Farewell to a Dying Love

Auburn Reed visits her dying boyfriend, Adam, in the hospital, marking a poignant farewell to her first love. Their relationship, filled with dreams and deep affection, is overshadowed by the inevitability of Adam's death. Despite the sorrow, they promise eternal love, a commitment that shapes Auburn's future. Adam's family pressures Auburn to return to Portland, but she struggles with the thought of leaving him. This chapter sets the stage for Auburn's journey, highlighting the profound impact of loss and the enduring power of love.

New Beginnings, Old Wounds

Seeking a fresh start, Auburn moves to Dallas, but her past continues to haunt her. Financial and emotional struggles leave her feeling isolated in a new city. Her encounter with a lawyer underscores her desperation to regain control of her life. Auburn stumbles upon a mysterious art studio, "Confession," which offers a glimmer of hope. This chapter introduces Auburn's internal conflict and the challenges she faces as she attempts to rebuild her life amidst lingering wounds.

Confessions and Connections

Auburn's life takes a turn when she meets Owen Gentry, the charismatic artist behind "Confession." He offers her a job for the night, and they share an immediate connection. Owen's art, inspired by anonymous confessions, resonates with Auburn, providing solace in shared human experiences. Their chemistry is undeniable, sparking hope in Auburn for the first time in a long while. This chapter explores the theme of connection and the healing power of art, setting the foundation for Auburn and Owen's relationship.

Secrets Behind Closed Doors

Auburn's life is more complicated than it appears. She has a son, AJ, whom she must keep secret due to a custody battle. Her interactions with Owen are tinged with fear of her past being exposed. Meanwhile, Owen harbors his own secrets, including a troubled relationship with his father and a past filled with guilt and loss. This chapter delves into the complexities of Auburn and Owen's lives, highlighting the secrets that bind them and the obstacles they must overcome.

A Night of Revelations

During a night together, Owen and Auburn share their deepest fears and regrets. Owen reveals his past trauma, including the burden of his brother and mother's deaths. Auburn is moved by his vulnerability but is also reminded of her own struggles. Their bond deepens, but Auburn is torn between her feelings for Owen and her responsibilities as a mother. This chapter emphasizes the theme of vulnerability and the power of shared experiences in forging deep connections.

The Weight of the Past

Owen is arrested for drug possession, a consequence of unresolved issues. Auburn grapples with her feelings for him and the reality of his situation. She is drawn to Owen's sincerity and the comfort he provides but fears the instability he brings into her life. Auburn must decide whether to open her heart to Owen or protect herself and her son. This chapter explores the tension between love and responsibility, highlighting Auburn's internal conflict.

Auburn's Courageous Confrontation

Auburn faces Trey, her brother-in-law, after he attempts to assault her, realizing the extent of his manipulation and control. With the help of her roommate Emory, Auburn escapes Trey's grasp. This confrontation marks a turning point for Auburn, as she decides to take control of her life and protect her son, AJ, from Trey's toxic influence. Auburn's determination to fight for her rights and her son becomes the catalyst for her subsequent actions, showcasing her resilience and courage.

Owen's Redemption and Resolve

After being wrongfully accused by Trey, Owen is released from jail and is determined to protect Auburn and help her regain custody of AJ. His resolve to stand by Auburn, despite the risks to his own freedom, highlights his deep love and commitment to her. Owen's willingness to sacrifice for Auburn's happiness and safety underscores his journey towards redemption and sacrifice and healing from his past. This chapter emphasizes the themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Treacherous Truths Unveiled

Auburn and Owen uncover Trey's deceitful actions, including his role in framing Owen and manipulating Auburn. With the help of Owen's father, Cal, they gather evidence to confront Trey and Lydia, AJ's grandmother. The revelation of Trey's true nature forces Auburn to confront the reality of her situation and the lengths she must go to protect her son and herself from further harm. This chapter highlights the theme of truth and the power of uncovering hidden realities.

Auburn's Fight for Custody

With Cal's legal expertise, Auburn fights for custody of her son, AJ. She presents evidence of Trey's manipulation and Lydia's control, highlighting her capability as a mother. Auburn's courage and determination to secure a stable future for AJ drive her to challenge the legal system and reclaim her rights as a parent. Her fight symbolizes her resilience and unwavering love for her son, showcasing the theme of maternal strength and determination.

A New Beginning for Auburn

Auburn successfully gains custody of AJ, marking a new beginning for her and her son. Free from Trey's influence, Auburn embraces her role as a mother and looks forward to building a life with AJ. This victory represents Auburn's strength and the culmination of her struggles, as she finally achieves the stability and happiness she has long sought. This chapter highlights the theme of triumph and the power of perseverance.

