By Philippe Beesson
Translated by Molly Ringwald
When someone recommends a book for me, I have to admit I’m often quite nervous. Will I really love it as much as they think I should? How do I explain to them that the book they love I had to stop after a few paragraphs?
Well, I needn’t have worried with Philippe Besson’s superb Lie With Me. Translated beautifully by Molly Ringwald (yes – the Molly Ringwald), the tale is sent in provincial France and follows two young lovers.
It’s a painfully short novel. Just 148 pages split into three beautiful chapters, I didn’t want the book to end. In my last review, I spoke of the authors superb ability to describe, but Besson’s ability to craft characters is divine.
“He taps on his cigarette to make the ashes fall, but he hasn’t smoked it enough. It’s a gesture intended to convey composure, but it only makes him appear more vulnerable.”
It’s no surprise that many people have drawn comparisons to Call Me By Your Name, and André Aciman himself describes the novel as “heart-gripping”.
A love that once dare not speak its name is torn apart as young lovers are divided. A chance encounter between a writer and a boy reignites feelings. Truths that go untold, connections left unmade a life that could have been but never was.
If ever there was a cautionary tale of spending a life denying one’s truth this is it.
To buy your copy of Lie With Me, click here.
Nick (he/him) is an experienced professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing.
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Nick (he/him) is an experienced professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing.
To find out more and to work with Nick, use the buttons above.
Receive my newsletter!
Your support helps!
Your Ko-fi donations help keep me blogging about writing and editing. They also ensure that I can create and provide free resources for editors and writers. Please consider buying me a cuppa!
Editorial services for fiction and non-fiction authors, businesses and organisations
LGBTQ+ writing | Developmental editing | Copyediting | Proofreading | Formatting and typesetting | Beta reading | Authenticity reading | Inclusive language training
What is it with leaving comments on WordPress? I tried to say I enjoyed your review with a (cheeky) request that you make your reviews longer, please; cos I enjoy reading them. But the first time I tried I was frozen out and had to navigate a password maze. Hopefully this will get past the guard.
Hi!
Thanks for letting me know about the comments system – I would guess it’s a spam filter.
I’m really glad you enjoy reading my reviews. It’s really encouraging to hear from people who have read what I’ve written! Next time I’ll be sure to write more! (It’s going to be a non-fiction book next time.)
All the best,
Nick
I agree – write more. I love a long review, and I think you could do it well.
Message received 🙂
Next time I’ll be more verbose!