linger long after the final page.

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Conclusion: A Psychological Thriller That Will Haunt You

Verity by Colleen Hoover is a psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human mind, exploring themes of truth, deception, and the nature of evil. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and intense writing style, Verity is a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.