Island Life but Not What You Would Expect

Do you ever wish you could live on a private island during summer where all your problems will disappear? This reality is somewhat true for the characters in “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart. The novel is young adult fiction that could also be described as a psychological thriller with a somewhat tragic ending. It includes a lot of characters, plot twists, and anticipation for the reader. It consists of a wealthy family that lives on Beechwood Island during their summers, and the story focuses on The Liars’ who are cousins Cadence, Johnny, and Mirren. Gat is also part of the group too.      

The novel takes place in Massachusetts at Beechwood Island. There is a map included in the front of the book of the whole island which is helpful. The author doesn’t focus a lot on the setting throughout the entire book because it’s not extremely important to the plot.

The development of the characters throughout the entire story is super engaging. The beginning focuses a lot on introducing the characters, and the plot. Lockhart does a great job introducing the family with the lines, “Welcome to the beautiful Sinclair family. No one is a criminal. No one is an addict. No one is a failure. Sinclairs are athletic, tall, and handsome. We are old- money democrats. Our smiles are wide, our chins are square, and our tennis serves aggressive” (Lockhart 1). 

“We Were Liars” is told in first person, and is narrated by the main character Cadence. Towards the beginning of the story, the readers learn about an incident which will forever change her. She has always struggled internally to find who she is, and it becomes even harder after the incident. 

The author focuses on The Liars’ adventures, and challenges. The Liars are born into a troubled family and desire independence, love, and they have the urge to fix their family. There is always something new to learn about the characters in the novel. 

The main conflict of the novel is internal for Cadence as she suffers with a drug addiction, and amnesia. “We Were Liars” demonstrates how being wealthy can tear families apart just as it did to the Sinclair family.

One flaw that could be found in “We Were Liars” is that the story leaves you wondering how Cadence's story goes as she continues to get older. Cadences emotional roller coaster all of the sudden ends, and it leaves you feeling like you want to keep reading.  

I would recommend this book to other teens because of the amazing plot twists included. The book does include drugs, and other sensitive topics so I would recommend a mature reader. When you pick up the book, you have no idea what you will read next which makes you want to keep reading.