IndieReader:
THE L.I.E. is an illustrated book for young adults about an emotionally withdrawn, brilliant woman who, through her passion for science, ultimately is befriended and transforms into her town’s most beloved and celebrated citizen.
Whether by design or serendipity, author Brian Barrie hits several high notes with his young adult story, THE L.I.E. Wrapped up in the tale of a young woman’s alienation from her own humanity and later salvation through love and friendship is the subtext of a woman who becomes a successful and famous, albeit misguided, scientist. She could be, in a sense, a role model in the current educational push for women to excel in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
Barrie’s writing is often lyrical and metaphoric, yet plainly descriptive where it needs to be, as in the several sections where he describes Marta’s invention, the L.I.E. Because of the complexity of the scientific concepts he describes, this book is best read by high school students (the author includes a brief glossary for words that may be unfamiliar). They will also understand the childhood emotional trauma Marta undergoes that leads her to her diabolical invention, and the motivations that drive her, as well as her newfound friend Hannah’s need and desire to help her. Through their partnership, Marta replaces the L.I.E. with a lasting, more wholesome invention which endears her to her community, and through their friendship, she finally gains the family she never had.
The story takes place in Austria, a fact not revealed till the third chapter, although we read about the orphanage Marta grew up in during the first chapter, and the university she attends in the second. Although location is not crucial to the story, its lack could make it hard for readers to immediately ground the story and leave them wondering where in the world Marta is.
THE L.I.E. moves quickly and can be read easily in one evening. Chapters are short and key scenes in the book are illustrated by Bonita Johnson-de Matteis with black and white drawings, some of which are sprinkled with color. In the Acknowledgements, Barrie writes Johnson-de Matteis “steampunked colour, then life, into the characters,” a description well understood when the illustrations are viewed. Together, narrative and pictures make for an enjoyable, upbeat read that instructs and entertains in more ways than one.
Author Brian Barrie has crafted an unusual, layered story for young readers in THE L.I.E. that is sure to intrigue them, both with the intricacies of human relationships and with science.
~Susan Starr for IndieReader
“It is beautifully written and has some important messages/lessons. I read it by myself first and then with my nephew. In his own words he, “liked all the science in the book and how cool it sounded.” We then had some great discussions about kindness and forgiveness. As a teacher, I look forward to reading it to my students and having more deep discussions.” – Anne
“The wonderfully imaginative plot of “The L.I.E.”, a book that I won through Goodreads Giveaways opens as Marta Magot an orphaned child ostracized by her fellow students at school uses her scientific brilliance as a young woman for revenge by stealing the energy of children and turning it into an elixir to sell to the aging and infirm. Only when the repercussion of her theft brings Hannah Brunner to Marta’s doorstep does her life and those of the folk of Melk, Austria change forever.” – Wendy
“I enjoyed the fresh take on the morality tale which included science. Great illustrations.” – Leigh
I recently read a children’s book called The L.I.E. by author Brian Barrie and, in short, I absolutely adored it.
Here is an innovative writer who doesn’t pander or talk down to children. Barrie uses vocabulary with words one rarely finds in a children’s book but the writing is fluid, vivid and in complete context with universal themes applicable to any age. Barrie explores the wide arena of bullying by adults and by children and the resulting isolation and lack of self-worth experienced by the main character as she initially attempts to resolve her alienation.
The L.I.E. is a beautiful book about personal struggle, forgiveness and ultimate redemption, a redemption achieved through the support, understanding and team work of a young boy and his teenage sister. It is book about learning to love oneself and others.The wonderful illustrations, done by Bonita Johnson-de Matteis augment the wonderful story. – Glenda Burrell
I won this book through a GoodReads giveaway. It is beautifully written and has some important messages/lessons. I read it by myself first and then with my nephew. In his own words he, “liked all the science in the book and how cool it sounded.” We then had some great discussions about kindness and forgiveness. As a teacher, I look forward to reading it to my students and having more deep discussions. – Anne (via Goodreads)
The wonderfully imaginative plot of “The L.I.E.”, a book that I won through Goodreads Giveaways opens as Marta Magot an orphaned child ostracized by her fellow students at school uses her scientific brilliance as a young woman for revenge by stealing the energy of children and turning it into an elixir to sell to the aging and infirm. Only when the repercussion of her theft brings Hannah Brunner to Marta’s doorstep does her life and those of the folk of Melk, Austria change forever.
Beautifully illustrated in black and white until color tints the sketches as redemption heals Marta’s heart, the plot weaves together abuse, revenge, forgiveness and healing. Short in length and written for a pre-teen to early teenage group, this fascinating tale is stirring with powerful life lessons.
The character of Marta is vividly crafted as she grows from the pain and isolation of being orphaned and a harassed loner at school to a brilliant , persistent, determined scientific mind whose loneliness sets her on a course of vengeance until redeemed by the friendship of caring and kind fourteen-year-old Hannah Brunner.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The L.I.E.” , a captivating story that I will endeavor to have older children at my library read. – Wendy (via Goodreads)
This is an enjoyable story. It took me about an hour and a half to read. Because I do not understand science, I couldn’t understand what she was doing at times. Once past those parts, the story became more enjoyable. I love stories that have a nice ending and second chances. I am glad that I received a copy. Thanks Brian. – Patricia (via Goodreads)
Well, first off, the illustrations that are throughout the book are pretty cool, they’re mostly black and white, and they compliment the writing very well. I’m just not sure who the target audience is, the book is too hard for a young reader, and teenagers probably wouldn’t pick this up. The story is unique and well written, overall it’s a well made book.
I won this from a goodreads giveaway. – Chris (via Goodreads)
I enjoyed the fresh take on the morality tale which included science. Great illustrations. Just trying to decide what age group would be most appropriate to read. – Leigh (via Goodreads)