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The Truth and Other Lies
A literary thriller reminiscent of The Dinner and The Silent Wife that follows a famous author whose wife—the brains behind his success—meets her death, leaving him to deal with the consequences On the surface, Henry Hayden seems like someone you could like, or even admire. A famous bestselling author who appears a modest everyman. A loving, devoted husband even though he could have any woman he desires. A generous friend and co-worker. But Henry Hayden is a construction, a mask. His past is a secret, his methods more so. No one besides he and his wife know that she is the actual writer of the novels that made him famous. For most of Henry’s life, it hasn’t been a problem. But when his hidden-in-plain-sight mistress becomes pregnant and his carefully constructed facade is about to crumble, he tries to find a permanent solution, only to make a terrible mistake. Now not only are the police after Henry, but his past—which he has painstakingly kept hidden—threatens to catch up with him as well. Henry is an ingenious man, and he works out an ingenious plan. He weaves lies, truths, and half-truths into a story that may help him survive. But bit by bit the noose still tightens. Smart, sardonic, and compulsively readable, here is the story of a man whose cunning allows him to evade the consequences of his every action, even when he’s standing on the edge of the abyss.
From the Hardcover edition.
From the Hardcover edition.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2014
212 people are currently reading
6943 people want to read
About the author
Sascha Arango
8 books73 followersSascha Arango is one of Germany’s most prominent screenplay writers and a two-time winner of the Grimme Prize, a prestigious award for German television, for his work on the long-running detective series Tatort. His first novel, The Truth and Other Lies, will be published in more than thirteen countries in 2015. He lives in Germany.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 990 reviews
March 19, 2016
What a really, really clever book! I've been fortunate to have picked up some good reads lately, but this one certainly is at the top of the list. The book is masterfully written by Sascha Arango who puts forth an intelligent read. We all know the disappointment with the canned writing of some authors in which you have everything figured out by the first few pages. Arango sets out landmines and you wait with bated breath as to how the main character will sidestep his certain demise.
The Truth and Other Lies is a translation from German into English. There are a few glitches in location that may be questionable, but the transition is as smooth as glass.
Sascha Arango presents a tale of cat and mouse that plays to your inner Poe. Arango is up front with the fact that the famous author, Henry, stands upon the stacks of pages adeptly written by his own wife, Martha. Martha prefers to exist in the background pumping out bestsellers while ol' Henry reaps the fame and fortune....a set-up that will soon have a set-down.
I'm a fan of smart reads and The Truth and Other Lies is exactly that. Can't wait for more from this author. And the sooner the better.
The Truth and Other Lies is a translation from German into English. There are a few glitches in location that may be questionable, but the transition is as smooth as glass.
Sascha Arango presents a tale of cat and mouse that plays to your inner Poe. Arango is up front with the fact that the famous author, Henry, stands upon the stacks of pages adeptly written by his own wife, Martha. Martha prefers to exist in the background pumping out bestsellers while ol' Henry reaps the fame and fortune....a set-up that will soon have a set-down.
I'm a fan of smart reads and The Truth and Other Lies is exactly that. Can't wait for more from this author. And the sooner the better.
May 20, 2015
I cannot even do a proper review without giving anything away!!This story has to be my all time favorite this year. This in my opinion ONLY blows Gone Girl to the curb. So many love triangles, curves and twists. Henry was the all time manipulator but Karma comes in. This book wont disappoint you if you love pyschological/murder mysteries.LOVED IT!!!!! Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this awesome book.
June 22, 2025
Mixed Feelings
É provável que o defeito seja meu (perfeito só ninguém😉), mas acontece que os bons thrillers me causam sentimentos contraditórios:
Por um lado, agrada-me a intriga, o ritmo acelerado, a tensão, a respiração suspensa, o desejo de saltar páginas ... mas por outro , a violência que normalmente os acompanha , boicota a minha habitual boa disposição. E só por isso castigo-os, penalizando-os com uma estrela. Porém, tal penalização não é extensível à qualidade do livro em referência, que contém todos os ingredientes dum bom thriller.
A intriga é boa e foi bem condimentada com "twists" e "turns" q.b., as especiarias essenciais de qualquer policial digno do género!
É um daqueles livros que se lê sofregamente e só no final se recupera a respiração ...
São 4 estrelas (uma foi roubada, pois 😜)
É provável que o defeito seja meu (perfeito só ninguém😉), mas acontece que os bons thrillers me causam sentimentos contraditórios:
Por um lado, agrada-me a intriga, o ritmo acelerado, a tensão, a respiração suspensa, o desejo de saltar páginas ... mas por outro , a violência que normalmente os acompanha , boicota a minha habitual boa disposição. E só por isso castigo-os, penalizando-os com uma estrela. Porém, tal penalização não é extensível à qualidade do livro em referência, que contém todos os ingredientes dum bom thriller.
A intriga é boa e foi bem condimentada com "twists" e "turns" q.b., as especiarias essenciais de qualquer policial digno do género!
É um daqueles livros que se lê sofregamente e só no final se recupera a respiração ...
São 4 estrelas (uma foi roubada, pois 😜)
June 27, 2015
3.5 Seems lately I have read a number of books where I thoroughly disliked the main character but found the book fascinating nonetheless.
Henry is a made up person, he is someone who reinvents himself whenever necessary. A trauma suffered when he was young sent him on to the path of self preservation at any cost. But who is he really?
A good dark read of missing people, finding out what is true or not and trying to figure out what is real or not. Some good writing, some likable and some unlikable characters, a psychological twist novel without alot of graphic violence, all on all a good read.
ARC from publisher.
Henry is a made up person, he is someone who reinvents himself whenever necessary. A trauma suffered when he was young sent him on to the path of self preservation at any cost. But who is he really?
A good dark read of missing people, finding out what is true or not and trying to figure out what is real or not. Some good writing, some likable and some unlikable characters, a psychological twist novel without alot of graphic violence, all on all a good read.
ARC from publisher.
February 14, 2016
***3.5 Stars*** A good psychological thriller. Henry Hayden was not quite as captivating as Oliver Ryan, the dark and devious narrator of well-written Unravelling Oliver, one of my favorite suspense novels. Both men were compelling yet shared borderline sociopathic tendencies. Unraveling Oliver was impossible to put down while this story started out great but didn't offer a great deal of resolution in the end.
April 21, 2015
“The belief in human goodness is a prejudice hard to refute. Wouldn’t it be more sensible, Henry wondered, …..to believe in the self-evident badness of human beings? In his case, for instance, sporadic acts of goodness….were nothing but brief interruptions to his innate wickedness”
The Truth and Other Lies is the first novel by German playwright, Sascha Arango. Henry Hayden is a best-selling author of crime novels, happily married to Martha (even if he also sleeps with his editor, Betty), generous with friends and pleasant to his fans. But Henry has a secret (or two), and when Betty announces she is pregnant, the façade of his comfortable existence threatens to collapse. Henry acts to preserve the status quo, but things don’t quite go to plan.
Arango gives the reader an intriguing plot with plenty of twists, wrinkles and complications. His novel is riddled with delicious ironies, misdirection and plenty of black humour. Arango manages to include a synaesthete, a troublesome marten, a failing fishmonger, a not quite tenacious enough detective, an envious class-mate, unrequited lovers, an almost-finished manuscript and a very big “oops” moment. While Henry’s lies and his sheer audacity will leave readers gasping, many will find themselves almost wanting him to get away with it, or at least, feeling some sympathy for him.
