62 pages • 2 hours read
Family of Liars
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Book Brief
298
Novel • Fiction
Private Island • 1980s
2022
YA
14+ years
HL640L
Super Short Summary
In E. Lockhart’s young adult novel Family of Liars, protagonist Carrie Sinclair recounts her 17th summer on her family’s private Beechwood Island during the late 1980s, dealing with addiction, grief over her sister Rosemary's death, and complex family dynamics. Carrie navigates a tumultuous relationship with a visitor named Pfeff, discovers a dark family secret, and confronts past traumas while seeking her place within the Sinclair family.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
103,994 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Family of Liars by E. Lockhart received mixed reviews. Critics praised the book for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, especially its exploration of family dynamics and secrets. However, some felt it lacked the originality of its predecessor, We Were Liars, and found the plot twists predictable. Overall, it’s a compelling but somewhat flawed follow-up.
Who Should Read Family of Liars?
Readers who relish suspenseful, character-driven narratives set in picturesque, isolated locales will adore E. Lockhart's Family of Liars. Fans of We Were Liars and Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects will find the enthralling tales of secrets, betrayal, and family dynamics captivating. The book's nuanced emotional depth and vivid storytelling make it a compelling read.
103,994 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lawrence “Pfeff” Pfefferman
Lawrence “Pfeff” Pfefferman
Pfeff is a visitor to Beechwood Island and serves as Carrie’s love interest. He is defined by a mix of charm and a darker complexity, influencing Carrie's growth throughout the text.
Penny Sinclair
Penny Sinclair
Penny is Carrie's younger sister, admired by Carrie for her beauty but also a source of jealousy. Throughout the narrative, she grapples with concealing her true self from her family.
Tipper Sinclair
Tipper Sinclair
Tipper is Carrie’s mother, embodying the role of a dedicated homemaker who manages her life's challenges by keeping busy. She offers insights into varying personal expressions of grief and the pressure to meet societal expectations.
298
Novel • Fiction
Private Island • 1980s
2022
YA
14+ years
HL640L
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