The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
Dark and menacing, The Lie Tree is a complex and eerie mix of historical fiction, murder mystery, thriller and dark fantasy. I found the story deeply compelling, which carried me through the slow parts (the tree only made its appearance halfway through the book). But it was worth the wait. The tree brought with it several dark, unexpected twists.
Dark and menacing
The story is told through the eyes of Faith, who constantly pushes the extremely tight boundaries constricting feminism in Victorian England. Not necessarily the most reliable narrator, but certainly the most adventurous. Faith is both clever and sly. The perfect combination when one needs to manipulate events… which don’t always go as she planned.
Recommended age: 12+
Title: The Lie Tree
Author: Frances Hardinge
Publication Date: 7 May 2015
Publisher: Macmillan
Source: Review copy
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It was not enough. All knowledge – any knowledge – called to Faith, and there was a delicious, poisonous pleasure in stealing it unseen.
Faith has a thirst for science and secrets that the rigid confines of her class cannot suppress. And so it is that she discovers her disgraced father’s journals, filled with the scribbled notes and theories of a man driven close to madness. Tales of a strange tree which, when told a lie, will uncover a truth: the greater the lie, the greater the truth revealed to the liar. Faith’s search for the tree leads her into great danger – for where lies seduce, truths shatter. — Abstract from Goodreads.com
The fact that I received a copy of this book from the publisher does not influence my policy to write an honest review.
Zoe @ Stories on Stage
This sounds like such an atmospheric and intelligently written novel. Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
crushingcinders
Thank you. Hope you like it when you get a chance to read it.
Zoe @ Stories on Stage
I’ve heard so many great things about this, and your review just solidified my urge to read it. It sounds like a wonderful atmospheric novel. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
Suze
I loved this book, it’s such a clever story with a great main character. I love the cover of your copy, it’s really pretty.
crushingcinders
Thank you Suze. I actually prefer the darker green cover ☺