Arango gives his characters some astute observations: “You don’t have to be famous to be happy, especially as popularity is all too often confused with significance” and “Men are never more cowardly and their lies never more pathetic than when they’re caught with their pants down” and “Martha had warned him that success was a mere shadow that shifts with the moving sun” are examples. Also a succinct definition: “If I see or hear something and everyone else pretends there’s nothing there, then I know it’s a conspiracy”
The reader is also treated to some marvellous descriptive prose: “The chapter fell seamlessly in line with the previous one; the story flowed towards its climax with such assurance that it was as if, instead of having been thought up, it had emerged from itself, like a plant from a seed” and “The cataract of words poured out of …’s brain and straight through the machine onto the paper; not a single word got spilt” on writing; also “A secret like this is a parasite. It feeds on you and grows bigger and bigger. It wants to get out of you, it gnaws its way through your heart, it wants to get out of your mouth, it crawls through your eyes!”
This aptly titled novel is flawlessly translated from German by Imogen Taylor, and the Text Publishing edition has a colourful and imaginative cover by W H Chong. They offer a money-back “Love it” guarantee, and while this book is probably not for everyone, that guarantee would seem a fairly safe bet with many readers. This is a stunning debut and readers will look forward to more from this talented author.
The Truth and Other Lies is the first novel by German playwright, Sascha Arango. Henry Hayden is a best-selling author of crime novels, happily married to Martha (even if he also sleeps with his editor, Betty), generous with friends and pleasant to his fans. But Henry has a secret (or two), and when Betty announces she is pregnant, the façade of his comfortable existence threatens to collapse. Henry acts to preserve the status quo, but things don’t quite go to plan.
Arango gives the reader an intriguing plot with plenty of twists, wrinkles and complications. His novel is riddled with delicious ironies, misdirection and plenty of black humour. Arango manages to include a synaesthete, a troublesome marten, a failing fishmonger, a not quite tenacious enough detective, an envious class-mate, unrequited lovers, an almost-finished manuscript and a very big “oops” moment. While Henry’s lies and his sheer audacity will leave readers gasping, many will find themselves almost wanting him to get away with it, or at least, feeling some sympathy for him.
Arango gives his characters some astute observations: “You don’t have to be famous to be happy, especially as popularity is all too often confused with significance” and “Men are never more cowardly and their lies never more pathetic than when they’re caught with their pants down” and “Martha had warned him that success was a mere shadow that shifts with the moving sun” are examples. Also a succinct definition: “If I see or hear something and everyone else pretends there’s nothing there, then I know it’s a conspiracy”
The reader is also treated to some marvellous descriptive prose: “The chapter fell seamlessly in line with the previous one; the story flowed towards its climax with such assurance that it was as if, instead of having been thought up, it had emerged from itself, like a plant from a seed” and “The cataract of words poured out of …’s brain and straight through the machine onto the paper; not a single word got spilt” on writing; also “A secret like this is a parasite. It feeds on you and grows bigger and bigger. It wants to get out of you, it gnaws its way through your heart, it wants to get out of your mouth, it crawls through your eyes!”
This aptly titled novel is flawlessly translated from German by Imogen Taylor, and the Text Publishing edition has a colourful and imaginative cover by W H Chong. They offer a money-back “Love it” guarantee, and while this book is probably not for everyone, that guarantee would seem a fairly safe bet with many readers. This is a stunning debut and readers will look forward to more from this talented author.
May 25, 2015
Henry Hayden’s life was complete – he was a successful author with a number of best sellers to his name; one of his titles had been made into a film; and his marriage to Martha was a happy and fulfilling one. But when Betty, his editor and long-time lover announced that she was pregnant, Henry’s life began to unravel in an alarming fashion…
Because Henry’s life was built on a lie; Martha was the backbone of his life, but only he and Martha knew. His past was dark and deep – he had no past, no past that anyone knew about anyway. As Henry scrambled to keep his secrets hidden; to calculate and solve his immediate problems, a shattering mistake was made.
With the lies and half-lies which surrounded Henry coming apart at the seams, suddenly the police were at his side. His façade was crumbling – his past was catching up with him and all he held dear was threatened in a big way. What plan could he devise to avoid the cataclysmic collapse which was imminent?
Truth and Other Lies is a very unusual book – quite different to anything I’ve read in a long while. A dark and twisted thriller, the cunning nature of the main character is astounding. Enjoyable and gripping, I have no hesitation in recommending it highly to lovers of a good crime thriller.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my copy to read and review.
Because Henry’s life was built on a lie; Martha was the backbone of his life, but only he and Martha knew. His past was dark and deep – he had no past, no past that anyone knew about anyway. As Henry scrambled to keep his secrets hidden; to calculate and solve his immediate problems, a shattering mistake was made.
With the lies and half-lies which surrounded Henry coming apart at the seams, suddenly the police were at his side. His façade was crumbling – his past was catching up with him and all he held dear was threatened in a big way. What plan could he devise to avoid the cataclysmic collapse which was imminent?
Truth and Other Lies is a very unusual book – quite different to anything I’ve read in a long while. A dark and twisted thriller, the cunning nature of the main character is astounding. Enjoyable and gripping, I have no hesitation in recommending it highly to lovers of a good crime thriller.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my copy to read and review.
June 5, 2015
3 1/2 stars. The Truth and Other Lies gets you quickly into the thick of the plot. Henry -- from who's point of view most of the book is narrated -- is known to the world as a famous writer but in reality his wife Martha has been writing all his books. And this is only one of Henry's dark secrets. I can't say much more about the plot without giving away spoilers, but here is my reaction to the book: It was clever but not entirely original. It had good twists but sometimes it meandered. Henry is an interesting sociopathic unreliable narrator but it doesn't work as well when the author cedes the narrative perspective to other characters. I enjoyed this book well enough but I've enjoyed similar books somewhat more -- Joyce Carol Oates' Jack of Spades for instance. This would be a good book to read on a plane or train but not so good if you are looking for something substantial or engrossing. Get the picture? Decent but not great. By the way, I see no obvious mention that this is a translation from German -- which it is --and fortunately it's a good translation. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to to read an advance copy.
September 21, 2018
"Răul vine pe lume inocent. Crește, își caută o ființă și își începe opera în joacă."
"Din încărcături electrice se nasc amintirile, cunoștințe adânc îngropate se ivesc și produc viziunile inconștientului. Trebuie doar să ai încredere în ele."
August 27, 2015
THE TRUTH AND OTHER LIES is an impressive first novel for German screenplay writer Sascha Arango. Henry Hayden is the main character with a secret past, odd marriage, and successful career. He’s a famous bestselling author who is incapable of penning a full sentence. His wife, who is almost invisible in the novel, is the true author. Henry loves the limelight while his wife wants to keep a quiet existence.
Two women go missing and Henry becomes the link. Sascha’s talent shines in misdirection. The reader is given information, and then in the internal musings of Henry, get’s misdirected. Plus, Henry is an enigma. He’s selfish and self absorbed and yet without a thought becomes quietly generous. Outwardly he’s obnoxious, and quietly he provides acts of kindness. Henry is a wonderful character that Arango skillfully creates to be believable. The reader hates Henry, and then roots for Henry. It’s a perplexing read. Other characters in the novel are straightforward and easy to like or hate. Henry though, is crafted to bring the reader unease.
Sascha’s other talent is acerbic and dark wit. Although it’s a short novel, 241 pages, it’s almost double that because the reader needs to reread to make sure he/she got the humor. Plus, the misdirection is always a cause for review. To fully enjoy the novel, one needs to have quiet time and full concentration. It’s not a beach read. I highly recommend it as a fun, intelligent, engrossing book with a despicable character.
