In the novel “Can It Be Us” by an unidentified author, readers are drawn into the complex and touching journey of former lovers Lily Kincaid and Atlas Corrigan. Their intertwined past, present struggles, and hopes for a shared future form the heart of this emotional tale.
Central Conflict: The novel revolves around the rekindling of Lily and Atlas’s connection. As they navigate their shared history, they must confront their past traumas, the complexities of co-parenting, and the possibility of a second chance at love.
Main Characters
Lily Kincaid:
Background: Lily, the resilient owner of Lily Bloom’s flower shop, carries the weight of a failed marriage to her abusive ex-husband, Ryle. Their joint custody of their infant daughter, Emerson, complicates her life.
Motivation: Lily’s heart remains torn between her past love for Atlas Corrigan and the practical challenges posed by Ryle’s jealousy.
Struggle: She navigates the delicate balance between her feelings for Atlas and the reality of co-parenting with Ryle.
Atlas Corrigan:
History: Once Lily’s teenage love, Atlas bears emotional scars from a traumatic upbringing. His mother’s rejection and abuse left indelible marks.
Hope: Atlas yearns for a chance to reconnect with Lily, hoping fate will bring them back together.
Conflict: His desire clashes with the complexities of Lily’s life, especially her tumultuous relationship with Ryle.
Plot
The story begins where it left off in “It Ends with Us”, after Lily and Atlas unexpectedly encounter each other on the street. Lily reveals that she is now divorced from Ryle. The narrative alternates between Atlas’s and Lily’s perspectives. Atlas nervously awaits Lily’s text, while handling the aftermath of vandalism at his restaurant, Bib’s. Meanwhile, Lily grapples with her feelings for Atlas, knowing that pursuing a romance with him will infuriate Ryle. Their FaceTime conversations, shared memories, and cautious steps toward reconnection unfold against the backdrop of Lily’s busy flower shop and Ryle’s jealousy. As they explore their past through journals and letters, they must confront their traumas and decide whether a second chance at love is possible.
Setting
The novel takes place in a contemporary setting, where Lily’s flower shop and Atlas’s restaurant, Bib’s, serve as pivotal locations. The juxtaposition of their shared memories against the challenges of co-parenting and emotional baggage creates tension. The cityscape becomes a canvas for their rekindled connection, as they navigate love, loss, and longing.
Themes
Second Chances: The possibility of rekindling love after years apart.
Emotional Baggage: How past experiences shape present choices.
Complex Relationships: The intricacies of co-parenting, jealousy, and healing.
Conclusion
Colleen Hoover’s exploration of love, resilience, and vulnerability draws readers into the emotional rollercoaster of Lily and Atlas.