chaptersofchase 's review for:

Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

3.5

mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Three friends + one summer in Greece + only two return home
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted audiobook of Before We Were Innocent {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Trope: Mystery
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 4.3.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5

"We sounded frivolous at best, mercenary at worst, and maybe we were. But show me an eighteen-year-old saint, and I'll show you a liar."

When We Were Innocent is told from Bess's perspective. So, as the reader, we're never really given the whole picture - we have to trust that what story Bess is telling us is the truth. We're presented solely with how she perceives situations and memories,

The book has a mystery component, but wasn't the focal point. For me, the social point was on the toxic relationships between the three characters and how their lives (and death) are still interwoven years later.

I have difficulty getting into books where the protagonists are young high school kids behaving like adults. I understand that most high school kids try to act like adults, but something about it being written in books ultimately makes the story feel juvenile. The other problem I have is that the novel was too closely linked to a high-profile case about a young woman being accused, imprisoned, and released while aboard, which ultimately made me feel that the story lacked originality. What do you think about stories that have ties to well-known events?

📖 Character-driven
☢️ Toxic friendships
✌🏼 Dual timeline
🤫 Secrets
✨ Reeses Book Club Pick December 2023


I recommend reading Before We Were Innocent if you're looking for a book that focuses on friendships' complex (and sometimes toxic) nature.


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