Read All About It - THE LIE TREE

“There was a hunger in her, and girls were not supposed to be hungry. They were supposed to nibble sparingly when at the table, and their minds were supposed to be satisfied with a slim diet too.”

― Frances Hardinge, The Lie Tree

Also by this author - Cuckoo's Song (book review)

When Faith's father dies under mysterious circumstances a quietly, bold, intrigued Faith searches for clues, it is now that she discovers the Lie Tree that feeds off lies and delivers truth to whoever consumes its fruit. She begins to delve deeper into the side to her family she never saw and her lies start to spiral out of control.

It is set in 18th century England and also looks at the fight between religion and science at that time, the expectations and roles of women in society, the role of nature and the anatomy of liars and lying.

A quote about lies

“There were kind lies. You still look beautiful. I love you. I forgive you.

There were frightened lies. Someone else must have taken it. Of course I am Anglican. I never saw that baby before.

There were predatory lies. Buy this tonic if you want your child to recover. I will look after you. Your secret is safe with me.

Half-lies, and the tense little silences where a truth should have been. Lies like knives, lies like poultices. The tiger's stripe, and the fawn's dusky dapple. And everywhere, everywhere, the lies that people told themselves. Dreams like cut flowers, with no nourishing root. Will-o'-the-wisp lights to make them feel less alone in the dark. Hollow resolutions and empty excuses.”

― Frances Hardinge, The Lie Tree

Read for more great writing

This book is a bit slow-paced at the beginning but it makes up for it in the second half with lots of thrill and is very evocative.

10+ - a bit scary

Happy Reading !!!