3 Things I Loved About We Were Liars TV Series vs. the Novel!

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When it comes to anticipating TV adaptations based on novels I enjoy, the experience can take two distinct paths. The upcoming 2025 schedule includes the “We Were Liars” series, which I believe the book version outshines. (As a rule of thumb, isn’t that usually the case?) In discussing what was missing from the TV show in comparison to the novel, as well as elements added that I found particularly effective, here are my thoughts:

1. Missing Elements: The richness and depth of character development, as well as the atmospheric setting, seemed somewhat lacking in the television adaptation. These aspects were more vividly portrayed in the book, contributing to a deeper emotional engagement with the story.

2. Added Elements: While some additional plot points and subplots were not present in the novel, they greatly enhanced the viewing experience by providing further insight into certain characters and their motivations. These additions helped flesh out the narrative and made for an engaging watch.

It’s often a positive indication when an author is part of the show’s creation, and that’s the case with E. Lockhart who served as executive producer on the Amazon series. Additionally, one more advantage is that the co-creators Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie have a reputation for adapting the Vampire Diaries franchise earlier. First, let’s explore what I found to be missing from the book.

I Missed The Novel’s Lyrical Style

Among the aspects that made “We Were Liars” a standout for me was E. Lockhart’s exceptional writing style, which took precedence over the plot itself in my enjoyment of the book. Her use of lyrical language and non-literal devices such as hyperbole created an immersive reading experience that felt more like diving into Cadence’s personal thoughts rather than following a traditional narrative. The book effectively conveys Cadence’s emotions and experiences, often resembling a series of diary entries filled with brief, evocative reflections.

The novel’s success can be attributed to its protagonist, Cadence, who is an unreliable narrator grappling with intense emotions and memory lapses. Reading her account (written uniquely by Lockhart) provides a rich experience that becomes even more rewarding upon reaching the surprising conclusion. It’s challenging to replicate such writing style in visual adaptation, but I can’t help but wish for a greater visual representation of this story aspect. Regardless, the series has only enhanced my admiration for the original book.

I Missed Seeing The Ghosts Of The Liars Unravel

Although I appreciate the other characters’ portrayals in the series, one aspect of their character arcs in the book was not adequately depicted on screen. In the novel, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat struggle emotionally as they conceal their secret of being deceased from Cadence. As I’ve been listening to the audiobook since watching the series, I feel that there were missing scenes where it seems like the deceased characters become increasingly frustrated with their deaths as the story progresses.

For instance, in the novel, as Cadence shares her exciting travels overseas, it triggers envy among others who’ve never ventured beyond U.S. borders. Yet, she finds it hard to understand their longing when they could always plan a trip later. However, upon learning that they have passed away, the sense of loss becomes even more profound. I can’t help but wish the TV series had incorporated some of those poignant scenes.

I Missed The Book’s More Sprawling Timeline

Another aspect of the novel that didn’t translate well in the TV series is the way the timeline is structured. In the book, the storyline spans over two years from Cadence’s accident until her return to Beachwood, while in the show, it only covers a single year. I can see why they made this adjustment for easier viewing, as flashbacks from a year prior are simpler to follow than a more complex timeline. However, compressing that time period into one year seemed somewhat unrealistic to me.

A year after the tragic passing of several Sinclair family members, it appears that the family is struggling to stay together. It’s hard to fathom being a parent to Johnny or Mirren and returning to your summer town without them, as a family. Despite the significant grief from losing three dear family members, everyone seems to be coping surprisingly well. However, I believe that two years might have provided more time for their emotions to settle and behaviors to change in a way that better reflects the magnitude of their loss.

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I Loved Seeing The Other Liars And Moms Have Their Own Storylines

I had some issues with certain aspects of the series, but it’s not like the book is ending anytime soon, and I must admit that the show did enrich the overall narrative. Since we didn’t just follow Cadence’s viewpoint in the books, I thought it was quite intelligent for the creators to delve deeper into each of the Liars’ stories. For instance, Johnny’s character was given a gay identity and a hidden dark past, Mirren’s romance and art were explored more, and there was increased focus on Gat with Indian writers contributing to the show. Overall, I found it intriguing to learn more about who the Liars truly are.

The point also applies to most mothers, considering their emotional journeys often seemed exaggerated. Viewing events from Cadence’s perspective significantly enhanced my understanding of the Sinclair family, revealing unique aspects about each character.

I Loved Gat’s Uncle Ed Having His Own Arc In We Were Liars

One intriguing modification in “We Were Liars” that I appreciated was the introduction of Gat’s Uncle Ed into the central narrative. In the original book, Ed has minimal presence, but the creators cleverly expanded his character through Rahul Kohli, who portrays Carrie’s long-term partner, Mamie Gummer’s character. The romantic dynamics between Cadence and Gat, a young interracial couple with contrasting backgrounds, were thought-provoking. However, observing Uncle Ed’s relationship with the family over the years provided an enlightening perspective on the novel’s themes from a more mature viewpoint than what was presented through Cadence’s point of view. This addition served to amplify and reinterpret some of the book’s messages in a fresh and engaging way.

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2025-06-27 23:09