Book Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

WARNING: VERY MINOR SPOILERS

The first time I read this book, I was underwhelmed and only read halfway through. The recommendation of this book by the librarian set me straight. Although I hadn't fully realised it earlier, We Were Liars is a beautifully twisted story that everyone should read.

It opens on Cadence, a almost 18 year old who has sunk into a depression after an incident that happened two years ago on her grandfather's private island. Every year, the three same-aged grandchildren (Cadence, Mirren and Johnny) and Johnny's step-cousin (Gat) visit there and are nicknamed 'The Liars'. Until Summer 15. Cadence starts to fall in love with Gat, even though he has a girlfriend back home.

Suddenly, near the end of the Summer, Cadence is found barely dressed and barely alive in the rocky bay just outside her grandfather's mansion. She doesn't know what happened, even in the days leading up to it, and no one will tell her anything. 

In the two years that follow, Cadence avoids the island, going on trips to Europe, while she slowly slumps into melancholy. She gives away all her stuff and tries vehemently to remember what happened on that fateful day. And then, she is invited back to the island.

The ending is absolutely incredible, a twist no one saw coming that haunted me for days. What really took place two years ago and why can't she remember any of it? 

Recommended for ages 11+