We Were Lairs Review ✨ W/ & W/out Spoilers
This book was an amazing read. This book screams summer. The majority of this book takes place at the Sinclair family’s private island. Where the three sisters bring their family’s together every summer. As you can guess a family that has a private island is wealthy beyond what most people can imagine.
Cadence is the oldest grandchild and heir to the Sinclair fortune. From the start of the book it is very clear that the grandfather is rich in American Values. To work hard, never take no for an answer. We can see the way his wealth has clouded his judgement within his old age.
The three sisters, the daughters of the grandfather. Do not have a lot going for them. One has a small business but they are mostly living off the money they have been given. Due to this the three women are drunk with worry. Who will be given the most money once the head of the family is gone. They ask their children to talk to grandfather for them in hope of getting in better favor.
Due to the grandchild have a natural allegiance to each other they all do not talk to their grandfather like their mothers insisted. The Summer of 15 when Cadence is 15 years old. The family drama truly comes to a head. The drunken arguing of the kids mothers could be heard every evening from the main house. Who is “owed” what and their grandfather treating to cut them all out of the will. The grandchild decide they will be forced to take drastic measures if they want to continue to vacation on the island every summer as a family.
✨DO NOT READ PAST THIS MAGICAL LINE IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK. THERE ARE SPOILERS CROSS THIS LINE. ✨ YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED PLEASE TURN AWAY NOW OR BE PREPARED TO BE SPOILED✨
I warned you, if you are reading here there are spoilers. I want to talk about the book with those that have already read it. So if you are reading this and you have not read the book please stop now.
SPOILERS
It is very apparent that something bad happened. Cadence has broken memories of a fire. The family being there, everyone’s faces were a glow. A fun night at the beach with a bonfire didn’t feel unusual to Cadence. Until after the summer of 15.
During her trip to Europe, it is very strange that her cousin that were thick as thieves are not responding to her emails. She mails them gifts that’s remind her of them still with no respond. The family will not allow her to return to the beach until next summer.
That next summer all of the cousins are there and Cadence feels upset with them. Why hadn’t they emailed her back or even opened the message. It starts to get odd when her mother says to her that her spending all of that time alone in that house isn’t good for her. But she isn’t alone her cousins are there.
At least until her memories return to her. As her memories returned she remember how her and her cousins made plans to burn down the main house on the island. Drunk and young the made a plan to set fire to the house and escape. Although Cadence lit the fire in the wrong place. Resulting in the two family dogs and her three family members to pass in the fire.
Due to them being on an island it took too long for the firefighters to get there. Cadence is left riddled with guilt and goes to find her cousins. Which are now fading from existence.
This book was an amazing read! What did you think of it?
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When I first picked up E. Lockhart's 'We Were Liars,' it was partly because of the striking cover design – that evocative image of people in water, almost ethereal, instantly hinted at a story steeped in mystery and perhaps a touch of melancholy. It perfectly sets the tone for the Sinclairs' secluded island, a place that looks idyllic on the surface but hides a web of secrets beneath. That cover alone made me curious, and I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. Beyond the initial intrigue, what truly hooked me was Lockhart's unique writing style. It's almost poetic, with short, impactful sentences and a fragmented narrative that mirrors Cadence's own fractured memory. This isn't your typical young adult contemporary; it's a psychological thriller wrapped in a coming-of-age story, dealing with profound themes like privilege, family loyalty, memory, and guilt. The way the story unfolds, slowly peeling back layers of deception and self-denial, is masterful. Reading 'We Were Liars' felt like stepping into a dream, or sometimes a nightmare. The atmosphere of the private island, with its old money and simmering resentments, is palpable. I found myself constantly questioning everything, trying to piece together Cadence's lost summer alongside her. The hints are subtle, the foreshadowing expertly woven, making the ultimate reveal all the more devastating. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to immediately go back and reread it to catch all the clues you missed. For those who love a book that challenges their perceptions and leaves a lasting impact, this is definitely one to add to your list. It’s more than just a plot twist; it's a poignant exploration of identity, the weight of expectations, and the destructive power of love and secrets within a privileged family. It might be a 'summer read' in setting, but its emotional depth resonates long after the last page. I genuinely believe it's a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and unforgettable story.
this book made me cryyy! when i realized what was happening i couldn’t help it, it was so sad but so good !