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artfullysinful's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book as a teenager and I've got to say it's quite forgettable and i don't understand why booktok is obsessed over it. It was decent but not my cup of tea.
justinkhchen's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
A stylish gothic tale of rich family woe, I'm definitely late on the We Were Liars (re)hype train, but now after consuming it in mere day, I can see its appeal — obviously it won't live up to the ridiculous reputation it has online, but it is still a very solid piece of fiction.
We Were Liars is admittedly more about 'vibe' than actual substance, still I was completely taken by its hazy, haunting atmosphere, and the intensely poetic, fragmented writing style. Yes, it can come across a little 'try-hard' and pretentious at times, but in some ways it perfectly mirrors the fatalistic, teen angst of its protagonists. Lastly, the way it builds toward its 'reveal', while nothing revolutionary, definitely rings true emotionally and reinforces the overall romantic melancholy tone.
Browsing through online reviews I'm surprised no one has quite mentioned its gothic fiction root: isolated architectural setting, hint of the supernatural, and melodrama around the breakdown of a wealthy family. Overall, We Were Liars is exquisitely crafted, especially considering it's dealing with some pretty dark subject matters within a YA framework; I can see its attributes being easily criticized or ridiculed (Who cares about rich people problems?! Why is it trying to be poetry?!.. etc.) but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it for what it set out to accomplish.
A stylish gothic tale of rich family woe, I'm definitely late on the We Were Liars (re)hype train, but now after consuming it in mere day, I can see its appeal — obviously it won't live up to the ridiculous reputation it has online, but it is still a very solid piece of fiction.
We Were Liars is admittedly more about 'vibe' than actual substance, still I was completely taken by its hazy, haunting atmosphere, and the intensely poetic, fragmented writing style. Yes, it can come across a little 'try-hard' and pretentious at times, but in some ways it perfectly mirrors the fatalistic, teen angst of its protagonists. Lastly, the way it builds toward its 'reveal', while nothing revolutionary, definitely rings true emotionally and reinforces the overall romantic melancholy tone.
Browsing through online reviews I'm surprised no one has quite mentioned its gothic fiction root: isolated architectural setting, hint of the supernatural, and melodrama around the breakdown of a wealthy family. Overall, We Were Liars is exquisitely crafted, especially considering it's dealing with some pretty dark subject matters within a YA framework; I can see its attributes being easily criticized or ridiculed (Who cares about rich people problems?! Why is it trying to be poetry?!.. etc.) but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it for what it set out to accomplish.
lucyyoungblood1717's review against another edition
2.0
It was fine. Nothing too special but not terrible
lorelai_mad06's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The plot twist hit me hard
a_fantasy_lover's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not sure how I can write a review of this book without spoiling it.
It is depressing from cover to cover but is hopeful.
It is tragic in the darkest of ways but will fill you with countless emotions.
It's ending is so twisted I had to re-read some passages several times to comprehend what was happening.
It made me cry for the main character. And the Liars. And for the Sinclair family altogether.
It said it's ok to grieve for a tragedy even you yourself have forgotten from the shock of it, and that is it possible to accept it and live with it in the end.
It has tragedy and hope. That is why it is worth your time.
It is depressing from cover to cover but is hopeful.
It is tragic in the darkest of ways but will fill you with countless emotions.
It's ending is so twisted I had to re-read some passages several times to comprehend what was happening.
It made me cry for the main character. And the Liars. And for the Sinclair family altogether.
It said it's ok to grieve for a tragedy even you yourself have forgotten from the shock of it, and that is it possible to accept it and live with it in the end.
It has tragedy and hope. That is why it is worth your time.
inkystardust's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
teejaykl2402's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shayenne_jd's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
once you’ve read it, you’ve got to re-read it. but not worth a third time