The Sonoma Academy Book Club’s most recent title, “If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio, is a dark academia mystery filled with complex and beautiful characters that you will love (and hate) and a story compelling enough to draw me back into a love of reading.
The book follows Oliver, who has just been released after a decade of prison. He recounts his life as a student studying Shakespeare at the prestigious Dellecher Classical Conservatory, where he and his peers were completely immersed in Shakespeare. They take on the same archetypal roles in real life as on stage, blurring the line between self and character. Through Oliver’s eyes, we see his love for his friends and his sense of belonging at Dellecher as he slowly untangles the web of friendships and betrayals that got him locked up ten years before. I personally adored this book. However, some may find it boring in parts. The main conflict occurs early, leaving later chapters to detail the unraveling of the student’s lives and the building of suspense. The characters quote Shakespeare constantly, fitting as their lives are built around these plays, but the quotes occasionally feel out of place. Oliver’s immaturity is evident in his treatment of Meredith—he constantly praises her beauty while often overlooking her personality and intelligence. How these character flaws are written makes him incredibly believable and signifies how brilliantly Rio writes her characters.
This is a perfect read for fans of mystery and suspense, especially those with an appreciation for Shakespeare.
I wholeheartedly recommend If We Were Villains for a story beginning with love filled with suspense and ending in tragedy, and the book club for the chance to connect with others over books and meet new people.