Family of Liars

The Prequel to We Were Liars

By: E. Lockhart

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The addictive prequel to the TikTok phenomenon We Were Liars: the story of another summer, another generation—and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

"I anticipated that at some point a shocking twist would come. And, wow, does it ever."—The New York Times

"A perfect beach read."—The Boston Globe

A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts.

A hungry ocean, churning with secrets and sorrow.

A fiery, addicted heiress. An irresistible, unpredictable boy.

A summer of unforgivable betrayal and terrible mistakes.

Welcome back to the Sinclair family.

They were always liars.

©2022 Random House (P)2022 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Narrator Kimberly Farr convincingly delivers the jaded viewpoint of privileged 17-year-old Carrie Sinclair, who recounts the worst thing she ever did in her childhood.... Farr captures the tense tone of a story in which events build dramatically, unexpected happenings add darkness, and surprises lurk around every corner." (AudioFile)

Adds so much context to We Were Liars

I was nervous about this book at first. I enjoyed We We’re Liars so much, and didn’t want to change my perspective on the Sinclair family. However, Family of Liars did not disappoint. Wonderfully written and beautifully narrated I would highly recommend giving it a listen.

**content warning/spoiler**
As someone who’s lost a younger sister, I was very grateful to have a friend let me know one of the main plot points of this book is the loss of the Sinclair family’s youngest daughter.

Very different

I am surprised about how much I am glad I listened to this.
I imagine it rings true in this world of privilege that is bountiful. The hum of wealth and denial pervade these lives. These people make snd then break the rules‼️

Interesting prequel

I am generally not a fan of prequels but this one is better than expected. It was a quick and easy read which sucked me in and I was able to finish in one day.

Satisfying

Gorgeously atmospheric, FAMILY OF LIARS, the prequel to WE WERE LIARS drips privilege, snobbery and deception. FAMILY OF LIARS is perfect for listening on Audible. What might have been a slow read kept me interested as the four, now three Sinclair daughters feel the loss of the youngest, Rosemary, who drowned the summer before. No one speaks of the ten-year-old, whose ghost begins to visit narrator Carrie. Or is Rosemary a delusion?

Carrie learns painful truths, about her family and about herself the summer after Rosemary, while her detached parents pretend all is well. All is not well.

Though FAMILY OF LIARS lacks the big reveal of WE WERE LIARS, Lockhart’s poetic prose is a thing to behold and a reason to listen to the audiobook.

I enjoyed it

It’s hard to leave a review without spoiling the story. I’m just going to say I like the back story but Johny story line won’t go anywhere. A good story overall. I like the narrator voice and pace.

Not interested

I was expecting to like it as much as I like We Were Liars. I didn’t. I was rather bored.
After many chapters, it may be my OCD that gets me through to the end.

Couldn't stop listening!!

I physically read We Were Liars and couldn't put it down! I absolutely adore that book, and this sequel is just as incredible! E. Lockheart, you are an amazing writer!! your plot twists and attention to detail are un matched, and I am eagerly awaiting your next masterpiece!!

Wasn’t sure what I was getting into

I enjoyed this book. I was very confused at the beginning but it slowly clicked. I’m reading this in my book club and I’m excited to see what everyone else has to say about it, but I did feel it was quite predictable but it was a good story!

intriguing backstory

"Family of Liars: The Prequel to We Were Liars" is a solid four-star read that provides an intriguing backstory to the events of "We Were Liars." This prequel offers a deeper understanding of the Sinclair family dynamics and the secrets that haunt them. The narrative is well-crafted, with a focus on character exploration and relationships. It sheds light on the motivations and conflicts that shape the lives of the Sinclair family members. However, the pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some readers may find it less compelling than the original. Nonetheless, it's a worthwhile read for fans of the series, adding depth to the enigmatic Sinclair family.

A great prequel to on of my fav books

E. Lockhart gave more great twists in this prequel, highly recommend! I haven’t read a prequel that ties in so well