ONCE UPON A LIE
Terra Nova Books, 2016
Twelve-year-old Jaleel Robeson is on the run after the police in his tiny Texas town try to frame him for the death of his father. A world away, Alexandra “Alex” Baten is growing up amid all the material comforts a wealthy Los Angeles lawyer can provide. One day, a simple cup of lemonade unites their lives, leading to a maze of adultery and murder that shatters Alex’s youthful innocence and Jaleel’s struggle to reshape his life. While the forces of the law try to unravel the mysterious death—or at least find a scapegoat—the two youths see the trajectories of their lives entwine, unravel, and come together again. Justice, Alex learns, can be a strange and nebulous thing, easily enmeshed in webs of loyalty and betrayal.
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"Once Upon A Lie" is a welcome addition to my collection. There is great intelligence and originality to this plot and in the richly realized characters whose complicated lives intersect in an entirely fresh way. I so respect the intelligence and real craft of the writing of this very absorbing tale.it is a terrific book, and for those of us who really love to read, it is a rare treat to spend time with these characters. I loved it. |
A fast-paced read. Scene by scene is deftly drawn. Parallel narratives of two intertwining lives assess 1980's America in terms of social justice and family ties. Layers of faith, betrayal, love & murder are peeled away by the young protagonist. |
I read a lot of books and I can't remember the last time a book has left me with so many feelings... These two characters connect in a super emotional way. Through drama and corruption, they both stay together and grow with each other... I appreciate that the author didn't end this deep story in a happily ever after kind of way. It feels real. It haunts you in the best way possible. |
Michael R. French graduated from Stanford University where he was an English major, focusing on creative writing, and studied under Wallace Stegner. He received a Master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He later served in the United States Army before marrying Patricia Goodkind, an educator and entrepreneur, and starting a family.
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