“No one here is an addict. No one here is a failure. No one here is a criminal.” We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a thrilling, cogent, and exciting novel. The novel revolves around the prestigious Sinclair family. Every summer, this rich family heads to their private island to enjoy a summer of relaxation. Cadence Sinclair suffered an accident two summers ago, and she has no recollection of what happened to her. While she tries to ask her friends and family what happened to her, they continue to lie. Now that summer time is here again, Cadence is ready to see her cousins Johnny and Mirren, as well as her summer fling, Gat. Cadence is determined to find out the secret behind her accident. As the summer progresses, she starts to remember bits and pieces about the summer of the accident. The only thing she remembers about that summer was her mother fighting with her sisters. After a while, Cadence finally remembers what happened to her that summer…

Right from the first page of the book, readers will get instantly hooked. The first page boasts quotes like “No one is needy, no one is wrong. We live, at least in the summertime, on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. Perhaps that’s all you need to know.” Intriguing quotes are present throughout the novel. In addition, the character development is excellent. Even though all of the characters have devious sides, you want to know more about their lives. The descriptions of the Sinclair’s summer estate are vivid and superfluous. The climactic scene in which Cadence finally remembers what happened to her two summers ago will leave readers breathless. It’s a twist that no one saw coming. With the book only being 240 pages, We Were Liars is a quick read. Filled with twists and turns, secrets, and shocking moments, this novel is nothing short of an exhilarating ride!

Rating: 4.5/5