If We Were Villains, by M.L. Rio, isn't your typical Shakespearean adaptation. Instead of a straightforward retelling, it delves into the dark, intoxicating world of a prestigious conservatory for dramatic arts, where ambition, jealousy, and obsession intertwine like the tangled plots of the Bard's own tragedies. This isn't a story about the plays themselves, but about the people consumed by them—and by each other.
The novel follows Oliver, a young man entangled in a web of relationships with his fellow students at Dellecher College. Their intense, almost suffocating connection with Shakespeare and each other creates a claustrophobic atmosphere ripe for drama, both on and off stage. The narrative unfolds in a fragmented, unreliable way, leaving the reader to piece together the mystery surrounding a devastating event that throws the group into chaos.
What Makes This Novel Unique?
The Atmosphere: Rio masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and foreboding. The gothic setting, combined with the intense personalities of the characters, creates a palpable sense of unease that lingers throughout the entire book. The reader is constantly kept guessing, questioning the reliability of the narrator and the true nature of events.
The Characters: Each character is a captivating study in ambition, jealousy, and the intoxicating power of performance. They're flawed, complex, and deeply human, making their eventual downfall all the more tragic and believable. Their relationships are intense, bordering on obsessive, and the dynamics shift constantly, adding to the suspense.
The Unreliable Narrator: Oliver's narrative voice is crucial to the novel's success. His perspective is subjective, colored by his own biases and guilt, creating a puzzle for the reader to solve. We are never entirely sure what is truth and what is his skewed perception of events.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAAs) about "If We Were Villains"
H2: Is If We Were Villains a mystery?
Yes, "If We Were Villains" functions as a mystery. While the core story revolves around the intense relationships between the students, a central mystery surrounds a significant event that has profoundly affected their lives. The unraveling of this mystery is interwoven with the unfolding relationships and internal struggles of the characters, making for a compelling and suspenseful reading experience.
H2: What is the setting of If We Were Villains?
The novel is set at Dellecher College, a prestigious and secluded conservatory for dramatic arts. The isolated location contributes to the feeling of claustrophobia and intensifies the already tense relationships between the students. The college itself almost becomes a character, adding to the gothic and somewhat ominous atmosphere of the story.
H2: Who is the main character in If We Were Villains?
The main character is Oliver, a student at Dellecher College with a complex and somewhat unreliable narration style. Through his eyes, we see the unraveling of the events and relationships at the college, though his perspective is far from objective, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
H2: What is the ending of If We Were Villains?
The ending of "If We Were Villains" is intentionally ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation. While many pieces of the puzzle are put together, some questions are left unanswered, which adds to the lingering impact and stays with you long after finishing the book.
H2: How does Shakespeare influence the story?
Shakespeare's plays are not simply a backdrop; they're deeply integrated into the fabric of the narrative. The characters' lives and relationships are heavily influenced by the plays they perform, mirroring the themes of betrayal, jealousy, and ambition found within Shakespeare's works. The parallels between the fictional drama and the characters' actual experiences are a key element of the novel's power.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Fans of Suspense and Shakespeare
"If We Were Villains" is a richly layered and captivating novel that transcends the typical coming-of-age story. It's a dark, compelling exploration of ambition, obsession, and the devastating consequences of unchecked desires. If you enjoy complex characters, a twisting plot, and a gothic atmosphere, this book is a must-read. The ambiguous ending will spark discussions and leave a lasting impression long after you turn the final page.