Two women go missing and Henry becomes the link. Sascha’s talent shines in misdirection. The reader is given information, and then in the internal musings of Henry, get’s misdirected. Plus, Henry is an enigma. He’s selfish and self absorbed and yet without a thought becomes quietly generous. Outwardly he’s obnoxious, and quietly he provides acts of kindness. Henry is a wonderful character that Arango skillfully creates to be believable. The reader hates Henry, and then roots for Henry. It’s a perplexing read. Other characters in the novel are straightforward and easy to like or hate. Henry though, is crafted to bring the reader unease.
Sascha’s other talent is acerbic and dark wit. Although it’s a short novel, 241 pages, it’s almost double that because the reader needs to reread to make sure he/she got the humor. Plus, the misdirection is always a cause for review. To fully enjoy the novel, one needs to have quiet time and full concentration. It’s not a beach read. I highly recommend it as a fun, intelligent, engrossing book with a despicable character.
May 31, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance reader copy of this book.
"The Truth and Other Lies" is a twisty thriller about a famous author, Henry Hayden, who is living a lie - the books he passes off as his own are written by his wife. He is having a barely-concealed affair with his editor, Betty, who is now pregnant with his child. Henry considers leaving his wife for Betty but decides he really doesn't like Betty very much, so he comes up with a plan to extricate himself from his situation - only the plan goes terribly wrong.
The book has elements of "Gone Girl" and "Summer House With Swimming Pool." I don't want to get into too much detail because I don't want to give too much away, but if you liked those books and were fascinated by the protagonists, you may enjoy this. It was very engrossing, although not as polished as those two books. The characters were not as well-developed and some of them, especially Henry's wife and mistress, didn't seem very "real." Henry himself seemed to waver between being a flat-out sociopath (mostly) and a man with real feelings for his wife and friends (rarely). There were also a few events and plot points that seemed random and didn't appear to get resolved. Lastly, I'm a little puzzled by the last sentence of the book - I am wondering if I missed something along the way.
3.5 overall - a page turner that kept my interest and had me on the edge of my seat right until the end.
"The Truth and Other Lies" is a twisty thriller about a famous author, Henry Hayden, who is living a lie - the books he passes off as his own are written by his wife. He is having a barely-concealed affair with his editor, Betty, who is now pregnant with his child. Henry considers leaving his wife for Betty but decides he really doesn't like Betty very much, so he comes up with a plan to extricate himself from his situation - only the plan goes terribly wrong.
The book has elements of "Gone Girl" and "Summer House With Swimming Pool." I don't want to get into too much detail because I don't want to give too much away, but if you liked those books and were fascinated by the protagonists, you may enjoy this. It was very engrossing, although not as polished as those two books. The characters were not as well-developed and some of them, especially Henry's wife and mistress, didn't seem very "real." Henry himself seemed to waver between being a flat-out sociopath (mostly) and a man with real feelings for his wife and friends (rarely). There were also a few events and plot points that seemed random and didn't appear to get resolved. Lastly, I'm a little puzzled by the last sentence of the book - I am wondering if I missed something along the way.
3.5 overall - a page turner that kept my interest and had me on the edge of my seat right until the end.
April 6, 2017
I feel like I'm abandoning things a lot lately. I guess when you are crazy busy and stressed out, it makes you not want to waste what little time you have with things that don't make you happy.
This book reminds me a lot of The Shining Girls. In much the same way, I had a hard time connecting with story and the characters. Does it sound terrible to say that it's clearly hard for me to find sociopaths entertaining?
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
This book reminds me a lot of The Shining Girls. In much the same way, I had a hard time connecting with story and the characters. Does it sound terrible to say that it's clearly hard for me to find sociopaths entertaining?
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
June 11, 2015
When a novel has as many twists and turns as this one, less is more.
As a result, I will not reveal anything that is not on the book jacket. And that’s this: suppose you are a bestselling author named Henry whose entire life is a lie…and your wife is the only one who knows it. And now suppose your lover reveals to you that she’s pregnant with your child. Further suppose that a childhood nemesis is hot on your trail.
It’s the makings of a compelling read. For those who enjoyed Herman Koch’s The Dinner or (dare I say?) Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, there will be ample enjoyment in witnessing the machinations of an ingenious (and definitely unlikable) man who constructs his life in ways that others might construct elaborate story-novels.
Throughout, Sascha Arango – one of Germany’s most prominent screenplay writers – gently pokes fun at the writing process with winks at the construction of this book. When one fan questions Henry about the “most important thing a writer should remember” (groan!), he gives the stock answer of writing what you know about – another obvious lie. And then he adds, “…and to allow plenty of time for leaving things out…everything you leave out on purpose or delete—that’s what gives you the most trouble and takes the longest.” Similar ruminations are made on the importance (and difficulty) of a novel’s ending.
As Henry’s web is woven tighter, I became increasingly unable to tear myself away from the pages. I did have some quibbles with the ending, but Sascha Arango already warned me that I might.
As a result, I will not reveal anything that is not on the book jacket. And that’s this: suppose you are a bestselling author named Henry whose entire life is a lie…and your wife is the only one who knows it. And now suppose your lover reveals to you that she’s pregnant with your child. Further suppose that a childhood nemesis is hot on your trail.
It’s the makings of a compelling read. For those who enjoyed Herman Koch’s The Dinner or (dare I say?) Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, there will be ample enjoyment in witnessing the machinations of an ingenious (and definitely unlikable) man who constructs his life in ways that others might construct elaborate story-novels.
Throughout, Sascha Arango – one of Germany’s most prominent screenplay writers – gently pokes fun at the writing process with winks at the construction of this book. When one fan questions Henry about the “most important thing a writer should remember” (groan!), he gives the stock answer of writing what you know about – another obvious lie. And then he adds, “…and to allow plenty of time for leaving things out…everything you leave out on purpose or delete—that’s what gives you the most trouble and takes the longest.” Similar ruminations are made on the importance (and difficulty) of a novel’s ending.
As Henry’s web is woven tighter, I became increasingly unable to tear myself away from the pages. I did have some quibbles with the ending, but Sascha Arango already warned me that I might.
November 27, 2015
What a ride! This impeccably crafted thriller that centers around a main character who is the scariest and most abhorrent type of person, an inherently evil man with a completely charming, witty, friendly persona.
Henry Hayden has become a local hero of sorts, having written a series of best selling novels. However it is his wife, who writes throughout most nights who is the author of these stories. She wants no fame and Henry thrives on it. Things go well for Henry as he enjoys all the things that wealth can bring until he makes the mistake of having an affair with his editor who becomes pregnant.
As he carries out his well thought out plan to rid himself of her, pushing her car off a cliff, he accidentally kills the wrong woman.
He contrives a story of truth and lies while evading the police and a person from his past who intends to tell all about Henry.
This is a very suspenseful, compulsively readable thriller that was a great read!
Henry Hayden has become a local hero of sorts, having written a series of best selling novels. However it is his wife, who writes throughout most nights who is the author of these stories. She wants no fame and Henry thrives on it. Things go well for Henry as he enjoys all the things that wealth can bring until he makes the mistake of having an affair with his editor who becomes pregnant.
As he carries out his well thought out plan to rid himself of her, pushing her car off a cliff, he accidentally kills the wrong woman.
He contrives a story of truth and lies while evading the police and a person from his past who intends to tell all about Henry.
This is a very suspenseful, compulsively readable thriller that was a great read!
February 18, 2025
Dark. Suspenseful. Twists. Turns.
I don’t know how I feel, still. Even after finishing this one. And yes, I did finish this one.
And...I read it cover to cover. Because I had to – try and understand – what was happening – who this Henry was – and why he did what he did.
Now...Henry is the main character.
And...I didn’t like him. And that is clearly the first thing that does not make sense for me. I want to like the person that I am reading.
But...I also wanted to know if he was redeemable. You know what I mean?
