A review by sgftagz
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

This book had me quite bored throughout the first half to 3/4. The only times I began to enjoy it was when it began to get into Cadence's accident and
when everyone began lying about what happened before her accident.
I knew that there was a plot twist because I had seen many people previously talk about this book, but I predicted
that Gat, Mirren, and Johnny were all dead the entire time because something did not feel right with their characters. I did not predict that the four of them set the fire and I found the end of the book devastating for Cadence, having to live with the fact that the people she cared for the most died and she continued living.
 

I did not enjoy the writing style of this book. There were times where I felt that it was trying to be poetic and it just did not work for me. I understand why people enjoy this book, but I do not think that it was for me. I may have enjoyed it if I had first read it in middle/high school, but it didn't do much for me other than the ending.

I also do understand the messages throughout the book, especially the idea of wealth vs. family. I can appreciate the feelings that Cadence, Gat, Mirren, and Johnny had towards their family, and definitely understand their motives, but I wish that the first half of the book was as interesting as the final parts. These four characters definitely grew on me as the novel continued, but I'm not sure that they were super memorable in regards to characters I will think about many times now that I am finished reading the book. 

Again, I understand why many people enjoy this book, it just wasn't for me. Will be giving the show a try too!
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