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If We Were Villains

by M. L. Rio

Shakespearean roles, real-life consequences

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

    Named one of Bustle’s Best Thriller Novels of the Year

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

AlbakiReads Editorial

Shakespearean roles, real-life consequences

Oliver Marks leaves jail after serving ten years, and the detective who helped put him there is waiting to hear his account. Oliver’s story reaches back to Dellecher Classical Conservatory, where he and six other young Shakespearean actors share a secluded world shaped by ambition and fierce competition. The actors perform familiar roles onstage and off, setting up a novel that connects theatrical identity with friendship, rivalry, and a long-held account of what happened. Shakespeare is woven into the premise itself, while the framing around Oliver’s release gives the story a suspenseful question: what truth is he finally ready to tell?

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in fiction centered on Shakespeare and theater.
  • Readers drawn to stories of close-knit groups under pressure and competition.
  • Readers who enjoy suspense framed around a past event and its account.

Themes

Theater and identityAmbition and competitionFriendship and rivalryTruth and memory

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Featuring scarlet sprayed edges

"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.