I feel this book didn't really deliver. Going backwards to me just made the book less exciting with each chapter. The main character is not totally believable. The concept of continually changing identities is a good idea. I was just hoping for a better story.

I found this book a bit of a struggle to begin with, but once I'd realised it was written in reverse order it made more sense. An enjoyable read.

I found this book to be unreadable. I loved We Were Liars and was looking forward to this as a result. The main character isn't likeable, in my opinion, which typically isn't an issue. In this case, it was. I couldn't carry one after 40% because I simply didn't care what happened to her.

I received an ARC however my review is honest and unbiased

What a book!
Different
Full of suspense
Unique

I recently watched Rellik on TV and never anticipated that I would ever read a book written in similar style.

This is a wild journey.

Starts in present day, then backtracks, at short intervals then ends back in present with murder, maybe, suicide, maybe, fraud, maybe - you need to read to find out!

So what happens? Who is she? Is she who we think she is? I still don't know but I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend

I tried to really love this book but I just couldn't. The story was confusing and jumped around. I loved We Were Liars so this was very disappointed in this second book. I really hope that she continues to write beautiful stories.

This book, which I received from Netgalley was well written but as with the recent BBC drama Rellick it was presented in reverse order. It was a very 'American' book and at times very sinister but mostly, i'm sorry to say, an effort to read. I kept hoping it would all come together as I approached the end but that too was disappointing.

This book took me some time to get into. I found it hard to see the story in flashbacks although it was interesting seeing it all build together. I did not empathise with either of the two main characters - both were deeply flawed and difficult to like. It was interesting to see how they manipulated each other and used each other.

I did struggle with the ease with which Jule resorted to violence and how she justified her actions and choices.

I could not put it down however and wanted to know how we got to where we started. Hard to read but interesting.

All we can be sure of, as we read this story, as it weaves through the times and places, is tat the central character acquires and uses different identities in the way that you and I change our underwear. She says she is young, but when did her wanderings really start? At what age? The stories that she tells appear incompatible and they change - she admits - according to her audience. So who is the true person? And what is her true story you are left guessing until the final chapter. An interesting way of telling this story that initially seems confusing but once you get into your stride is quite revealing.

I raced through this novel. It was clever, well written, and utterly absorbing. Was it however emotionally absorbing? For me, if I'm honest, it wasn't - not in the way that We Were Liars was. I ended the novel quickly, then jabbed at the right of the page, believing I must not be quite at the end... That said, it was fast paced, page turning and utterly enjoyable.

Having read mixed reviews for "Genuine Fraud" I was intrigued ton read this book.
The story is written back to front which is a great concept. In other words, the book starts at chapter 18 and moves back, finally ending with chapter 1 and finishing with 19 as an epilogue almost. Confusing? Not at all as long as you keep reading! However, once I'd left it overnight, I found myself having to go back and recap on details to remember what was going on, particularly seeing as though both characters are pretending to be the other. It's a unique concept though, but one I'm not sure I would want to revisit. This is mainly due to the fact that when I read a book, I like it to be a pleasurable, easy experience -a bit like pulling on a comfy pair of slippers that take you on a bumpy rollercoaster ride. This one I found a little hard work at times. Saying all that though, the plot and characters and prose were all cleverly done. I was intrigued to discover the ingenious ending and was impressed with the way it did grip me three quarters of the way through,(maybe a tad late?). Despite its obvious structural challenges, it was a memorable experience and got me talking to my friends and book club about it!
This isn't your traditional psychological/crime novel with lots of twists (and sometimes far too predictable) turns. However it is a great read and I would recommend it AS LONG AS YOU AREN'T looking for something that won't tax your brain!
Go for it!

I am a huge fan of E. Lockhart's work, but this latest offering was not her strongest. I certainly was interested in seeing what happened and thought that the reverse chronology was clever, but I never connected with or understood Jule the way that I hoped to. As always, Lockhart is a sharp and beautiful writer, but I was ultimately left with questions that went unanswered and a strong feeling of wanting more depth. Readers who like thrillers and suspense will probably like this just fine, but I will stick with the richer world painted in other works like We Were Liars.

