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A review by wsyrzaaaa
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
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.
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.