American author Colleen Hoover‘s Ugly Love is a compelling exploration of the complexities of love and the enduring impact of past traumas. She invites readers into a world where love is a source of joy and a profound force that can unravel the deepest wounds of the human heart.
The story revolves around Tate Collins, a determined college student aspiring to become a nurse, and Miles Archer, a pilot haunted by a painful past. As the pages unfold, the non-linear storytelling method reveals layers of emotion, secrets, and the transformative power of love.
When these two souls meet, their connection is undeniable. However, Miles is a broken man who cannot offer Tate anything but a physical relationship. Emotionally, Miles is distant and clarifies that he does not want to discuss his plans with anyone. Miles is reeling from his past story that he wants to hide from Tate. As Tate and Miles draw closer, their emotions run wild. Can they both stick to the rules and keep things casual?
The development
The character development is a standout feature of the novel. Tate is a relatable and strong-willed protagonist, while Miles is a complex character burdened by a tragic past. The exploration of themes such as grief, forgiveness, and the healing power of love adds depth and resonance to the narrative.
The novel’s pacing is well-executed, perfectly balancing suspenseful moments and introspective reflection. The incorporation of poetry throughout the story adds a poetic dimension to the narrative, enhancing the overall literary experience.
While Ugly Love falls within the romance genre, it transcends clichés and stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrayal of the intricacies of human relationships. The plot twists are unexpected and contribute to the novel’s emotional impact, keeping readers engaged until the final page.
Strong aspects of the novel
One of the strongest aspects of Ugly Love lies in Hoover’s ability to create deeply nuanced and authentic characters. The novel excels in portraying the emotional complexity of its protagonists, Tate Collins and Miles Archer. Each character is meticulously crafted, carrying their burdens and scars, which adds layers of authenticity to the story.
One of the things that make Ugly Love such a compelling read is its raw and honest portrayal of love and loss. Hoover does not shy away from the darker aspects of love, exploring the pain and heartbreak that can come with it. But she also shows us the beauty and joy that love can bring, even in adversity.
Additionally, the non-linear storytelling technique employed by Hoover is a notable strength. By revealing key events in a fragmented order, the author creates a sense of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers engaged and invested in the unfolding narrative.
This structure adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling, allowing for a more immersive and impactful reading experience. Some of the very heartbreaking lines of the novel that still have an impact on me are:
- Love isn’t always pretty. Sometimes you spend all your time hoping it will eventually be something different. Something better. Then, before you know it, you are back to square one, and you lost your heart somewhere along the way.
- The only thing I have ever wanted is to stand right in front of me. But if I do not find a way to make her believe in me, to make her see that I am all in, then I will spend the rest of my life loving a woman who will never fully believe she deserves it.
- Hearts get infiltrated. Promises get broken. Rules get shattered. Love gets ugly.
- You can not leave yet. I am not finished falling in love with you.
- It is easy to stop caring when things do not matter. It is hard to stop caring when they do.
These lines capture the essence of the novel’s theme of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. They hold deep and saddening truths about love and loss in life.
Weak aspects of the novel
I also found some points in the book which I was not entirely fond of and the author could improve on. If these points can be considered, the book can move on to the next level and can get more attention and love than it already is getting:
- Certain chapters felt repetitive and draggy. A tighter editing process could enhance pacing and keep readers engaged throughout.
- Although both main characters have deep backstories which reveal their struggles and vulnerabilities, further exploration of these aspects would add depth to them.
- The final chapter might feel rushed compared to the rest of the book due to its abruptness.
- The unrealistic storyline of Tate being ignorant about Miles and her treatment in the novel shows that love is blind, which is not true to that extent.
- The novel contains a detailed explanation of physical intimacy which can make it difficult for readers under 16.
Hoover’s skill in storytelling shines brightly. She crafts a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged. Whether it is the memorable lines in the book that linger in the reader’s thoughts or the unexpected plot twists that maintain suspense, readers can get an enduring impression.
Ugly Love goes beyond romance; it explores human experiences, prompting readers to contemplate the transformative power of love and its capacity to mend even the deepest wounds.
The most interesting and heartwrenching part comes when the tragedy of Miles’s past unravels making it all sensible for the book cover to be drops of water.
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between, Ugly Love can be the perfect read.
Author: Colleen Hoover
Pages: 352
Price: Rs 800