Super! The way the book is set out is super interesting, basically going back in time, linking all the chapters together until we're back at the ending, which is actually quite surprising. An interesting read.

YES THIS BOOK.

I am, as it happens, a massive fan of Lockhart’s We Were Liars; I think it’s an excellent book and so obviously I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of her new book, Genuine Fraud and let me tell you a thing: it didn’t disappoint.

It’s a story that reminded me of (and wow if you know what film I am talking about here then please give me a headstart before you set about destroying me because I haven’t read the book and know about it only because of that face. Happen one day I’ll rectify that and read it) but! It is a thing that I enjoyed so you know, plus points right there. & probably that’s the end of my review.

I liked it and it reminded me of a film that’s based on a book I haven’t read and the title of which I have redacted like I am a lawyer and ‘oh wow Josephine,’ I hear you cry, it’s a good job you have a book blog.’

I know, right. I know, but here’s the thing: I could talk at you about this book and what I loved about it and why I loved it but somehow, I kind of don’t know how to do that without massive spoilers.
(Although have I done that already with that whole reference. Should I rewrite this review and redact the name of the film. Ooooh. I might. That might be fun. I’m going to. I’m also going to leave this little segment in because it’s fun for you to see how my mind works...)




To get back to the point though, in the same way as it was with We Were Liars, I think that the best of this book comes from not actually having a clue what is going on, or what is true and what is false or who you trust. It’s an absolute mindfuck and it’s glorious.




I enjoy, every so often, a story with an unreliable narrator and this is third person so it’s not that exactly, apart from all of the ways it kind of is, but it is a story that leaves you wondering with the turn of every page which parts of what you just read you can rely on. There are POV shifts and timeline jumps and so much is going on you don’t even know, but even though your brain hurts a little bit, it works, completely, because of some kind of sorcery and witchcraft/Lockhart’s skill with words. It’s utterly absorbing and, I love a good psychological thriller: I say that a lot I know but that’s because I do, and that is what this is, and a really intriguing one at that. It’s so tense and it unravels so cleverly and it’s so so twisty.

I’m also a really MASSIVE fan of Lockhart’s writing style, she writes so prettily even when she’s writing about people you don’t think you like, much, and her descriptions make me want to do a small dance of delight and her character development is just smashing so you know, there’s that also.



If you like books where the bad guys don’t always get their comeuppance and where everything isn’t tied up in a pretty bow by the end and where there is a clear and perfectly painted beginning, middle and end then probably this book isn’t for you. If none of that bothers you though, or better still you crave the opposite then THIS IS A BOOK YOU NEED TO READ. PRONTO. It’s so messed up and I loved it.

So this was no We Were Liars, which quickly found its way to my list of favourite reads when I read it earlier this year, but it is a brilliantly inventive novel in its own right and has confirmed E. Lockhart's place as one of my auto-buy authors.

Jule and Imogen. Two girls of the same age who could pass for each other in a certain light. Two girls with a similar past yet with the complete opposite of upbringings. Two girls brought together in a unique and mysterious way. But it is not fate or destiny that has brought them together, it is the manipulation and lies of one of the two. And this one will never let the other go.

This was another cleverly and carefully crafted novel. Just as in We Were Liars, the voice of this possibly unreliable narrator grips you from the start. You know there are secrets just waiting to be unearthed, but are unable to do so without meandering along the course of the novel, and until both author and protagonist are ready to allow you to do so. You read this novel on their time. And each carefully placed clue builds on those that came before until they topple, leaving the full force of the ending's shock reveal to wash over you, captivating you with its intensity.

For the brilliance of this novel lay in how Lockhart chose to tell this story. The backwards chronology led to a suspenseful and steady reveal of truth, that trickled throughout each chapter, leaving clues in its wake for the reader to scavenge for and store. The reader is kept guessing throughout, about what led to the events of the scene before, and the one before that one, and so on... Each chapter reveals truths about its predecessor, but each is also only one piece of the jigsaw puzzle that requires all of its pieces to be placed before a full picture to be depicted and a full understanding can be garnered.

