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If We Were Villains

by M. L. Rio

Shakespearean roles, real-world stakes

Critically Recognized
Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    Bustle Best Thriller Novels of the Year selection

    Named one of Bustle's Best Thriller Novels of the Year.

  • Critical praise

    Praised by The New York Times Book Review

    Described as “Nerdily (and winningly) in love with Shakespeare...Readable, smart.”

AlbakiReads Editorial

Shakespearean roles, real-world stakes

Oliver Marks leaves jail after ten years to face Detective Colborne, the man who sent him there, and tell what happened. His account reaches back to Dellecher Classical Conservatory, where seven young actors study and perform Shakespeare amid ambition and fierce competition. The novel links the roles they play onstage with the parts they take on among friends, while its present-day questioning gives the story a frame built around withheld truth and recollection. Shakespeare, friendship, rivalry, and the consequences of a past event anchor this suspense novel.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • For readers interested in fiction set in a performing-arts conservatory.
  • For readers who enjoy suspense framed by a character recounting past events.
  • For readers drawn to stories that connect Shakespearean drama with friendship and rivalry.

Themes

Shakespeare and performanceFriendship and rivalryAmbition and competitionTruth and recollection

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"Much like Donna Tartt's The Secret History, M. L. Rio's sparkling debut is a richly layered story of love, friendship, and obsession...will keep you riveted through its final, electrifying moments."
--Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, New York Times bestselling author of The Nest

"Nerdily (and winningly) in love with Shakespeare...Readable, smart."
--New York Times Book Review

On the day Oliver Marks is released from jail, the man who put him there is waiting at the door. Detective Colborne wants to know the truth, and after ten years, Oliver is finally ready to tell it.

A decade ago: Oliver is one of seven young Shakespearean actors at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, a place of keen ambition and fierce competition. In this secluded world of firelight and leather-bound books, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ing

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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.