Dive into the captivating world of 'We Were Liars'! The universe, created by E. Lockhart, is expanding with a new novel, 'We Fell Apart,' and the upcoming second season of the Amazon Prime Video series. Get ready for more secrets, mysteries, and the ultra-rich Sinclair family drama. But what's in store for fans? Let's unravel it all. (Spoiler Alert: This review contains spoilers for Amazon Prime Video’s “We Were Liars” Season 1.)
'We Fell Apart' introduces us to a new set of characters, all entangled in their own web of secrets. The story centers on Matilda, who is invited to spend the summer with her long-lost father, Kingsley Cello, a reclusive artist. When she arrives at his seaside home, Hidden Beach, she finds him missing. Instead, she encounters her half-brother Meer, a former child star named Brock, and a brooding boy named Tatum, all residing in Kingsley's crumbling, castle-inspired estate.
While fans eagerly await the second season of 'We Were Liars,' spearheaded by showrunners Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie, 'We Fell Apart' offers a thrilling narrative to tide them over. Now that Cadence Sinclair knows the tragic fate of her beloved cousins and childhood sweetheart, 'The Liars,' the plan is to delve into the dark past of Cady’s mother and aunts, as explored in the sequel 'Family of Liars.'
Lockhart shared insights with Variety about the inspiration behind 'We Fell Apart' and its potential connections to Season 2 of Amazon’s 'We Were Liars.'
So, where did the idea for 'We Fell Apart' originate, and how did it intertwine with the first two 'We Were Liars' books?
Lockhart revealed that the idea sparked from a visit to a stunning property on Martha’s Vineyard, the summer home of architect Araldo Cossutta. The property's beauty, coupled with its state of disrepair, including a circular swimming pool filled with leaves and algae, and castle-like towers, ignited her imagination. Initially conceived as a standalone Gothic house story with a beachy vibe, Lockhart later found the world of 'We Were Liars' seeping into 'We Fell Apart.' This led to its evolution into a book within the same universe.
But here's where it gets controversial... While 'We Fell Apart' can be enjoyed independently, readers of 'We Were Liars' will find a special treat. The characters venture onto Beechwood Island, the setting of the original series, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar world. Matilda, Meer, and two other boys embark on a nighttime adventure, trespassing on the island and encountering the site of a recent tragedy. They explore the tennis courts and the tiny beach, key locations in 'We Were Liars,' providing readers with a chance to uncover more Sinclair family secrets.
Despite the Gothic beachy vibe, the setting of 'We Fell Apart' differs significantly from 'We Were Liars,' despite their close proximity. What's the significance of these differences and their juxtaposition?
Lockhart explains that all three books feature a kingdom. In the first two, Beechwood Island, ruled by patriarch Harris Sinclair, represents an established kingdom. In 'We Fell Apart,' the kingdom is ruled by an absent patriarch, embodying an alternative kingdom. It's a house with a distinct way of life and values, contrasting those of the Sinclairs. Thematically, it explores the choices of belonging to a kingdom and whether to protect or expose its secrets.
Will plot points from 'We Fell Apart' influence the second season of Amazon’s 'We Were Liars'?
While details are limited, Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie have read the book. The new season will incorporate the story of 'Family of Liars,' with the showrunners promising surprises for those familiar with the book. Expect new twists alongside the current storyline, featuring returning characters like Caitlin FitzGerald, Candice King, Mamie Gummer, David Morse, Joseph Zada, and Emily Alyn Lind.
What about the present-day storyline for Cadence, beyond the book's plot? Lockhart clarifies that her role is not to provide guidance but to be part of the team. She emphasizes the showrunners' commitment to complex characters and their emotional journeys, ensuring an experience similar to Season 1.
And this is the part most people miss... Lockhart also has a new TV series in development at Amazon’s Prime Video, 'Genuine Fraud,' based on one of her books and starring Rain Spencer. Sinead Daly, showrunner for 'Midnight Sun,' is writing the pilot, with Rain Spencer attached. The project is in the animation process.
What are your thoughts on the new book and the upcoming season? Do you think the showrunners will successfully capture the essence of the original story? Share your opinions in the comments below! What are you most excited to see?