Auburn and Owen's Reunion

Auburn and Owen reunite, ready to face the future together. Their relationship, strengthened by the trials they have overcome, promises a hopeful and loving partnership. Auburn's newfound freedom and Owen's redemption pave the way for a life filled with love, art, and family. Their reunion signifies the power of love and resilience in overcoming adversity, highlighting the theme of hope and new beginnings.

Characters

Auburn Reed

Auburn is a young woman burdened by loss and responsibility. Her love for Adam and her son, AJ, drives her every decision. She is determined to reclaim her life and fight for custody of AJ, despite the obstacles. Auburn's vulnerability and strength make her a compelling character, as she navigates love, loss, and the hope of new beginnings. Her journey is marked by resilience, courage, and the unwavering love of a mother.

Owen Gentry

Owen is a talented artist whose work is inspired by anonymous confessions. He is burdened by guilt from a tragic accident that claimed his mother and brother. Owen's relationship with his father is strained, and his arrest for drug possession complicates his life further. Despite his struggles, Owen's connection with Auburn offers him a chance at redemption and sacrifice and love. His character highlights the power of love and the possibility of healing and redemption.

Adam

Adam is Auburn's high school sweetheart, whose life is cut short by illness. His love for Auburn is profound, and their final moments together are filled with tenderness and heartbreak. Adam's death leaves a lasting impact on Auburn, shaping her decisions and her capacity to love again. His character represents the enduring power of love and the impact of loss.

AJ

AJ is Auburn's young son, whom she is fighting to keep in her life. His presence is a source of joy and motivation for Auburn, but also a reminder of the challenges she faces. AJ's innocence and love for his mother highlight Auburn's strength and determination. His character symbolizes hope and the future Auburn strives to secure.

Lydia

Lydia is AJ's paternal grandmother, who holds significant power over Auburn's life. Her disapproval and control create tension and fear for Auburn, who must navigate Lydia's influence to protect her son. Lydia's character serves as a barrier to Auburn's happiness and freedom, representing the societal and familial pressures Auburn must overcome.

Trey

Trey is a controlling and deceitful character who seeks to manipulate Auburn for his own gain. His actions drive the conflict in the story, as he attempts to maintain control over Auburn and AJ. Trey's character represents the obstacles Auburn must overcome to secure her freedom and protect her son. His deceit and manipulation highlight the theme of truth and the power of uncovering hidden realities.

Callahan Gentry

Callahan is Owen's father, who provides legal support and guidance to Auburn in her custody battle. His character represents redemption and the possibility of change, as he seeks to make amends for his past mistakes and support his son and Auburn. Callahan's involvement underscores the theme of familial support and the power of redemption.

Plot Devices

Confession Art Studio

Owen's art studio, "Confession," serves as a central plot device, where anonymous confessions inspire his work. The studio symbolizes the power of vulnerability and the shared human experience. It is a place where Auburn and Owen connect, finding solace and understanding in each other's secrets. This plot device highlights the theme of connection and the healing power of art.

Anonymous Confessions

The confessions that inspire Owen's art are a powerful narrative tool, revealing the hidden struggles and desires of the characters. They serve as a mirror to Auburn and Owen's own secrets, driving the plot and deepening their connection. This plot device emphasizes the theme of truth and the power of vulnerability.

Custody Battle

The custody battle for AJ is a significant plot device, highlighting Auburn's resilience and the stakes of her decisions. It adds tension and urgency to her relationship with Owen, as she must balance her love for him with her responsibilities as a mother. This plot device underscores the theme of maternal strength and determination.

Art as Expression

Owen's art serves as a powerful plot device, reflecting his emotions and experiences. His artwork inspired by Auburn symbolizes their journey and the love they share. Art becomes a means of healing and communication, deepening the connection between characters. This plot device highlights the theme of expression and the power of art.

Redemption and Sacrifice

The themes of redemption and sacrifice are woven throughout the narrative, driving character development and plot progression. Owen's journey towards redemption and Auburn's sacrifices for her son underscore the power of love and resilience in overcoming adversity. This plot device emphasizes the theme of love and the possibility of redemption.

Analysis

"Confess" by Colleen Hoover is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of redemption. Through the intertwined lives of Auburn and Owen, the novel delves into the complexities of human emotions and the impact of past traumas. The narrative highlights the themes of resilience and the enduring power of love, as Auburn fights for her son and Owen seeks redemption. The use of art as a narrative tool underscores the healing power of expression and the shared human experience. The novel's exploration of truth and vulnerability emphasizes the importance of confronting hidden realities and the possibility of new beginnings. Ultimately, "Confess" is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and redemption.

Last updated: March 12, 2025