The world of 'We Were Liars' just got a whole lot bigger! But here's the twist: it's not just a new season, but a new book too! 'We Fell Apart' is the latest addition to this captivating universe, and it's bound to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't watched Amazon Prime Video's 'We Were Liars' Season 1 yet, you might want to catch up before reading this review, as it reveals some major plot points.
'We Fell Apart' takes us back to the lavish world of the Sinclair family, the ultra-rich clan at the heart of the 'We Were Liars' book series and the Amazon TV adaptation. However, this time, we're introduced to a fresh set of characters with their own secrets and mysteries to uncover.
Matilda, the protagonist, finds herself spending the summer with her estranged father, Kingsley Cello, a reclusive artist. Upon arriving at his secluded seaside home, Hidden Beach, she discovers her half-brother Meer, a former child star named Brock, and a brooding boy named Tatum, all residing in Kingsley's decaying castle-like estate.
With Season 2 of the TV series in development, 'We Fell Apart' provides a captivating bridge for fans eager to delve deeper into the 'We Were Liars' universe. And the timing couldn't be more perfect, as viewers have just learned the shocking truth: Cadence Sinclair's beloved cousins and childhood sweetheart, 'The Liars,' perished in a fire for which she and they were responsible. The upcoming season is set to explore the dark past of Cady's mother and aunts, as revealed in the sequel, 'Family of Liars.'
Author E. Lockhart reveals the inspiration behind 'We Fell Apart' and hints at its connection to the 'We Were Liars' saga. The idea for the book emerged during a visit to a stunning property on Martha's Vineyard, once owned by architect Araldo Cossutta. Lockhart was captivated by the decaying beauty of the estate, with its circular pool filled with leaves and algae, and its castle-like towers. This sparked the desire to write a classic Gothic tale with a beachy twist.
Initially, Lockhart envisioned the book as a standalone, unrelated to 'We Were Liars.' However, as she worked on the TV show simultaneously, the two worlds began to intertwine. The characters in 'We Fell Apart' even trespass onto Beechwood Island, the central setting of 'We Were Liars,' offering readers a unique perspective on the familiar world. Lockhart assures that while it can be read independently, fans of the series will relish the opportunity to uncover more Sinclair family secrets.
Despite the physical proximity of the settings, 'We Fell Apart' and 'We Were Liars' offer starkly different atmospheres. Lockhart explains that all three books in the series feature a kingdom, each with its own ruler and set of values. While Beechwood Island is an establishment kingdom ruled by Harris Sinclair in the first two books, 'We Fell Apart' presents an alternative kingdom with an absent patriarch, defined by values in opposition to the Sinclairs. Yet, the theme remains: characters must decide whether to embrace or reject their kingdom and its secrets.
As for the TV adaptation, Lockhart remains tight-lipped about the specifics of Season 2. She confirms that showrunners Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie have read 'We Fell Apart', but can't reveal if plot points from the book will be incorporated. The new season will continue the story of 'Family of Liars' while adding fresh twists and turns, ensuring a surprising experience for viewers, even those familiar with the book.
Lockhart's role in the TV series is primarily as a team member, leaving the creative direction to the showrunners. Plec and MacKenzie are dedicated to crafting complex, nuanced characters and emotionally charged storylines, ensuring a compelling Season 2.
In other exciting news, Lockhart's book, 'Genuine Fraud,' is also being adapted into a TV series for Amazon Prime Video, starring Rain Spencer from 'The Summer I Turned Pretty.' The project is in good hands with showrunner Sinead Daly, who is also working on 'Midnight Sun,' an animated adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's 'Twilight' from Edward's perspective.
And this is just the beginning! The 'We Were Liars' universe continues to expand, leaving fans eager for more. But the question remains: will the secrets of Beechwood Island ever truly be laid to rest?
