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42 pages 1 hour read

We Were Never Here

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Andrea Bartz

We Were Never Here

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chile • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Andrea Bartz’s thriller, We Were Never Here, best friends Emily and Kristen navigate a traumatic event in Chile where Kristen kills a man in what she claims is self-defense, mirroring a similar incident the prior year in Cambodia. As Emily grapples with their actions and Kristen's increasing possessiveness, she uncovers disturbing truths, culminating in a deadly confrontation. Sensitive topics include sexual assault and trauma.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Emotional

Unnerving

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.7

148,419 ratings

53%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Andrea Bartz's We Were Never Here has garnered mixed reviews. Readers have praised its compelling psychological tension and strong character dynamics, particularly the portrayal of friendship's darker sides. However, some have critiqued the plot as being occasionally predictable and felt the pacing lagged in parts. Overall, it's intriguing but may not satisfy all thriller enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Were Never Here?

Readers who relish psychological thrillers will be captivated by We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz. It appeals to fans of Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, with its intricate plot and suspenseful twists. This novel is ideal for those who appreciate complex female friendships and dark, unpredictable narratives.

3.7

148,419 ratings

53%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Emily Donovan

The protagonist and narrator, Emily grapples with feelings of conventionality and longs for a stable life in Milwaukee. Her close friendship with Kristen and relationships with those around her drive much of the novel's tension.

Emily's best friend and the novel's antagonist, Kristen is portrayed as mysterious and manipulative, creating complicated dynamics in Emily's life. Her character remains enigmatic, adding to the story's suspense.

Aaron is Emily's supportive and kind boyfriend who stands by her through challenges. His presence is a consistent source of stability in contrast to the more turbulent relationships in Emily's life.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chile • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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