Andrea Bartz's We Were Never Here has garnered mixed reviews. Readers have praised its compelling psychological tension and strong character dynamics, particularly the portrayal of friendship's darker sides. However, some have critiqued the plot as being occasionally predictable and felt the pacing lagged in parts. Overall, it's intriguing but may not satisfy all thriller enthusiasts.

Readers who relish psychological thrillers will be captivated by We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz. It appeals to fans of Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, with its intricate plot and suspenseful twists. This novel is ideal for those who appreciate complex female friendships and dark, unpredictable narratives.

In Andrea Bartz’s thriller, We Were Never Here, best friends Emily and Kristen navigate a traumatic event in Chile where Kristen kills a man in what she claims is self-defense, mirroring a similar incident the prior year in Cambodia. As Emily grapples with their actions and Kristen's increasing possessiveness, she uncovers disturbing truths, culminating in a deadly confrontation. Sensitive topics include sexual assault and trauma.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Emotional / Unnerving / Dark

- We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz was selected as Reese’s Book Club pick in August 2021, giving it significant exposure and attention.
- The novel draws inspiration from Bartz's own travel experiences and feelings of unease while exploring new destinations, which she details in interviews.
- Andrea Bartz has also worked as a journalist and editor, and she channels her real-world insights into creating compelling psychological thrillers like We Were Never Here.

Andrea Bartz

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Overview

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We Were Never Here Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

We Were Never Here Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

We Were Never Here Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-17

We Were Never Here Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-22

We Were Never Here Chapters 18-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-27

We Were Never Here Chapters 23-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-34

We Were Never Here Chapters 28-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-43

We Were Never Here Chapters 35-43 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 44-46

We Were Never Here Chapters 44-46 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

We Were Never Here Character Analysis

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Themes

We Were Never Here Themes

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Essay Topics

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We Were Never Here

Before You Read

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