Colour me surprised, I really enjoyed this! I openly admit, I did not enjoy We Were Liars all that much, so I did have concerns about whether or not I would like Genuine Fraud.

E. Lockhart's books Genuine Fraud and We Were Liars are similar in the veins that they both revolve around entitled youths who aren't necessarily the best people, and both books have narratives that engage in a chronological mix-up and employ unreliable narrators. However, I found Genuine Fraud to be more of a psychological thriller/mystery and certainly more engaging that We Were Liars ever was.

Genuine Fraud employs a much more straight-forward style of writing than We Were Liar's flowery prose, and this works well in the concept of the story. It doesn't always help in the more mundane scenes in the narrative (as it makes them rather plain), but this is just a minor thing. As the plot is developed, you do start to have inklings about what is going to happen and I even though I finally clued on about 65% in, it was still rather thrilling when the 'critical event' (for lack of better word, and because I don't want to give away anything) actually happened.

A lot of people have pointed out that Genuine Fraud is very similar to The Talented Mr. Ripley - and in retrospect, yes, I thought it was. (I haven't read the book/seen the movie, and I can only note the similarities because I read the plot summary on Wikipedia, but I will certainly be watching it in future). Genuine Fraud also had very interesting themes underlying it - I did very much enjoy the presentation of what it's like to be a woman in contemporary patriarchal society, which has actually given rise to one of my favourite quotes about the patriarchy in general: "Men still walk around like the US of A is a big cake store and all the cake is for them."

TL;DR: A book that surprised me with it's twisted, gripping plot line. It is a short read, so if you want something to fill your time, do think about picking it up! (I do feel like it would be a perfect beach read).

3.5 stars

I'm going to preface this review by saying that I went into Genuine Fraud with high expectations. I found E. Lockhart and her wonderful book, We Were Liars only this year and I truly loved it. I inhaled it, really.

Lockhart's newest offering isn't a disappointing read but it didn't wholly live up to its predecessor, in my opinion. This novel follows the story of Jule, a self-taught teenage impersonator, once orphan, who is lured, albeit willingly, into the life of priviliged Imogen Sokoloff through a case of mistaken identity. Told in reverse chronological order, Lockhart weaves a well-paced and intricate plot that is both suspenseful and addictive.

The influences here are obvious and intentional, apparently. This book is very Highsmith, with The Talented Mr. Ripley similarities plain to see. There are references to Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte and superhero comics. Traditional female character roles are challenged, with Jule painted as a muscly, kick-ass, savvy vigilante. Lacking a true sense of self, she envisions and presents herself as whoever she is trying to be in that moment, moving between accents and personalities. She is clever, quick to adapt and brazen. She makes for a great protagonist and we cant help but be intrigued by her. The self Jule sees in her own head - strong, nimble, capable, confident - is a manifestation of how she would like to be in real life, as far removed from her actual life as possible. She has a background, a childhood to cover over, and believes that morphing into another person, someone with status, wealth and beauty, is the answer to her unhappiness and fulfillment.

This is a story of identity. It is a fast-paced psychological thriller with an interesting structure and scenes that are cinematic in their delivery (notably those that contain violence). It's a quick read that delivers a decent amount of punch and I am happy I was given the opportunity to read it. While We Were Liars will always stand out in my mind as one of the finest young adult novels contemporary literature has to offer, Genuine Fraud is an enjoyable read that would be very well presented in film format.

Due to, essentially a case of mistaken identity, Jule and Immie are thrust together. Both are orphans but from totally different backgrounds, Jule has a bleak past full of hardship whereas Immie was adopted and cosseted by a wealthy and generous family.

Despite their differences the pair become pretty much inseparable and Jule, a self-made master of disguise, mimicry and other trickery sets about reinventing herself to fit into Immie’s world of privilege and entitlement, but then tragedy strikes ...

The story is told mainly from Jule’s viewpoint and starts at the end and works it’s way backwards to the beginning. An interesting idea but a bit confusing.
I found the ending fizzled out and the story as a whole left a lot of stuff unresolved. I wondered if E. Lockhart was going to turn this into a series which would explain what was missing.

