A review by javianblawson
Lie with Me by Philippe Besson

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

My, oh, my.


This book touched me in the deepest of ways, bringing out something I hadn’t felt in many years: the feeling of being seen in literature.

Though this story isn’t mine, the experience that is Phillipe’s often felt like my own. There is a particular experience that most (if not all) queer people must endure: love that cannot be. A swarming desire that must be compressed. I’ve experienced it myself.

This feeling of love, it transports me; it makes me happy. At the same time, it consumes me and makes me miserable, the way all impossible loves are miserable.

The double meaning of the translated title is genius. The nuanced characters (specifically Thomas) are so well written. Unmistakable love that could never see daylight. The mark that is left behind after such great love (and loss)… this book was so much more than I could’ve asked of it to be.
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