Perhaps...He had a back story that gave him a reason for being who he was or a reason for why he would do what he did.
Besides...Everyone else loved him – in the story, that is.
So...I kept reading, to the end. Maybe you will, too.
3.5 stars
I don’t know how I feel, still. Even after finishing this one. And yes, I did finish this one.
And...I read it cover to cover. Because I had to – try and understand – what was happening – who this Henry was – and why he did what he did.
Now...Henry is the main character.
And...I didn’t like him. And that is clearly the first thing that does not make sense for me. I want to like the person that I am reading.
But...I also wanted to know if he was redeemable. You know what I mean?
Perhaps...He had a back story that gave him a reason for being who he was or a reason for why he would do what he did.
Besides...Everyone else loved him – in the story, that is.
So...I kept reading, to the end. Maybe you will, too.
3.5 stars
July 7, 2015
“The truth and other lies” was a novel strong on characterization and filled with delightful imagery. Sascha Arango, a German television writer, has written a page-turner of a novel that entertains with dark humor and deviousness. The novel is the winner of the Prix Européen du Polar du Point, France, 2015. I’m sure this is only the beginning of it’s literary success!
For my complete review see my blog, Fictionophile
For my complete review see my blog, Fictionophile
March 6, 2017
Rating refers to the German audiobook narrated by Axel Milberg.
Well written, clever story with some dark humour.
Well written, clever story with some dark humour.
July 28, 2016
2.5/5 Stars
I received this book from a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway!
This book, though it was short, took me far too long to get into. I had trouble with the characters, I was just frustrated with all of them. The plot was predictable for me personally. I liked the writing style, it flowed well and thoughtfully. However this book was just a little predictable and not semi forgetful. If you like thrillers I suggest giving it a try, if you're not in the mood for a thriller though, hold off until you're ready.
I received this book from a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway!
This book, though it was short, took me far too long to get into. I had trouble with the characters, I was just frustrated with all of them. The plot was predictable for me personally. I liked the writing style, it flowed well and thoughtfully. However this book was just a little predictable and not semi forgetful. If you like thrillers I suggest giving it a try, if you're not in the mood for a thriller though, hold off until you're ready.
July 10, 2015
To keep a secret, you should never lose concentration; tell nobody and never forget.
From the very first page, the author sets up a story riddled with complications, betrayal and deceit. And he delivered for the most part. The unexpected twists were enough to keep me interested, even with characters I never really grew to like and writing that I didn’t immediately connect with.
Henry is a best-selling author at the height of his career. He’s rich, famous and well-liked in the small town where he lives with his wife, Martha. His comfortable existence is threatened when he finds out his editor and mistress, Betty, is pregnant. He considers coming clean to Martha, but thinks he has a better plan instead. He’ll just make Betty disappear.
The major problem for me was Henry. I never grew to like him. Sure he did horrible things, never told the truth and came off as a coward in my eyes, but I still wanted to feel like he had some redeeming quality. Something that would make me care, even a teeny tiny bit. It never happened though, making it hard for me to totally immerse myself in the story.
“I’m a thoroughly bad, utterly insignificant person, believe me.”
It took me a little longer than usual to get used to the author's voice and the flow. I get it was translated, but some of the wording was just odd. There were a few times the POV was switched in the middle of paragraphs too, making it a little confusing and disjointed.
I can’t say I loved this book, but despite my issues with the characters and the writing, I liked it. It was the shock value that saved the story for me and kept me intrigued.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
From the very first page, the author sets up a story riddled with complications, betrayal and deceit. And he delivered for the most part. The unexpected twists were enough to keep me interested, even with characters I never really grew to like and writing that I didn’t immediately connect with.
Henry is a best-selling author at the height of his career. He’s rich, famous and well-liked in the small town where he lives with his wife, Martha. His comfortable existence is threatened when he finds out his editor and mistress, Betty, is pregnant. He considers coming clean to Martha, but thinks he has a better plan instead. He’ll just make Betty disappear.
The major problem for me was Henry. I never grew to like him. Sure he did horrible things, never told the truth and came off as a coward in my eyes, but I still wanted to feel like he had some redeeming quality. Something that would make me care, even a teeny tiny bit. It never happened though, making it hard for me to totally immerse myself in the story.
“I’m a thoroughly bad, utterly insignificant person, believe me.”
It took me a little longer than usual to get used to the author's voice and the flow. I get it was translated, but some of the wording was just odd. There were a few times the POV was switched in the middle of paragraphs too, making it a little confusing and disjointed.
I can’t say I loved this book, but despite my issues with the characters and the writing, I liked it. It was the shock value that saved the story for me and kept me intrigued.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
May 15, 2015
Henry is a man without a past.. at least not one he's willing to talk about. And it wouldn't matter anyway ... his truth may not be the whole truth. He's married to a woman who seems to love him unconditionally. Henry is a well-known author, but it's his wife who actually writes the books. Henry is a man other men aspire to be and the man that many women seem to be drawn to. One mistake .. that's all it took.. one mistake and the building blocks come tumbling down.
I am torn between liking and not liking the characters in this book. Either way, they are fascinating in their own way. Henry is a little bit arrogant and will tell a lie or partial lie before ever admitting a truth. He's very clever.... arranging things and fabricating rags into whole cloth.
His wife is almost a non-entity. She's quiet and unassuming. The mistress is loud and brash. I think I feel sorry for her because she also loves Henry and in some ways Henry only loves Henry.... or people only once they are dead.
This was a very cleverly written novel. Lots of twists and turns. A riveting and compelling look at a man's life and lies.
Thank you to Jin at Atria Books for furnishing to me an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I am torn between liking and not liking the characters in this book. Either way, they are fascinating in their own way. Henry is a little bit arrogant and will tell a lie or partial lie before ever admitting a truth. He's very clever.... arranging things and fabricating rags into whole cloth.
His wife is almost a non-entity. She's quiet and unassuming. The mistress is loud and brash. I think I feel sorry for her because she also loves Henry and in some ways Henry only loves Henry.... or people only once they are dead.
This was a very cleverly written novel. Lots of twists and turns. A riveting and compelling look at a man's life and lies.
Thank you to Jin at Atria Books for furnishing to me an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 11, 2025
Titulo: La verdad y otras mentiras
Autor: Sascha Arango
Motivo de lectura: #buzzwordathon2025
Lectura / Relectura: Lectura
Fisico / Electronico: Electronico
Mi edicion: -
Puntuacion: 4/5
Luego de terminar de leer esta novela llegue a una conclusión, Henry Hayden no es el personaje principal de esta novela, somos nosotros mismos, ya que Sascha Arango no se detiene ni un minuto en tratar de enganarños hacia donde va la trama, Arango hace arte en lo que seria una lectura interactiva y activa para con sus lectores.
A todo momento es inevitable formular teorías mentales a medida que avanza la lectura.
Una historia atrapante, personajes bien construidos.
Como indica su titulo, estará en ti decidir que es verdad y que es mentira..
Autor: Sascha Arango
Motivo de lectura: #buzzwordathon2025
Lectura / Relectura: Lectura
Fisico / Electronico: Electronico
Mi edicion: -
Puntuacion: 4/5
Luego de terminar de leer esta novela llegue a una conclusión, Henry Hayden no es el personaje principal de esta novela, somos nosotros mismos, ya que Sascha Arango no se detiene ni un minuto en tratar de enganarños hacia donde va la trama, Arango hace arte en lo que seria una lectura interactiva y activa para con sus lectores.
A todo momento es inevitable formular teorías mentales a medida que avanza la lectura.
Una historia atrapante, personajes bien construidos.
Como indica su titulo, estará en ti decidir que es verdad y que es mentira..
