This means that a deep understanding of Shakespeare will increase one’s enjoyment of the novel immensely, and a basic understanding of the Bard is almost necessary. Half the time the characters speak in Shakespearean quotations in their conversations, and several scenes in the novel are during their performances of Shakespeare’s plays. Since the book focuses on acting students at an arts conservatory where they exclusively study the works of Shakespeare, there are an incredible number of references to his plays. It’s never obvious what will happen next and the numerous possibilities throughout make it so that the reader doesn’t know which way the story will turn.

This novel is not the most suspenseful or fast-paced book, but the mystery and thoughtful writing style keeps readers interested. It is not for the faint of heart or those who are looking for a light, comedic read, though it does have its humorous moments. It has some graphic content and violence and requires a mature reader to be appreciated. If We Were Villains is appropriate for older teens. The bulk of the story is told through Oliver’s memories and the details of his fourth year at the conservatory are revealed. Oliver, the protagonist, is finishing serving ten years in prison, but the details of the crime - and whether or not he actually committed it - are not entirely clear. However, a tragedy that Shakespeare himself would be proud of rips them apart during their final year, as is revealed at the opening of the book, which is ten years after the students leave the conservatory. Having survived the cuts at the end of their previous three years, they are closer than family. The novel takes place at a small arts conservatory and focuses on the seven fourth-year acting students. Rio is an intriguing mystery that keeps readers invested.

Book if we were villains