This was a quick, easy read (except for the going backwards thing) it wasn’t earth shattering and none of the characters etched their way into my heart but it was well written, reasonably fast paced with a seriously disturbed protagonist.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt it was exactly the right balance of entertaining and thought-provoking, it was suspenseful and it kept me reading into the night.

I think it really helped that I didn't know anything about the book going in. I saw it on Netgalley, requested it (because it's E Lockhart) and then totally forgot about it until it popped up in my emails. I didn't read the blurb or any other reviews, so I had no clue about the background of the characters or the structure of the plot. Everything was a surprise so the twists the author had built in came as a total surprise.

I loved the structure of the book - it's written in reverse, like Memento. I guess it was a bit of a gimmick, but it was fun and interesting. There were a few small hints in each chapter about what had just happened (and would be coming up in the next chapter, which kept things suspenseful.

The plot itself is lifted by the fact that the story is written in reverse. It's kind of a retelling of The Talented Mr Ripley and the big draw for me was that I started off with one set of expectations and an image of Jule in my head and gradually my whole perception changed, which wouldn't have been the case if the book had been written chronologically.

All in all this was a pretty decent book and I'm glad I read it.

I received a copy of Genuine Fraud in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Netgalley and Hot Key Books.

E Lockhart has been one of my favourite authors ever since I first read The Boyfriend List when I was 14. Cut to 12 years later and she's still one of my favourite authors, and Genuine Fraud did not disappoint. A lot of people said this plot was a lot like the Talented Mr. Ripley but I've not seen or heard of that story, so I cannot comment. I thought it was such an interesting way to tell a story, from the end to the beginning and I really think it worked. The pace was great and I'll definitely be reading it again someday just so that I can wrap my head around this book! I can't wait for E Lockhart's next book if Genuine Fraud (and the rest of her back catalog) is anything to go by! 5 stars from me.

I'd heard a lot - and good things - about E Lockhart's We Were Liars so the opportunity to read her* latest novel was just too tempting.

And Genuine Fraud is an interesting read. Full of potential. Well written. VERY cleverly constructed. But - depending on your expectations - may fall a little short when it comes to the plot. It's good (though I note many reviews commented on it being a re-imagining of The Talented Mr Ripley) but if you're expecting some mystery or some suspense... it's not really there. At least not in the way you'd expect.

You should understand that this book is written in reverse. Like Memento or similar. Readers are given very clear direction however (something lacking in the last book I read), so Lockhart specifies that the chapter is.... x days or weeks before a certain event we've just read about.

Like I said, it's very clever. We're able to guess what's happened quite early on however, so - if you're after a whodunnit or typical mystery - this isn't it. But, I was intrigued enough to keep reading - eager to know how we got 'there'. And I think that's the addictive nature of this book.

Jule is an interesting lead character. I was drawn to her immediately. And I think Lockhart does this on purpose. We're engaged and worried about her as she seems to be in some sort of danger. We learn about what happened to her as a child. (At least I think we did - that was the most confusing part of the book for me. Was it true or wasn't it? And what became of her between the ages of 8 and 15 or so? The backcover blurb mentions the presence of a 'spy' so I don't think I'm offering any spoilers by saying this is kinda raised but goes nowhere.)

But as Jule's story unfolds she becomes less likeable. I think Lockhart intends for this to be gradual but there was a pretty quick pivot point for me.

Other than the weird glitch (ie. huge missing piece of her backstory: which either ended up on the editing room floor - in a manner of speaking; was forgotten by Lockhart and her editors; or was just another story Jule spun... albeit via third person narration!) I liked the structure of this book.

It could just be the story of a sociopath / psychopath. Or it could be the story of a friendship. It certainly seems like the latter. Initially. Although as we progress through the book we realise our perception of Jule and Imogen's friendship and Imogen (and her behaviour) is kinda tainted and start to wonder exactly what we can believe!

This is billed as a young adult novel (13-18yrs I noted somewhere) but the key players are of college-age so I'd recommend it be read by those at the top of that range and older.

3.5 stars