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A review by katykelly
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
4.0
Here's one I read for the hype and for the twist.
Like 'One Step Too Far', there's a lot of publicity regarding a 'sensational' twist in the story.
Tina Seskis's tale had me in tears as I realised what was going on. This one, I wasn't really bothered. Left me cold. And annoyed actually.
On a private island in Massachusetts, a rich family gather each year for a summer with their patriarch and his wife, in their own separate and specially designed houses. The children, each in age-related groups bond and play.
The eldest of the youngest generation are (for some reason) known as the 'Liars'. Of them, the eldest, Cadence, narrates. Except a few summers ago, something happened. She has a head injury and amnesia and tries to piece together the mystery through the story.
It wasn't easy to like any of the characters - all rich, a racist grandfather, lots of squabbling (the adults) over their inheritance and possessions. All seeking (Granddad) Harris Sinclair's approval.
There are slow reveals of what happened, a lot of teenage naval gazing and mooning over a boy. I liked the fairy tale aspect, with the traditional 'three sons/three princes' format played out repeatedly to enhance the plot.
I don't like the twist. Felt a bit cheated actually and as I said, annoyed. Bit of a cop out and negated all that went before for me. With that kind of twist, there's nothin really to take away from the book.
Many have loved it though, and it's just how I felt about what the author decided to create.
Like 'One Step Too Far', there's a lot of publicity regarding a 'sensational' twist in the story.
Tina Seskis's tale had me in tears as I realised what was going on. This one, I wasn't really bothered. Left me cold. And annoyed actually.
On a private island in Massachusetts, a rich family gather each year for a summer with their patriarch and his wife, in their own separate and specially designed houses. The children, each in age-related groups bond and play.
The eldest of the youngest generation are (for some reason) known as the 'Liars'. Of them, the eldest, Cadence, narrates. Except a few summers ago, something happened. She has a head injury and amnesia and tries to piece together the mystery through the story.
It wasn't easy to like any of the characters - all rich, a racist grandfather, lots of squabbling (the adults) over their inheritance and possessions. All seeking (Granddad) Harris Sinclair's approval.
There are slow reveals of what happened, a lot of teenage naval gazing and mooning over a boy. I liked the fairy tale aspect, with the traditional 'three sons/three princes' format played out repeatedly to enhance the plot.
I don't like the twist. Felt a bit cheated actually and as I said, annoyed. Bit of a cop out and negated all that went before for me. With that kind of twist, there's nothin really to take away from the book.
Many have loved it though, and it's just how I felt about what the author decided to create.