April 22, 2015
This is probably not a book I would normally read but I was sent it by the publisher. So, thanks to Text Publishing for extending my reading. I found this to be a clever but rather strange book. To begin with I was interested in the characters, although I never ever saw Henry as the back cover blurb says as ‘a delightful person to have around.’ It is obvious from very early on that there is something dark and manipulative about him. Just the fact that he could take credit for the novels his wife Martha wrote, says enough about his mentality to me. That was not his only deceit. Not only is he married to Martha, he is having an affair with his editor Betty. Her news of a pregnancy threatens to destroy Henry’s carefully built facade. Unless...he finds a way out of the predicament. I found this book interesting in some ways as it explores Henry’s thought processes and plans to solve the problem. This caused me to continue reading, if only to find out how it all worked out.
I liked much of the writing. One quote I did like was,’ the telepathic contact that comes with years of marriage is often misinterpreted by outsiders as silence.’ There is more to this quote but it needs to be read in context.
At times, this novel tended to be a bit confusing with the reader having to work out which is truth and which are lies. Some parts I thought are also a little crass. All in all, it presented a strange mix. Though the story is cleverly presented and there are plenty of twists, the fact that I didn’t like any of the characters made it more an exercise in reading to get to the end and see how it all worked out. While I could admire the writing and the skill in putting this story together, in the end it was not really my cup of tea. But I am sure plenty of others will find it an engaging and entertaining read.
I liked much of the writing. One quote I did like was,’ the telepathic contact that comes with years of marriage is often misinterpreted by outsiders as silence.’ There is more to this quote but it needs to be read in context.
At times, this novel tended to be a bit confusing with the reader having to work out which is truth and which are lies. Some parts I thought are also a little crass. All in all, it presented a strange mix. Though the story is cleverly presented and there are plenty of twists, the fact that I didn’t like any of the characters made it more an exercise in reading to get to the end and see how it all worked out. While I could admire the writing and the skill in putting this story together, in the end it was not really my cup of tea. But I am sure plenty of others will find it an engaging and entertaining read.
October 17, 2015
BABT
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06fkm47Description: In 'Reading Europe', Radio 4 continues its journey across Europe exploring the best in contemporary literature with this hugely successful German thriller set on a small cliff-top town in which everyone has a secret.
Famous novelist, with a beautiful wife, grand house in the country and more money than he can spend - Henry Hayden has it all. Or so it seems. His perfect life rests on one carefully constructed lie, a lie he will stop at nothing to protect. He has been lucky until now, but when he makes one fatal error, the whole dream begins to unravel.
Reader: Jamie Parker
Abridger: Sally Marmion
Producer: Justine Willett
Writer: Sascha Arango is one of Germany's most renowned screenwriters, whose award-winning crime dramas are television events of the year. This, his first novel, has been a huge bestseller in Germany.
Translated by Imogen Taylor.
1/9: My love, this is not going to end well2/9: Don't worry, I'll take care of things3/9: Darling, can you guess how it ends?4/9: We've found your wife5/9: No corpse is beautiful6/9: You scare me, Henry7/9: I need to get away from here8/9: You Need Help9/9: Better Always Alone than Never
June 13, 2015
The title doesn’t seem to make sense, but The Truth and Other Lies is perfect for this book. This book was a total mess, but in all the right ways. The characters in this book were seriously twisted. So I really enjoyed this story and read the whole thing in one day.
Henry is a bad man. To the outside world, he seems like the story of success. His books are all best sellers and he is well respected. No one knows that his wife is the real author, he is just the name. They are happily married and live eccentrically together. When Henry’s mistress becomes pregnant, Henry’s life implodes. In a split-second decision, Henry tries to get rid of the problem of his mistress, and he makes a grave mistake. His shady past comes for him during a police investigation and Henry’s life spirals out of control.
I really can’t say too much about the events in this story. To do so would be to give it away. Just know that Henry’s actions kept me completely captivated. It is hard to sell a story about a pretty unlikeable character, but this author nails it. All of the characters in this story had issues. I can’t think of one person in this book worth rooting for. It was like watching a car accident. I was horrified, but I couldn’t look away.
The only thing that kind of irked me was the ending. We are left wondering…ugh, can’t even say what I was wondering at the end. Henry does have some redeeming qualities in this story. Not enough to be actually forgiven for his actions, but at least his motivation seems less sinister. Henry seems to act of out necessity. He was a perplexing character. I really enjoyed this thriller. If you enjoyed Gone Girl, you should definitely give this book a read.
Henry is a bad man. To the outside world, he seems like the story of success. His books are all best sellers and he is well respected. No one knows that his wife is the real author, he is just the name. They are happily married and live eccentrically together. When Henry’s mistress becomes pregnant, Henry’s life implodes. In a split-second decision, Henry tries to get rid of the problem of his mistress, and he makes a grave mistake. His shady past comes for him during a police investigation and Henry’s life spirals out of control.
I really can’t say too much about the events in this story. To do so would be to give it away. Just know that Henry’s actions kept me completely captivated. It is hard to sell a story about a pretty unlikeable character, but this author nails it. All of the characters in this story had issues. I can’t think of one person in this book worth rooting for. It was like watching a car accident. I was horrified, but I couldn’t look away.
The only thing that kind of irked me was the ending. We are left wondering…ugh, can’t even say what I was wondering at the end. Henry does have some redeeming qualities in this story. Not enough to be actually forgiven for his actions, but at least his motivation seems less sinister. Henry seems to act of out necessity. He was a perplexing character. I really enjoyed this thriller. If you enjoyed Gone Girl, you should definitely give this book a read.
June 16, 2015
Henry Hayden, blockbuster German novelist, lives a luxury life of lies. His past is sealed as tight as a drum, and he doesn’t share it with anyone. His wife, Martha, seems like a woman out of the 50’s—she takes care of all of Henry’s needs and doesn’t ever complain. On the other hand, his mistress, who is pregnant, is vocal and demanding. Soon, he makes some bad decisions, and his past is about to ram head-first into his present, and destroy his future. Henry has to work swiftly in order to keep his head above the law and to outpace everyone on his tail.
If you like a noir-ish, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse thriller with mordant, absurdist wit and a few dead bodies, as well as a provocative, enigmatic, wicked protagonist, this may be your cuppa. I read it in one sitting, in an afternoon. I just couldn’t stop turning the pages.
The latter part of the book, however, stretched the limits of my belief. I felt the author’s presence handing us a little tea and sympathy, softening a psychotic with a few pardons, perhaps overreaching, and adding superfluous volume to a secondary character. However, there’s so much to enjoy here that I can’t knock off a full star.
Kudos to Imogen Taylor for giving Arango’s narrative a silky smooth, satiny English translation.
If you like a noir-ish, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse thriller with mordant, absurdist wit and a few dead bodies, as well as a provocative, enigmatic, wicked protagonist, this may be your cuppa. I read it in one sitting, in an afternoon. I just couldn’t stop turning the pages.
The latter part of the book, however, stretched the limits of my belief. I felt the author’s presence handing us a little tea and sympathy, softening a psychotic with a few pardons, perhaps overreaching, and adding superfluous volume to a secondary character. However, there’s so much to enjoy here that I can’t knock off a full star.
Kudos to Imogen Taylor for giving Arango’s narrative a silky smooth, satiny English translation.
