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beanie_bob's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It’s the most simple words that destroy us.
I had glossed over some key details when I started this book (or, rather, when I started it over because I lost steam the first time I checked it out from the library). 1) the fact that this is autobiographical 2) the dedication to Thomas before the book begins, telling us what is to come. By the time I pieced together that Besson is recounting his actual life - in all its agony - it was too late to restructure my expectations.
And the events of the final section, 2016, became maddening and unbearable when I realized it was real life. Lie With Me is entirely about truth. The truth we hold onto and the truth we attempt to obfuscate.
Besson’s writing (and Ringwald’s translation) is simple. It’s direct, immediately confronting us with loneliness, isolation, secrecy. Even the kissing and touching is told to us in simple tragedy; this will all end soon. These are memories of love pinned to the page.
I think writing and publishing this story was incredibly brave. The pain of it all would have ended me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Homophobia
lukejameskerr's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
hugxeo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Suicide
bruhbruh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
helvetesfonster's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Suicide
mic_laenger's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
hanhantap's review against another edition
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Child abuse
bookaholiz's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's been a while since a book managed to leave me this shaken. It's tender, it's intimate, and it's devastating. I think I'll stay with Philippe Besson's writing for a long time after this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
parasihir's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am intrigued by the way Philippe describes his love, his youth, and the love of his life. It is consuming, full of hunger, and quiet. It is far too quiet for the universe to hear, but loud enough for both of them to understand. I enjoy it thoroughly. Following the series of events that Philippe described is not that hard. With little effort, I can jump right in and see what Philippe was trying to depict. Of love. Of grief. And also, of yearning.
I just wanted to write to tell you that I have been happy during these months together, that I have never been so happy, and that I already know I will never be so happy again.
Obviously, I cry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Suicide, Alcohol, Death, and Grief
kirsten_marie's review
4.5
I feel like I have to reread this soon to get all the details of the book. I especially enjoyed the first part of the book because it felt more descriptive and scenic to me than the rest, which was more flashbacks and dialogue. But overall, I enjoyed these few characters and their tragedy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Grief, Death of parent, Homophobia, Sexual content, Suicide, and Death