Review of We Were Liars - E. Lockhart

This book is one of the most captivating and beautifully crafted stories I have read in a very long time. Sat on a bench overlooking Plymouth, in the middle of a deer park, I delved into the rich world of Cadence Sinclair and her pretentious family. We Were Liars is a crafty, cunning and brutal story following the fragmented life of Cadence. With Cady, we attempt to piece together the summer she has lost from memory and discover the truth behind her accident.

The Sinclairs are a family that we learn are capable of disguising their misfortunes behind their wealth and lies. Spending each summer on an island with her cousins – Johnny and Mirren – and a family friend Gat, she becomes close to each one of them until the summer of her accident. Having not visited the island for a number of years Cadence finally returns.

The story, narrated by Cadence, explores the difficulties she is now facing in trying to unearth the truth behind the lies that last summer spent on the island created.  The characters are perfect in their very imperfect ways. The dialogue and incoherent narrative mirrors the chaotic and materialistic lives of the Sinclairs and their clear obsession with money over family. E. Lockhart contrasts the wealth of the family with their happiness and demonstrates that what you see on the outside is not always what is living within; a powerful message that is reiterated throughout the story.  

Lockhart successfully ensures the reader is kept on their toes throughout; a constant stream of questions forming in their minds as they are thrust into the family life, love and lies that make this story. The book was glued to my hands for a whole day under the sun and as I turned the last page a small gasp left my mouth, I looked at my mum and she smiled (having already read the book). This story will stay with me for a long time.