Title: The First Lie
Author: Diane Chamberlain
First published June 4, 2013
35 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781466839403 (ISBN10: 1466839406)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
In The First Lie, readers are transported to rural North Carolina in 1958, where thirteen-year-old Ivy Hart lives with her sister and grandmother on a tobacco farm. Despite the limited freedom of tenant farmers, Ivy and her best friend Henry sneak away to discover their true selves and explore the world around them.
However, Ivy’s life takes a dramatic turn when her sister becomes pregnant and refuses to reveal the father’s identity. As Ivy tries to untangle the secrets of her family, she must navigate the complicated journey from adolescence to adulthood and come to terms with life in the segregated South.
Diane Chamberlain’s captivating novel delves into the complexities of family, race, and identity during a tumultuous time in American history.
About the Author
Diane Chamberlain is a renowned author who has written 28 novels that have made it to the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Sunday Times in London. Her love for reading was instilled in her by her father, a school principal, who ensured that she always had a new book to read.
Her passion for storytelling was ignited when she wrote small books as a child, but it wasn’t until she was in her thirties that she seriously turned to writing fiction.
Born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, Diane has lived in several places including San Diego and northern Virginia. She holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University and worked as a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington D.C. She also worked as a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, specializing in helping adolescents.
Diane’s life changed when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus over two decades ago. She had to adapt her writing techniques, using voice recognition software to write two novels before new medication allowed her to return to typing.
Despite her conditions, Diane feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy daily activities as well as maintain a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her partner, John Pagliuca, a photographer, and their lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole.
Editoral Review
Diane Chamberlain’s “The First Lie” explores the intricate nature of family secrets and how they can drastically affect the course of one’s life. Chamberlain, a prolific author of contemporary women’s fiction, has crafted an emotionally-charged story with a strong plotline and characters that come to life.
The story takes place in 1991, as a pregnant woman named Marissa arrives in a small North Carolina town to start a new life. She is befriended by a local woman named Ellie, who hires her to renovate an old house.
Ellie’s son, Jude, starts courting Marissa, and she becomes closer to Ellie’s family. However, Marissa has a traumatic past that she’s keeping hidden, and when a local man recognizes her, he starts asking questions.
The tension builds as Marissa’s secrets unravel, and the consequences threaten to destroy the families involved. Chamberlain’s writing style is descriptive and immersive, allowing readers to easily picture the small town and the characters’ emotions.
She also tackles themes such as adoption, mental illness, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. However, the plot can feel formulaic at times, and the characters’ actions can be predictable.
Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel forced and lacks the natural flow of conversation, which can take the reader out of the story. Despite its limitations, “The First Lie” is a page-turner that keeps the reader engaged until the end.
Chamberlain has crafted a well-plotted story with intriguing characters that explore the complexities of familial relationships. Fans of women’s fiction and contemporary drama will enjoy this novel.
Overall, “The First Lie” by Diane Chamberlain earns a solid three out of five stars. While there are some limitations, the book’s emotional depth and strong pacing make it a worthwhile read for its target audience.
Chamberlain shows her skill as a storyteller, and the novel provides a poignant reminder of the lasting consequences that secrets can have on one’s life.
