If We Were Villains: A Delightful Exploration of Identity and Betrayal
As a lover of Dark Academia, it was impossible for me to resist the allure of If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. The promise of Shakespearean high drama intertwined with the intoxicating complexities of friendship and betrayal called to me like a siren’s song. Finally diving into this captivating novel, I found myself in a world where words wield magic, but friendship is the ultimate tragedy.
At its heart, If We Were Villains unfolds the story of Oliver, recently released from prison, who is approached by the lead investigator of his case from ten years ago. The story spins into an intricate web of secrets involving an elite acting school dedicated to Shakespeare’s works. From the onset, Oliver grapples with the consequences of a fateful party that changed everything, leading us down a path where the lines between performance and reality beautifully blur.
M.L. Rio masterfully weaves Shakespearean themes into the narrative, elevating the story beyond mere homage. It’s as if she distills the essence of Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet and infuses it into the emotions of her characters, exploring the transformative power and sometimes destructive nature of art. What I found particularly engaging was how Rio utilized Shakespearean motifs and dialogue formats, allowing us to feel as pretentious and clever as the characters themselves. It was deliciously fun to pick up on the inside jokes, a treat for those of us who have immersed ourselves in Shakespeare’s universe.
The characters initially struck me as somewhat archetypal—the aloof jock, the perky girlfriend, the naive best friend—but as the story evolves, so do their complexities. Oliver, for instance, is charmingly earnest, while his peer James is the quintessential tragic hero, grappling with his growing disillusionment. Each character reflects different aspects of Shakespearean roles, prompting existential questions about identity—how much of ourselves do we play at being? This dynamic becomes a poignant exploration of self-awareness and the masks we wear. Rio’s ability to delve into these nuanced identities transformed my initial skepticism into admiration.
One standout feature is Rio’s prose, which I found beautifully lyrical yet accessible. The atmosphere she creates is palpable—each page is rich with sensory details that paint the world around the characters. I caught myself highlighting passage after passage, a testament to how her writing resonated deeply. For instance, one quote stated, “The real sky was enormous overhead, making our mirrors and twinkling stage lights seem ridiculous—Man’s futile attempt to imitate God.” It encapsulates the novel’s brilliant exploration of art, aspiration, and the human condition.
As I closed the book, the lingering questions about fate and identity played over in my mind. It sparked a thrill of curiosity—I even found myself crafting a theory for the end, envisioning a brighter resolution for Oliver and James. Spoilers aside, this longing for happiness for these characters speaks volumes about how invested I became in their lives.
If you find yourself enchanted by Shakespeare, intrigued by the complexity of character dynamics, or simply craving atmospheric narratives filled with tension and emotion, then If We Were Villains is a must-read. It’s a rich literary tapestry that fuels the soul, weaving together the dramatics of life with the art of performance. I wholeheartedly believe this book will resonate with anyone who has ever pondered the masks we wear or felt the intoxicating highs and devastating lows of friendship. So, pour yourself a cup of tea, nestle into your favorite reading corner, and prepare to be swept away into a world where drama is both art and life.