Summary of If We Were Villains: A Novel by M. L. Rio

Step into the darkly comedic world of 'If We Were Villains' where Shakespearean drama meets murder among college theater students. Prepare for twists!

Welcome to the world of If We Were Villains-where Shakespearean drama and college life collide like a bad rom-com. Picture this: a group of overzealous theater students, armed with their pretentiousness, drama, and a sprinkle of murder. Yes, you read that right-murder. Grab your popcorn, because this tale is as juicy as a Shakespearean tragedy, but with fewer tights and more existential angst.

The story unfolds in an elite arts college that believes reciprocating glares and soliloquies are the best ways to express one's feelings. Enter Oliver Marks, our brooding protagonist who seems to have taken a masterclass in angst from Hamlet himself. After spending a decade behind bars (no, he wasn't just binge-watching Game of Thrones), Oliver narrates the events leading to that fateful night-a night when friendships were shattered, innocence was lost, and someone got tragically stabbed. Spoiler: it wasn't a particularly great night for a certain someone.

Our esteemed cast includes the archetypical characters-the jock, the nerd, the mean girl, the artist, and, of course, the brooding lead (that's Oliver, in case you lost track). They spend their days reclining under the weight of Shakespeare's greatest hits and their nights contemplating the futility of existence while discussing which play would win in a fight. Seriously, these characters could turn a casual game of charades into a full-fledged debate about the themes of Macbeth.

As Oliver gets pulled back into the drama of his school days, it's hard not to wonder if they all failed that English class on foreshadowing. Tensions rise, friendships fray, and soon enough, jealousies bubble over. And here's where it gets really good-because what good is a college drama without a dash of betrayal and a sprinkle of murder, right? If We Were Villains beautifully unravels the complexities of loyalty and ambition against the backdrop of classic plays.

Oh, and did I mention that the entire narrative is wrapped in a thick layer of Shakespearean quotes? You'll feel like you're flipping through a bard's greatest hits while trying to untangle an intricate web of love, jealousy, and desperation. It's like Romeo and Juliet but with a side of mystery served up on a silver platter of angst.

Now, let's talk about spoilers-oh yes, the good stuff! In a shocking twist (or is it?), we find out who's behind the murder, and let's just say that trust can be shattered faster than a prop sword in a poorly staged production of Othello. Was Oliver the villain all along, or were the true villains the friends we made along the way? Spoiler alert: They all have a dash of villainy in them, because who doesn't love a bit of moral ambiguity?

In conclusion, If We Were Villains is a whirlwind romp through the dramatic and sometimes absurd world of theater kids. With its blend of murder, mystery, and Shakespearean fervor, this novel is a wild ride that may leave you questioning everything about your own friendships. Just remember, the real tragedy might not be in the deaths on stage, but in the friendships that get offed along the way. So grab your quill, channel your inner bard, and dive into this darkly comedic tale where everyone's a villain at heart!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.