Reviews

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

zoeolivia7's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging slow-paced

2.0

Hard to get through. Did not really understand this book - confusing plot with annoying writing tbh. 

booksofabaker's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5⭐️

This was not it for me. The writing style bothered me, and there was so much to process so quickly, so many characters and thoughts. The majority of the story dragged on and I guessed the ending which is crazy. I gave it 2.5 because it was interesting enough to finish and there were a few quotes I’ll keep with me…but yeah not the one for me unfortunately.

mpleffler's review against another edition

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5.0

I read this book in one sitting. E. Lockhart is a powerful writer who had me in complete tears. This is one of the best books I've read this year. It's unforgettable.

shivss09's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

naliyah's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
i usually like to read mystery and thriller books, so when i heard about we were liars and how it had one of the most shocking twists, i added it to my tbr.

what i expected to be a juicy story with a shocking twist was actually a story about grief and guilt. so while not necessarily what i was expecting, but it was a moving story instead.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

micisright's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

3.75

tbchic's review against another edition

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4.0

Wanted to read it for ages. I enjoyed it and didn’t see the plot twist coming.

Perfect if you’re looking for a short beach read.

SPOILER:

Did not enjoy the part where the two golden retrievers die.

wsyrzaaaa's review against another edition

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2.0

"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart is a novel that combines elements of mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense to create a compelling narrative. Set on a private island owned by the wealthy Sinclair family, the story follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her privileged cousins as they navigate secrets, lies, and tragedy.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its atmospheric setting and evocative prose. Lockhart vividly brings to life the idyllic island setting, with its sprawling mansions and pristine beaches, creating a sense of luxury and isolation that serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama.

However, while the novel's premise is intriguing, its execution may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied. The plot is intentionally vague and relies heavily on twists and revelations, which can be polarizing for readers. Some may find the ambiguity adds to the suspense and mystery, while others may feel frustrated by the lack of clarity and resolution.

In particular, the twist ending may divide readers, with some finding it clever and unexpected, while others may feel it's too abrupt or contrived. Additionally, the fragmented narrative style, which includes snippets of fairy tales and memories interspersed with Cadence's present-day story, can be disorienting at times and may detract from the overall cohesiveness of the plot.

That said, one aspect of the book that resonated with me was the incorporation of the "Once upon a time" stories, which serve as a poignant reflection of Cadence's inner turmoil and the complexities of her family dynamics. These fairy tales add depth to the narrative and provide valuable insights into Cadence's character.

In conclusion, "We Were Liars" is a novel that shows promise with its atmospheric setting and intriguing premise, but its vague plot and unconventional narrative style may not be to everyone's taste. While there are elements to appreciate, such as the Once upon a time stories, the overall execution falls short of its potential. This book earns a rating of 3 stars for its evocative writing and thematic depth, but its weaknesses in plot execution warrant constructive criticism.

read_n_wright's review against another edition

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3.0

It was fine. I didn't feel that urgency to keep reading but the chapters were short and sweet so I did. The very ending was good, I didn't see it coming.

reva_mx's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75