We Fell Apart: A Reflection on Stories, Art, and Finding Yourself
As I opened We Fell Apart, the latest release by E. Lockhart, I was filled with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Lockhart is known for her captivating narratives, and having navigated the intriguing yet perplexing world of We Were Liars and its prequel, Family of Liars, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Could this installment finally provide the enchanting experience I hoped for? Unfortunately, it seems I may need to officially resign myself from this series.
From the get-go, We Fell Apart is a love letter to those who appreciate the arts—particularly painting and video games. It dives headfirst into these passions, crafting a narrative around them that, while beautifully executed, felt a tad lost on me. To be honest, I’m not particularly drawn to video games and while I can admire a painting, entire passages laden with detail about them were a challenge to engage with. As I read on, I found myself wanting to rush through those sections like I was trying to skip the less interesting levels in a game I wasn’t keen on playing.
The characters, too, felt like echoes of those from the earlier books—introduced but somehow lacking. Matilda, our main character, comes across as deeply needy and argumentative. I often found myself cringing at her confrontational attitude, which seemed to overshadow any nuanced development. Meer, the brooding counterpart, felt more like a teenager in limbo than an intriguing character to root for. The combination of their dynamics did little to hold my interest, and I longed for more vibrancy or depth in their interactions.
Lockhart’s narrative style remains fluid and evocative, with her signature lyrical prose weaving its way through the story. However, for a reader like me who struggles with the central themes, it often felt like sailing on a ship with the sails unfurled but headed into the wind. There were poignant moments that hinted at deeper meanings about self-discovery and relationships, particularly during summertime’s weighty warmth. Yet, my connection to those moments was ultimately lost in a sea of frustration with the characters and the plot direction.
And let’s not forget the aesthetic appeal of the book itself! The striking spray edges caught my eye from the moment I unwrapped my ARC—a vivid promise of a tale within. While the outside was absolutely stunning, I found myself wishing for that same exuberance to resonate on the inside.
To those who have been enchanted by the other entries in Lockhart’s world, We Fell Apart might still be a worthwhile journey. If video games and art ignite your passions, or if you relish summer tales of self-discovery, this book may resonate deeply with you. But for me, despite my earnest hope to fall in love with the characters or the storyline, it’s time to acknowledge that maybe this is a series I’m better off leaving behind.
In closing, while my experience with We Fell Apart has been less than fulfilling, I want to thank Lockhart for her contributions to young adult literature. There’s always potential for growth and evolution in an author’s style, and I look forward to seeing where her future endeavors might take her—and us, the readers. Happy reading, everyone!
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