Book Review: We Fell Apart by E. Lockhart
When I first picked up We Fell Apart, I was excited by the cover art—a stunning display of spray edges that caught my eye as soon as I spotted it on NetGalley. E. Lockhart’s previous books, We Were Liars and Family of Liars, generated so much buzz that I couldn’t help but think I was stepping into a literary experience that would captivate me. But as I dove into the pages, that initial thrill fizzled into disappointment, leading me to a bittersweet realization: perhaps this series just isn’t for me.
We Fell Apart is a tribute to the summer’s bliss and the struggles of falling in love—with ourselves and the world—while exploring the arts through the lenses of painting and video games. It’s a rich canvas, aiming to resonate with passionate readers who appreciate these themes. Unfortunately, my lack of connection with both the storyline and the characters ultimately clouded my experience, leading me to rate this novel just one star.
The plot centers around Matilda, a character whose traits felt uncomfortably relatable yet overwhelmingly unappealing. She’s intended to be a complex protagonist, yet I found her judgmental and often unnecessary in her conflict. I longed for moments of depth that I know Lockhart is capable of delivering, as seen in her previous works. The same can be said for Meer, Brock, and Tatum, who felt more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out individuals. I found myself wanting to shake Matilda awake, nudging her to realize her self-worth instead of wallowing in her chaotic relationships.
Lockhart’s signature writing style is present, with its fluidity and subtle poetic touches, but the pacing felt uneven. Moments that could have been profound were smeared over by a swirl of dialogue that failed to engage me. And while I appreciated the themes woven throughout—especially the artistic elements—the intense focus on painting and video games distracted rather than engrossed me. As someone who loves a good game of Mario, I felt like an outsider, watching a conversation unfold without the ability to join in.
It’s clear We Fell Apart appeals most to those who admire Lockhart’s previous installments, and for that audience, I can imagine it being a fulfilling read. I’ve seen readers express their love for the artful compositions she builds—ones that resonate deeply with some but unfortunately lost their grip on me.
As I close this chapter on We Fell Apart, I find myself contemplating my relationship with Lockhart’s works. While I admire her ambition to explore varied themes and diverse characters, I must also acknowledge that not every series can resonate with every reader. If you’ve enjoyed We Were Liars and Family of Liars, you might find more to love here. But for me, it’s time to say goodbye to this journey.
I wish E. Lockhart nothing but the best for her future endeavors, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have explored this book. If you’re looking for a poignant summer read that dances intricately with issues of identity and artistic expression, you might just fall in love with it—and hopefully, more than I did.
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