October 19, 2015
3.5 Stars
February 20, 2016
A! για να σας πω… μπορεί να είμαι σκορόφιδον φαρμακόγλωσσον και ποτισμένον από την πικρή πράσινη χολή μου αλλά είμαι και σκορόφιδον ηθικόν… Έχω ένα προσωπικόν θέμα με αυτό που εγώ θεωρώ αδικία… είμαι σκορόφιδον το οποίο επιθυμώ διακαώς στο τέλος των βιβλίων που διαβάζω να υπάρχει μια κάθαρση ρε παιδί μου… Εδώ ολόκληρος Αισχύλος, κοτζάμ Σοφοκλής, ακόμα και τούτος ο Ευριπίδης σ’αυτό το θέμα ήταν ‘κάθετοι’. Στο τέλος έχουμε την κάθαρση. Δεν μου στέκεται ρε παιδί μου, ο κακός να θριαμβεύει… Γιατρέ μου, μήπως πρέπει να το κοιτάξω;;;
Ακόμα νιώθω στο πετσί μου το εκνευριστικό τσιρτσίρισμα όταν πρωτογνώρισα τον ‘ταλαντούχο κύριο Ρίπλευ’ της Patricia Highsmith, αυτόν τον ανεκδιήγητο αντιήρωα που βρίσκει τον τρόπο και την σκαπουλάρει πάντα… γι’αυτό και τον αποφεύγω όπως ο διάολος το λιβάνι γιατί κάθε φορά που τον συναντώ μου ανεβαίνει το αίμα στο κεφάλι και κρίμα να φύγω στο άνθος της ηλικίας μου μια και κυκλοφορούν κι εγκεφαλικά στην πιάτσα…
Σ’αυτό λοιπόν το μοτίβο κινείται και ο βασικός ήρωας – αντιήρωας του Σάσα Αράνγκο, ο Χένρι Χάιντεν, στο “Η αλήθεια και άλλα ψέματα”. Ο Χένρι λοιπόν είναι ένας πολύ διάσημος συγγραφέας (μα τι τους έχει πιάσει όλους τους συγγραφείς και γράφουν για συγγραφείς;), μόνο που τα βιβλία του τα γράφει η γυναίκα του. Ζει μια ζωή ονειρική (καλή γυναίκα, μπόλικο χρήμα, άφθονη δόξα, ένας πιστός σκύλος, μια υπέροχη βίλα στην εξοχή, μια κουκλάρα ερωμένη κι άλλες τόσες περιστασιακές)... Το απόλυτο φετίχ του άντρα δηλαδή… μέχρι που η ζωή του ανατρέπεται από ένα στιγμιαίο λάθος όπως είχε πει κάποτε και στα δι’ημάς ο λαϊκό-ποπ βάρδος Πασχάλης. Η ερωμένη μένει έγκυος, φυσικά αρνείται να ρίξει το παιδί γιατί ξαφνικά της ξύπνησε και το μητρικό ένστικτο, κι ένα κουνάβι εισβάλλει στη σοφίτα του πολυτελούς σπιτιού του. Εντάξει, το κουνάβι είναι άσχετο με την υπόθεση, αλλά σας το αναφέρω για να ξέρετε πως ο κύριος πέρα από τα καλά, έχει και τα προβληματάκια του. Μια ερωμένη κι ένα κουνάβι.
Η ζωή του Χένρι λοιπόν καταρρέει, ψάχνει λύσεις για να σωθεί, σε ποια από τις δυο γυναίκες να πει αλήθεια και σε ποια ψέματα κι εκεί κάνει το μοιραίο λάθος. Προσοχή, ακολουθεί ολίγον spoiler (αν και είναι στην αρχή του βιβλίου). Αντί να ‘καθαρίσει’ μια και καλή την ενοχλητική ερωμένη που ξαφνικά την έπιασε το μητρικό της μόλις είδε τον υπέρηχο, ‘καθαρίζει’ τη γυναίκα του (και όχι με άζαξ). Κι εκεί προσπαθώντας να καλύψει το ένα λάθος, κλασικά προκύπτει ένα άλλο και μετά ένα άλλο κι όλο προσπαθεί να καλύψει τα προηγούμενα κι όλο βγαίνει κι ένα άλλο. Κι όταν ο «καημένος» λέει την αλήθεια (όποτε τον πιάσει κρίση ειλικρίνειας), κανείς δεν τον πιστεύει αλλά τα ψέματά του όλοι μετά χαράς τα πιστεύουν. Και μια πλειάδα άλλων ανθρώπων γύρω του, ο φίλος του Σέρβος ψαράς Ομπραντίν, ο αστυνομικός που προσπαθεί να εξιχνιάσει την εξαφάνιση, ο εκδότης του ο Μορεάνι, η γραμματέας του εκδοτικού, μια γκόμενα που έτσι εμφανίζεται ξαφνικά από το πουθενά, ένας παλιός γνώριμος από το πολύ μακρινό παρελθόν που έρχεται για να σκοτώσει (?) τον Χένρι αλλά ο Χένρι έχει περισσότερες ζωές κι από εφτάψυχη γάτα κι έτσι τη σκαπουλάρει για μια ακόμη φορά…
Ψυχολογικό θρίλερ λέει το εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου… εξυπναδίστικη προσπάθεια θα την έλεγα εγώ… Συμπτώσεις επί συμπτώσεων, η λέξη ‘κωλοφαρδία’ είναι συνώνυμο του τύπου, ήρωες απλοϊκοί, κάτι που θέλησε να πει ο ποιητής αλλά που ούτε απ’έξω δεν πέρασε…
Και το τέλος… OMG!!!... Εντάξει ο συγγραφεύς προφανώς έφτιαξε τον ήρωα για να γράψει κι άλλα βιβλία, μάλλον θέλησε να δημιουργήσει έναν ήρωα που θα εμφανίζεται ξανά και ξανά, αλλά ευχαριστώ δεν θα πάρω!!! Μας τα ‘πρηξε ο συγγραφέας με το σκοτεινό παρελθόν του ήρωα, που παραμένει σκοτεινό κι αφού τελειώσει το βιβλίο καθώς και με την κατουρημένη την πυζάμα του Χένρι…
Βαθμολογία λοιπόν, ένα 5/10 με το ζόρι, γιατί είχε μια αγωνία μέχρι ένα σημείο… και γιατί ολόκληρη κούκλα του σεξ έβαλε μέσα για να ‘ξεχαρμανιάζει’ έτερος ήρωας, κρίμα να μην της χαρίσω κι ένα βαθμό και της κουκλίτσας…
Ακόμα νιώθω στο πετσί μου το εκνευριστικό τσιρτσίρισμα όταν πρωτογνώρισα τον ‘ταλαντούχο κύριο Ρίπλευ’ της Patricia Highsmith, αυτόν τον ανεκδιήγητο αντιήρωα που βρίσκει τον τρόπο και την σκαπουλάρει πάντα… γι’αυτό και τον αποφεύγω όπως ο διάολος το λιβάνι γιατί κάθε φορά που τον συναντώ μου ανεβαίνει το αίμα στο κεφάλι και κρίμα να φύγω στο άνθος της ηλικίας μου μια και κυκλοφορούν κι εγκεφαλικά στην πιάτσα…
Σ’αυτό λοιπόν το μοτίβο κινείται και ο βασικός ήρωας – αντιήρωας του Σάσα Αράνγκο, ο Χένρι Χάιντεν, στο “Η αλήθεια και άλλα ψέματα”. Ο Χένρι λοιπόν είναι ένας πολύ διάσημος συγγραφέας (μα τι τους έχει πιάσει όλους τους συγγραφείς και γράφουν για συγγραφείς;), μόνο που τα βιβλία του τα γράφει η γυναίκα του. Ζει μια ζωή ονειρική (καλή γυναίκα, μπόλικο χρήμα, άφθονη δόξα, ένας πιστός σκύλος, μια υπέροχη βίλα στην εξοχή, μια κουκλάρα ερωμένη κι άλλες τόσες περιστασιακές)... Το απόλυτο φετίχ του άντρα δηλαδή… μέχρι που η ζωή του ανατρέπεται από ένα στιγμιαίο λάθος όπως είχε πει κάποτε και στα δι’ημάς ο λαϊκό-ποπ βάρδος Πασχάλης. Η ερωμένη μένει έγκυος, φυσικά αρνείται να ρίξει το παιδί γιατί ξαφνικά της ξύπνησε και το μητρικό ένστικτο, κι ένα κουνάβι εισβάλλει στη σοφίτα του πολυτελούς σπιτιού του. Εντάξει, το κουνάβι είναι άσχετο με την υπόθεση, αλλά σας το αναφέρω για να ξέρετε πως ο κύριος πέρα από τα καλά, έχει και τα προβληματάκια του. Μια ερωμένη κι ένα κουνάβι.
