We Were Liars

by E. Lockhart
We Were Liars cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Thriller/Suspense
Technical:
  • ID: 1589
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780385741262
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2014-05-13
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.49–£8.99

We Were Liars follows the story of a privileged family spending summers on their private island, where a group of friends known as the Liars unravel under the weight of their own secrets and lies. The novel is praised for its sophisticated suspense and unforgettable characters, as it explores themes of true love, revolution, and the consequences of deception. /n/n E. Lockhart's modern suspense novel is a gripping exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and the destructive power of lies. The story is narrated by Cadence, a brilliant but damaged girl, whose perspective adds depth and intrigue to the unfolding mystery. With its beautiful prose and blistering intelligence, We Were Liars is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and coming-of-age stories.

Reviews
Heidi Dischler · 2025-06-17
heartbreaking 4.75

The book is loved for its heart-pounding and heartbreaking story, with particular praise for the metaphorical writing style. The reviewer found the narrative to be both emotionally intense and beautifully crafted.

The reviewer describes the book as a heart-pounding and heartbreaking story that leaves a lasting impact. They particularly appreciate the metaphorical writing style, which adds depth to the narrative. The emotional intensity of the story is noted, making it a memorable and moving read. The reviewer also mentions how the airy and poetic language enhances the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    A heart-pounding and heartbreaking story that will leave your head spinning (in more ways than one).

    I loved this metaphorical writing and I loved how airy and poetic it was.

    The emotional intensity of the story makes it a memorable and moving read.

Miss Known · 2023-09-07
captivating 4.00

The book is enjoyed for its suspense and the element of surprise. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of going into the book with minimal knowledge to fully appreciate the plot twist.

The reviewer highly recommends reading the book without knowing too much about the plot, as the surprise element adds significantly to the enjoyment. They found the suspense to be well-crafted and the plot twist to be particularly satisfying. The book is seen as a modern and sophisticated take on suspense, making it a captivating read.

Quick quotes

    The less you know about this book, the better.

    The surprise of not seeing the plot twist coming adds another level to the enjoyment.

    It's a modern and sophisticated suspense novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Guardian · 2015-08-07
thought-provoking 4.50

The book is praised for its depth and the lesson it imparts about not judging others. It is seen as a powerful narrative that delves into personal struggles and family dynamics.

The reviewer highlights how the book teaches an important lesson about empathy and understanding, noting that it's easy to misjudge someone without knowing their personal struggles. They appreciate the book's ability to capture the complexity of family relationships and the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. The narrative is described as compelling and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I think this book taught me not to look at someone and judge them because you can never understand what's going on in their personal life.

    The book is a powerful narrative that delves into personal struggles and family dynamics.

    It's a compelling story that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

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