Welcome back to school Panthers! Hopefully, this summer was filled with adventures, social time, and lots of reading to wind down from the stress of school! If you’re looking for a good read that is emotional, suspenseful, and entertaining, look no further. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a book that will linger long after you’ve closed the cover. It is a short book with only 250 pages; however, it presents an emotional punch so deep and unexpected that it is often described as “Devastating, Haunting, and Unforgettable.”
This novel tells a story about the Sinclair family: A wealthy New England family who spend their summer on a private island. The book centers around Cadence Sinclair Eastmen, a 17-year-old girl who returns to the island after a mysterious and tragic accident, seeking answers. However, her consistent struggles with migraines and memory loss make it very difficult for her to piece together what had happened.
This novel allows us to understand the tragedy through the lens of Cadence while also allowing us to understand the depth of her family issues and find her place amongst all the chaos. Cadence spends most of her time on the island with her cousins Mirren and Johnny, as well as her best friend Gat. The title We Were Liars refers to the main characters known as“liars,” composed of Cadence, Mirren, Johnny and Gat. They acquired this name because of their childhood mischief; however, the group name ended up sticking with them into their teenage years. The title reflects the central theme of the novel by displaying the significance of hidden truth, while also presenting irony as the “liars” are actually the ones trying to uncover the truth amongst the deep corruption of their family’s privilege.
What makes this book so remarkable is the style in which it is written. E. Lockhart writes in a poetic style, capturing both the beauty of Beachwood Island and the dark secrets lingering beneath the surface. It is not your average young adult novel, but rather a literary puzzle, family drama, and psychological thriller embedded together. All while delving into the danger of silence, the consequences of unchecked privilege, and the power of storytelling. The most notable feature of this book would have to be the plot twist: One so unpredictable and shocking, it will leave you to rethink every page read and analyze all the missed clues as you think back.
We Were Liars is not just for teenagers; but, it is great for any audience, especially those who have struggled with grief, perfection, or feeling like a burden. This book was also recently adapted into a TV show on Amazon Prime. So if you are not a reader or would like to read it and see it in real time, the show is also a great option! So, if you’re looking for a novel that grips you, breaks you, and stays with you, pick up We Were Liars. No matter what, remember the author’s advice: “If anyone asks you how it ends, just lie.”