Η ζωή του Χένρι λοιπόν καταρρέει, ψάχνει λύσεις για να σωθεί, σε ποια από τις δυο γυναίκες να πει αλήθεια και σε ποια ψέματα κι εκεί κάνει το μοιραίο λάθος. Προσοχή, ακολουθεί ολίγον spoiler (αν και είναι στην αρχή του βιβλίου). Αντί να ‘καθαρίσει’ μια και καλή την ενοχλητική ερωμένη που ξαφνικά την έπιασε το μητρικό της μόλις είδε τον υπέρηχο, ‘καθαρίζει’ τη γυναίκα του (και όχι με άζαξ). Κι εκεί προσπαθώντας να καλύψει το ένα λάθος, κλασικά προκύπτει ένα άλλο και μετά ένα άλλο κι όλο προσπαθεί να καλύψει τα προηγούμενα κι όλο βγαίνει κι ένα άλλο. Κι όταν ο «καημένος» λέει την αλήθεια (όποτε τον πιάσει κρίση ειλικρίνειας), κανείς δεν τον πιστεύει αλλά τα ψέματά του όλοι μετά χαράς τα πιστεύουν. Και μια πλειάδα άλλων ανθρώπων γύρω του, ο φίλος του Σέρβος ψαράς Ομπραντίν, ο αστυνομικός που προσπαθεί να εξιχνιάσει την εξαφάνιση, ο εκδότης του ο Μορεάνι, η γραμματέας του εκδοτικού, μια γκόμενα που έτσι εμφανίζεται ξαφνικά από το πουθενά, ένας παλιός γνώριμος από το πολύ μακρινό παρελθόν που έρχεται για να σκοτώσει (?) τον Χένρι αλλά ο Χένρι έχει περισσότερες ζωές κι από εφτάψυχη γάτα κι έτσι τη σκαπουλάρει για μια ακόμη φορά…
Ψυχολογικό θρίλερ λέει το εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου… εξυπναδίστικη προσπάθεια θα την έλεγα εγώ… Συμπτώσεις επί συμπτώσεων, η λέξη ‘κωλοφαρδία’ είναι συνώνυμο του τύπου, ήρωες απλοϊκοί, κάτι που θέλησε να πει ο ποιητής αλλά που ούτε απ’έξω δεν πέρασε…
Και το τέλος… OMG!!!... Εντάξει ο συγγραφεύς προφανώς έφτιαξε τον ήρωα για να γράψει κι άλλα βιβλία, μάλλον θέλησε να δημιουργήσει έναν ήρωα που θα εμφανίζεται ξανά και ξανά, αλλά ευχαριστώ δεν θα πάρω!!! Μας τα ‘πρηξε ο συγγραφέας με το σκοτεινό παρελθόν του ήρωα, που παραμένει σκοτεινό κι αφού τελειώσει το βιβλίο καθώς και με την κατουρημένη την πυζάμα του Χένρι…
Βαθμολογία λοιπόν, ένα 5/10 με το ζόρι, γιατί είχε μια αγωνία μέχρι ένα σημείο… και γιατί ολόκληρη κούκλα του σεξ έβαλε μέσα για να ‘ξεχαρμανιάζει’ έτερος ήρωας, κρίμα να μην της χαρίσω κι ένα βαθμό και της κουκλίτσας…
June 1, 2015
“The liars among us will know that every lie must contain a certain amount of truth if it's to be convincing. A dash of truth is often enough, but it's indispensable, like the olive in the martini.”
Henry Hayden is a bestselling author but he did not write any of his novels. His wife Martha did and she is fine with her husband taking the credit. However when Henry finds out his affair with Betty has resulted in her pregnancy, he becomes concerned that everything he built with his wife will come apart.
That is the bare-bones description of The Truth and Other Lies, a devastatingly clever novel by the German author Sascha Arango. It would probably be classified as a suspense or mystery novel even though we know who's doing what from the outset. The mystery is in what is being done not who is doing it. The pleasure here is watching a charismatic and ultimately sociopathic individual dig himself in deeper and deeper as little plot twists make his dilemma even more outrageous.
Henry Hayden reminds me of Tom Ripley, a equally likeable and elusive protagonist. Like Ripley, Henry has a secret past and is adept at hiding the truth about himself. It doesn't hurt that Arango's themes and style seem similar to Ripley's creator, Patricia Highsmith. Arango has a similar talent for empathy with ones who feel no empathy and a healthy cynicism of human nature. But, again like Highsmith, Arango turns that cynicism into a playful if mostly wicked look at the dark side of man.
The biggest twist comes early and I will not say what that is. But the success of the novel hinges on that twist. "The best laid plans of mice and men" is working overtime in this story and the fun is to see how many precarious bends this Jenga-like plot can take without toppling over. It works because Henry is so complex in his twistedness. Characterization is what finally wins out in the end and all the rest works because we are not so secretly rooting for this immoral individual in spite of ourselves. There are also many minor characters that are well developed and give the story a lot of depth.
There is more than a little similarity with Gone Girl if not in plot but in the motives and personality of the players. Those who liked Gone Girl will catch it and if you didn't like Gone Girl you will probably dislike it for similar reasons. But not reading this novel will be a mistake. It is firmly set up to be the evil little thriller of the year and perhaps the one that raises the bar on the term "literary suspense". Praise should also be given to the outstanding translation which moves everything so effortlessly along. This is my pick for the must-read thriller for 2015.
Henry Hayden is a bestselling author but he did not write any of his novels. His wife Martha did and she is fine with her husband taking the credit. However when Henry finds out his affair with Betty has resulted in her pregnancy, he becomes concerned that everything he built with his wife will come apart.
That is the bare-bones description of The Truth and Other Lies, a devastatingly clever novel by the German author Sascha Arango. It would probably be classified as a suspense or mystery novel even though we know who's doing what from the outset. The mystery is in what is being done not who is doing it. The pleasure here is watching a charismatic and ultimately sociopathic individual dig himself in deeper and deeper as little plot twists make his dilemma even more outrageous.
Henry Hayden reminds me of Tom Ripley, a equally likeable and elusive protagonist. Like Ripley, Henry has a secret past and is adept at hiding the truth about himself. It doesn't hurt that Arango's themes and style seem similar to Ripley's creator, Patricia Highsmith. Arango has a similar talent for empathy with ones who feel no empathy and a healthy cynicism of human nature. But, again like Highsmith, Arango turns that cynicism into a playful if mostly wicked look at the dark side of man.
The biggest twist comes early and I will not say what that is. But the success of the novel hinges on that twist. "The best laid plans of mice and men" is working overtime in this story and the fun is to see how many precarious bends this Jenga-like plot can take without toppling over. It works because Henry is so complex in his twistedness. Characterization is what finally wins out in the end and all the rest works because we are not so secretly rooting for this immoral individual in spite of ourselves. There are also many minor characters that are well developed and give the story a lot of depth.
