“We Were Liars” is a young adult novel written by E. Lockhart and published in 2014. The book tells the story of a wealthy and privileged family, the Sinclairs, who spend their summers on a private island. The main character, Cadence Sinclair Eastman, is the eldest grandchild of the family patriarch, Harris Sinclair. Cadence is the narrator of the story, and the book follows her as she tries to piece together the events of the summer of her fifteenth year, a summer that ended in a mysterious accident that left her with amnesia.
Plot Summary
The book opens with Cadence returning to the island for the first time in two years. She has no memory of the summer of her fifteenth year, and her family is reluctant to talk about what happened. She starts to remember bits and pieces of that summer, including her relationship with Gat Patil, the Indian boy who visits the island with his aunt every summer. As she pieces together more and more of the events of that summer, Cadence realizes that the Sinclairs are not the perfect family she thought they were. She uncovers dark secrets, betrayals, and lies that have been kept hidden for years.
We Were Liars Characters
Cadence Sinclair Eastman is the narrator and the main character of the book. She is the eldest grandchild of Harris Sinclair, and the story follows her as she tries to remember the events of the summer of her fifteenth year.
Gat Patil is an Indian boy who visits the island every summer with his aunt. He is intelligent, politically aware, and becomes Cadence’s love interest.
Johnny, Mirren, and Bonnie are Cadence’s cousins, who also spend their summers on the island. They are known as the “Liars” because they often make up stories and play games with each other.
Harris Sinclair is the patriarch of the Sinclair family. He is wealthy, powerful, and controlling, and he has a strained relationship with his daughters and his grandchildren.
We Were Liars Themes
One of the main themes of the book is the idea of privilege and the consequences that come with it. The Sinclair family is wealthy and powerful, but their privilege comes at a cost. They are not immune to the problems and tragedies that affect all families.
Another theme is the idea of memory and the ways in which our memories can be manipulated and distorted. Cadence’s amnesia and her struggle to remember the events of the summer of her fifteenth year are central to the plot of the book.
Writing Style
E. Lockhart’s writing style in “We Were Liars” is lyrical and poetic. The book is written in short, fragmented sentences that give the impression of fragmented memory. The language is evocative and poetic, with vivid descriptions of the island and the sea. The use of repetition, metaphor, and symbolism adds to the dreamlike quality of the book.
Conclusion
“We Were Liars” is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of privilege, memory, and family. E. Lockhart’s writing style is lyrical and poetic, and the book is full of vivid imagery and symbolism. The plot is twisty and unpredictable, with a shocking twist ending that will leave readers reeling. Overall, “We Were Liars” is a gripping and unforgettable novel that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it.