Book Riot - The Podcast: E. Lockhart on the WE WERE LIARS Adaptation
Release Date: June 17, 2025
In this special episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Shinsky delve deep into the world of E. Lockhart, focusing on her acclaimed novel We Were Liars and its recent adaptation into a television series on Amazon Prime. The episode features an in-depth conversation with E. Lockhart herself, providing listeners with exclusive insights into the book’s enduring popularity, its resurgence via social media, and the intricate process of adapting a beloved novel for the screen.
Introduction to E. Lockhart and We Were Liars
The episode begins with an introduction to E. Lockhart, highlighting her extensive bibliography and the significant impact of We Were Liars. Lockhart’s career spans various genres within young adult (YA) literature, with notable works such as Ruby Oliver, Fly on the Wall, and the middle-grade series Upside Down Magic. However, it is We Were Liars that stands out as a breakthrough, captivating readers with its psychological depth and compelling narrative.
Notable Quote:
“We Were Liars was a pivot for me. I had been writing contemporary young adult comedy... and I was ready to try something new, to write a thriller instead of a comedy.” ([09:09])
The Success and Resurgence of We Were Liars
Originally published in 2014, We Were Liars quickly became a bestseller, debuting on the New York Times bestseller list in its first week. Lockhart expresses her astonishment at the book’s immediate success, attributing part of it to strategic shelving in bookstores. Six years post-publication, the novel experienced a remarkable resurgence, largely fueled by the BookTok community on TikTok.
Notable Quotes:
“We Were Liars debuted on the New York Times bestseller list in its first week... that was very surprising to me.” ([09:09])
“A prequel, Family of Liars, hit shelves in May 2022, and a sequel, We Fell Apart, will release in November of this year.” ([07:07])
Lockhart was initially unaware of the BookTok phenomenon’s impact. It wasn’t until she received a TikTok video from her child featuring a fan deeply moved by the book that she realized the platform’s role in reigniting the novel’s popularity.
Notable Quote:
“There were a lot of them, and I was incredibly lucky.” ([13:19])
Creating the Prequel: Family of Liars
The success of We Were Liars led Lockhart to publish a prequel, Family of Liars, in 2021. Contrary to commercial motivations, Lockhart was driven by a genuine desire to reward and engage her dedicated readership. Inspired by a conversation with fellow YA novelist Gayle Forman, Lockhart developed a narrative that explores the backstories of the Sinclair family’s matriarchs, thereby enriching the universe established in We Were Liars.
Notable Quote:
“I had an idea that I would write a story about the moms in We Were Liars... uncover family secrets about the Sinclair family.” ([15:35])
Adapting We Were Liars for Television
The heart of the episode centers on the adaptation of We Were Liars into an eight-episode series for Amazon Prime, set to debut on June 18, 2025. Lockhart discusses the journey of adapting her novel, highlighting the transition from a first-person narrative to a visual medium. She emphasizes the collaborative efforts with showrunners Julie Pleck and Karina Adley, who were instrumental in expanding the story beyond the protagonist’s perspective.
Notable Quotes:
“Julie Pleck was the showrunner and architect of the Vampire Diaries... they had been interested in We Were Liars previously.” ([21:59])
“The show fleshes out the novel in a lot of ways because the novel is in first person.” ([24:16])
Lockhart had a hands-on role in the adaptation process, contributing to the finale and being actively involved in location scouting, casting, and post-production feedback. Her involvement ensured that the essence of the book was preserved while allowing the series to explore new dimensions of the characters and setting.
Notable Quote:
“I was on set for 10 weeks, working mostly as a writer on set... some of those notes were incorporated in the adaptation.” ([25:24])
Visual and Narrative Enhancements in the Adaptation
Lockhart expresses her delight with the series’ visual representation, noting the stunning cinematography and the expansion of secondary characters. The adaptation offers a richer exploration of characters like Johnny, Mirren, Gat, and the Sinclair women, providing fans with a more comprehensive understanding of their motivations and dynamics.
Notable Quote:
“Everyone is so good looking... it was just kind of a fun, delicious, you know, eye candy.” ([28:55])
Appeal to Diverse Audiences
Addressing the crossover appeal of We Were Liars, Lockhart discusses how the story resonates with both teen and adult audiences. The layered narratives and intergenerational storytelling ensure that readers and viewers find multiple entry points to engage with the material.
Notable Quote:
“I love to read young adults. So I've always thought of it as, you know, about and for teenagers and beyond.” ([30:40])
The Enduring Popularity of Psychological Thrillers
Lockhart shares her perspective on the lasting appeal of psychological thrillers in the YA genre. She attributes their enduring popularity to the universal fascination with the human mind and its complexities, making these stories both engaging and relatable.
Notable Quote:
“The human mind and the tricks it can play upon us is something that's universal.” ([32:38])
Book Recommendations and Future Works
In the closing segment, Lockhart recommends further psychological thrillers and offers suggestions for readers seeking similar experiences to We Were Liars. She also highlights her other works, encouraging listeners to explore her catalog for a diverse range of emotions and themes.
Notable Quotes:
“My Sister the Serial Killer by Ouija Braithwaite... about siblings and loyalty and family secrets.” ([34:17])
“Again is a story of... healing, about reconnecting after family trauma and grief.” ([37:08])
Conclusion
This episode of Book Riot - The Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, offering listeners valuable insights into its creation, sustained popularity, and its transformation into a television series. Lockhart’s candid reflections and thoughtful recommendations make this episode a must-listen for fans of the novel and enthusiasts of psychological thrillers alike.
Stay Connected:
For fans eager to dive deeper into the world of We Were Liars and its adaptation, follow the series on Prime Video and visit E. Lockhart’s official website. Don’t forget to engage with the community on BookTok to stay updated on the latest discussions and fan theories surrounding the series.