Jenny Han’s coming-of-age trilogy, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” has captivated millions, not just through bestselling novels but also with its widely discussed Prime Video adaptation. At the heart of its enduring appeal lies a poignant love triangle: Isabel “Belly” Conklin torn between two Fisher brothers, the reserved Conrad and the affable Jeremiah. For readers and viewers alike, one central question drives the emotional stakes: Who does Belly end up with?
Understanding Belly’s ultimate choice requires more than a surface-level look at plot. It’s about dissecting the deep emotional bonds, the rippling consequences of choice, and how Han’s nuanced storytelling resonates with fans’ own coming-of-age experiences. Here’s an authoritative exploration of Belly’s journey, her final decision, and why the answer matters so much to the series’ cultural footprint.
The Foundation: Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah’s Intricate Bonds
From the outset, Belly is introduced as the younger sister-type who blossoms both physically and emotionally under the summer sun. Her childhood has been spent at Cousins Beach, forging formative memories with the Fisher brothers. Over time, these relationships evolve, deepening in complexity as adolescence gives way to adulthood.
The Growth of Conrad and Belly
Conrad, the older Fisher brother, serves as Belly’s first crush. He’s depicted as brooding yet deeply protective, with his struggles around family loss and expectations shaping much of his emotional distance. Despite the obstacles, Belly’s connection with Conrad is rooted in years of shared summers and secrets. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is their collective baggage.
Jeremiah: The Best Friend Archetype
Jeremiah, on the other hand, is the epitome of warmth and open affection. He’s always been there for Belly, providing friendship and comfort. While, at first, his feelings seem purely platonic, the series gradually reveals Jeremiah’s deeper hopes for romance, contrasting his approachability with Conrad’s mystery.
Book vs. Series: Does Belly’s Choice Change?
A major point of ongoing debate centers on differences between Han’s original novels and the Prime Video adaptation. While the TV series adds nuance to the love triangle—sometimes expanding and reinterpreting subplots—the core trajectory of Belly’s relationships remains consistent, especially regarding her ultimate choice.
Series Adaptation: Staying True, Yet Surprising
The adaptation explores pivotal moments—like prom night, heartbreaks, and the aftermath of loss—with fresh emotional beats. Fan forums and social media reflect intense investment in “Team Conrad” and “Team Jeremiah,” mirroring the way pop culture often splits around beloved triangles, reminiscent of earlier phenomena like “Twilight’s” Team Edward versus Team Jacob.
“The real magic of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ lies in its ability to make both sides of the triangle compelling. Every viewer will find a bit of themselves in Belly’s indecision.”
— YA literature expert, Emily Rinaldi
Spoiler Alert: Who Does Belly End Up With?
For those seeking the definitive answer found in Jenny Han’s books: Isabel “Belly” Conklin ultimately ends up with Conrad Fisher.
The Arc to Belly’s Final Decision
The trilogy’s conclusion, “We’ll Always Have Summer,” sees Belly deeply entangled in the emotional repercussions of her relationships with both brothers. After a period of dating Jeremiah—and even getting engaged—Belly confronts her lingering feelings for Conrad. Critical moments unfold, including broken trust and personal growth, that ultimately guide her back to her first love.
The Resolution: Why Conrad?
Belly and Conrad’s connection, while far from perfect, is shown to be built on years of shared history and growth. Their reconciliation in the final book is nuanced and understated, relying on mutual maturity and the acknowledgment of old wounds. The epilogue, set years later, shows Belly and Conrad marrying at Cousins Beach, signaling her lasting choice.
Fan Response and Critical Interpretation
Few YA love triangles have sparked as much online debate as Belly’s. The audience’s division—sometimes overlapping with real generational perspectives on romance—has generated countless essays, Reddit threads, and TikTok breakdowns.
Why the Ending Resonates
The series’ ending appeals for its mixture of realism and hope. Belly’s choice is less about picking the “perfect” partner and more about personal growth—understanding her needs, her capacity for forgiveness, and the bittersweet truths of growing up.
“Jenny Han crafts endings that reflect genuine adolescent uncertainty. The story’s legacy comes not from a simple answer, but from the honesty of Belly’s struggle.”
— Literary critic, Maya Sutton
Cultural Impact
The fervor around “Who does Belly end up with?” underscores how love triangles remain a potent storytelling vehicle. It’s a testament to Han’s E-E-A-T credentials (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, trustworthiness) that her storylines spur such passionate, multi-generational conversation.
Key Takeaways: The Long Arc of Love and Choice
Jenny Han’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” explores the messiness of first love and personal evolution. While the revelation that Belly chooses Conrad offers closure, the enduring question itself has become a touchstone for fans and the romance genre alike.
Aspiring YA authors can learn from Han’s ability to create authentic tension and emotional payoffs, and adaptation producers should note the value of fidelity to core character arcs, even when updating details for contemporary audiences.
FAQs
Who does Belly end up with in the “The Summer I Turned Pretty” books?
Belly ultimately chooses Conrad Fisher, and the series’ epilogue reveals them marrying years later.
What happens to Jeremiah after Belly chooses Conrad?
Jeremiah initially experiences heartbreak but eventually finds his own path, maintaining a complicated but enduring connection with his brother and Belly.
Does the TV series follow the same ending as the books?
While the television adaptation introduces new twists and character moments, it largely preserves Belly’s final choice from the novels, though future seasons could explore her journey in further depth.
Why is the love triangle so central to the series’ popularity?
The tension between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah speaks to universal themes of adolescent love, uncertainty, and self-discovery, making their storylines deeply relatable for a wide audience.
Are there any indications that Belly might have chosen differently?
Throughout the trilogy, Belly seriously considers both brothers, even getting engaged to Jeremiah. However, her emotional journey always points back to her enduring bond with Conrad.
How has fan reaction influenced the “Team Conrad” versus “Team Jeremiah” debate?
Fan engagement has fueled robust online discussion, with each camp finding evidence and emotional justification for their preferred ending, driving the series’ lasting cultural relevance.
