“We Were Liars ”Author E. Lockhart Announces New Book “The Pools” — Read an Excerpt! (Exclusive)

E. Lockhart, the acclaimed author of the bestselling novel *We Were Liars*, is set to release her latest work, *The Pools*, this autumn. Scheduled to arrive on bookshelves on October 6th, the forthcoming novel promises to engage readers with familiar themes while introducing an entirely new narrative. Although it does not take place in the same universe as her previous series, it shares significant motifs including grief, privilege, social class, and identity.

*The Pools* revolves around the lives of two teenagers in a New England spa town, whose existence is irrevocably changed following a dramatic event. According to the publisher, Delacorte Press, the novel is described as intertwining the intimate dynamics of teenage relationships with broader societal issues. Lockhart’s latest piece also marks a departure from her previous work by presenting a sweeping love story at its core.

In a tantalising glimpse provided to PEOPLE, the plot opens with an unsettling event that serves as a cautionary tale about the town’s hot springs. The synopsis hints at a profound sense of foreboding, saying, “Once, in a small New England town known for its hot springs, something terrible happened. Something that should have been a warning to stay away from the pools, if the stories were to be believed. But no one is afraid of the water anymore, even if they should be.”

At the heart of the narrative lies the relationship between the new girl, Lexie, and Chester, the town’s charming figure. Their chemistry emerges despite the secrets and troubled pasts they each carry. Lockhart expertly crafts their connection in a way that feels both monumental and fragile. The synopsis further elaborates, “She’s running from a glittering life she won’t speak about. He’s hiding secrets of his own. Their connection feels bigger than both of them, despite their damage.”

The tranquil appearance of the town is shattered one wintry morning when five individuals decide to take a swim in the notorious pools, a choice that leads to dire consequences. Among them is Chester, and the events that unfold that day send ripples of shock throughout the community, fundamentally altering Lexie’s life forever.

While targeting a young adult audience, Lockhart acknowledges that the themes explored in *The Pools* resonate with readers of all ages. She articulates this notion by stating, “It’s not just that people are experiencing things for the first time. Love feels like high-stakes when it’s the first time you’ve ever loved anybody.” According to Lockhart, the novel delves deeply into the transitioning relationships that young adults navigate as they move away from their families and reassess their ties to other pivotal institutions like schools and community organisations.

An excerpt shared reveals Lexie’s first encounter with the pools, presenting a vivid and inviting image. Despite the mystique surrounding the infamous water, she approaches without fear, captivated by the scene before her. “Steam drifted in friendly puffs from the surface of the water, like an invitation,” the passage describes, painting a picture of quiet allure that draws Lexie in.

Crucially, *The Pools* promises to expand upon the nuances of identity and the multifaceted nature of love, elements that have become hallmarks of Lockhart’s storytelling. The themes identified in her previous works are tackled with a fresh perspective, capturing the turbulence of young adulthood and the complexities that accompany it.

As anticipation builds for the release of this new title, fans of Lockhart’s previous novels can look forward to a rich narrative that is both emotionally charged and socially relevant. Pre-orders for *The Pools* are already available through multiple retail outlets, encouraging avid readers to secure their copies ahead of its public launch.

With *The Pools*, E. Lockhart invites readers to plunge into a story that promises to be both captivating and thought-provoking, reflecting the nuanced struggles of youth while exploring the ripple effects of love and tragedy in a seemingly idyllic setting.