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A review by sofiajearally
We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! I had heard some disappointed reviews but had already bought it so I thought I'd give it a try anyway and I ended up having lots of fun reading it.
First off, it's a real page-turner, with a fast pace and a good balance between the action and the more reflective moments - almost nothing was unnecessary or too long. The fact that the chapters were short helped too. What I think really made it work is the author's ability to maintain suspense and tension all throughout the story, and to engage the reader as to make us feel the doubts of the main character and to doubt the main character herself. There were lots of plot-twists, none of which I saw coming. However, I don't read much thrillers, so they might be foreseeable for people who are more into this genre.
What disappointed me though was the ending: I felt it was rushed and not explained enough, everything too neatly tied up in a bow, almost deus ex machina. A few elements remained unanswered like what was Nana trying to say to Emily all these times? . The secondary characters, especially Aaron, lacked depth, flaws and a backstory. As for the writing style, I can't really pronounce myself because I read a translated version but, even though it was efficient, I feel like some stylistic devices were a hit-or-miss.
First off, it's a real page-turner, with a fast pace and a good balance between the action and the more reflective moments - almost nothing was unnecessary or too long. The fact that the chapters were short helped too. What I think really made it work is the author's ability to maintain suspense and tension all throughout the story, and to engage the reader as to make us feel the doubts of the main character and to doubt the main character herself. There were lots of plot-twists, none of which I saw coming. However, I don't read much thrillers, so they might be foreseeable for people who are more into this genre.
What disappointed me though was the ending: I felt it was rushed and not explained enough, everything too neatly tied up in a bow, almost deus ex machina. A few elements remained unanswered like
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Murder, Blood, Physical abuse, Animal death, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Child death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Car accident, and Stalking
Minor: Alcohol, Stalking, Incest, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Suicide, and Toxic relationship