There is more than a little similarity with Gone Girl if not in plot but in the motives and personality of the players. Those who liked Gone Girl will catch it and if you didn't like Gone Girl you will probably dislike it for similar reasons. But not reading this novel will be a mistake. It is firmly set up to be the evil little thriller of the year and perhaps the one that raises the bar on the term "literary suspense". Praise should also be given to the outstanding translation which moves everything so effortlessly along. This is my pick for the must-read thriller for 2015.
February 1, 2019
Wow this book was a trip. 'The Truth and Other Lies' is the debut novel of Germany's most prominent screenplay writer. It definitely kept me on my toes. I'm giving this book 4 stars. It was really good, but not great. I don't know what is missing to make me feel it's only 4 stars instead of 5, but my gut is that.
This story isn't a mystery or a thriller. Not really. It's more or less how will our main character Henry Hayden stay out of the Police's radar.
We have several characters here that I wish I could discuss more in depth, but I like my reviews to be spoiler free. Henry and his wife Martha are the perfect couple. They compliment each other splendidly. Martha has this insatiable need to write stories. Henry isn't a writer. When Henry first meets Martha he is taken aback by the stories molding in boxes, left to rot. Martha is a quiet, almost recluse person. She lives a solitary life, as characteristically normal as anyone else. Henry is a recluse as well. He is running from his past and so, remains hidden in plain sight, like Martha. Match made in heaven. They both have secrets. Henry gets one of Martha's stories published under his name and Martha doesn't think anything of it. She continues to write and he continues to get the novels published. Their secrets are safe.
What confuses me about the whole story is how much does Martha know? Did Henry tell her everything? We as the readers hear about Henry's childhood twice from his own mouth. They match up, but still we are left questioning. Henry says he is a psychopath. Where is Henry's mother?
This book makes me want to read more about psychopaths. The definition of psychopath is someone who has abnormal or violent social behavior. I never saw that from Henry. Am I too lured by his charm? He gives out money freely to help others. He continues to say " sporadic acts of goodness are mere interruptions in human wickedness, that inescapably lead to punishment." I found almost every character did good with a bit of wickedness. That is human nature. We can't always be perfect. Am I forgiving Henry of his wrongdoings? No....when someone is cornered they tend to become rash in their actions. He is of course at fault, but boy was he good at every act, good and bad.
The more I think about this book the more I find it brilliant. Everything was tied together nicely, yet for some reason I feel unfulfilled. Maybe it's the postcard. It's very Hannibal Lecter. Yes he told Obradin that he would receive a postcard in the mail from a stranger, but I guess I wanted more. Which of course sort of matches his last book 'White Darkness's ending. We as the readers never get to see the ending of the book.
I found out I really like this style of writing and am looking forward to reading more of this author.
This story isn't a mystery or a thriller. Not really. It's more or less how will our main character Henry Hayden stay out of the Police's radar.
We have several characters here that I wish I could discuss more in depth, but I like my reviews to be spoiler free. Henry and his wife Martha are the perfect couple. They compliment each other splendidly. Martha has this insatiable need to write stories. Henry isn't a writer. When Henry first meets Martha he is taken aback by the stories molding in boxes, left to rot. Martha is a quiet, almost recluse person. She lives a solitary life, as characteristically normal as anyone else. Henry is a recluse as well. He is running from his past and so, remains hidden in plain sight, like Martha. Match made in heaven. They both have secrets. Henry gets one of Martha's stories published under his name and Martha doesn't think anything of it. She continues to write and he continues to get the novels published. Their secrets are safe.
What confuses me about the whole story is how much does Martha know? Did Henry tell her everything? We as the readers hear about Henry's childhood twice from his own mouth. They match up, but still we are left questioning. Henry says he is a psychopath. Where is Henry's mother?
This book makes me want to read more about psychopaths. The definition of psychopath is someone who has abnormal or violent social behavior. I never saw that from Henry. Am I too lured by his charm? He gives out money freely to help others. He continues to say " sporadic acts of goodness are mere interruptions in human wickedness, that inescapably lead to punishment." I found almost every character did good with a bit of wickedness. That is human nature. We can't always be perfect. Am I forgiving Henry of his wrongdoings? No....when someone is cornered they tend to become rash in their actions. He is of course at fault, but boy was he good at every act, good and bad.
The more I think about this book the more I find it brilliant. Everything was tied together nicely, yet for some reason I feel unfulfilled. Maybe it's the postcard. It's very Hannibal Lecter. Yes he told Obradin that he would receive a postcard in the mail from a stranger, but I guess I wanted more. Which of course sort of matches his last book 'White Darkness's ending. We as the readers never get to see the ending of the book.
I found out I really like this style of writing and am looking forward to reading more of this author.
July 17, 2016
Το πέτυχα χθες στο Μοναστηράκι σε άριστη κατάσταση και σε εξαιρετική τιμή και το τσίμπησα, χωρίς να το σκεφτώ ιδιαίτερα. Ε, και είπα να το αρχίσω άμεσα. Καλούτσικο ψυχολογικό θρίλερ, ευκολοδιάβαστο και σχετικά ενδιαφέρον, έφυγε μέσα σ'ένα διήμερο. Απλά δεν νομίζω ότι ξεχωρίζει ιδιαίτερα από τα υπόλοιπα ψυχολογικά θρίλερ που μας έχουν κατακλείσει τον τελευταίο καιρό.
Ο Χένρι Χέιντεν, πρωταγωνιστής της ιστορίας, έχει μια κατά τα φαινόμενα ευτυχισμένη και τέλεια ζωή, όντας επιτυχημένος συγγραφέας και παντρεμένος με μια όμορφη γυναίκα. Είναι, επίσης, πολύ καλός φίλος και εξαιρετικός συνεργάτης. Όλα αυτά όμως είναι μια βιτρίνα. Τα βιβλία δεν τα γράφει αυτός, αλλά η γυναίκα του. Και, επίσης, έχει μια γκόμενα, η οποία έμεινε έγκυος. Η τακτοποιημένη ζωή του είναι έτοιμη να διαλυθεί. Και τότε είναι που κάνει κάποιες ακραίες ενέργειες. Όμως το μυστηριώδες παρελθόν του δεν είναι τυχαία μυστηριώδες. Ο Χένρι είναι έξυπνος και άνθρωπος που επιβιώνει σε κάθε δύσκολη κατάσταση...
Τίποτα το τρομερά ιδιαίτερο ή πρωτότυπο από άποψη πλοκής, δεν μπορώ να πω ότι ξετρελάθηκα από τις όποιες εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Ίσως επειδή δεν υπήρξαν τέτοιες. Βέβαια το βιβλίο το διάβασα με ενδιαφέρον από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος, υπήρχε μια αγωνία για την συνέχεια και για το ποιες θα είναι οι επόμενες ενέργειες του πρωταγωνιστή, επιπρόσθετα μου άρεσε αρκετά ο τρόπος γραφής -οι περιγραφές των τοπίων και των διαφόρων καταστάσεων, οι διάλογοι, όλα αυτά-, καθώς και η ατμόσφαιρα, έτσι ωραία και κάπως μουντή όπως ήταν, απλά σαν ψυχολογικό θρίλερ δεν έκανε την διαφορά. Πάντως πέρασα καλά, οπότε τα τέσσερα αστεράκια στο Goodreads θα τα πάρει, έστω και την τελευταία στιγμή.
Ο Χένρι Χέιντεν, πρωταγωνιστής της ιστορίας, έχει μια κατά τα φαινόμενα ευτυχισμένη και τέλεια ζωή, όντας επιτυχημένος συγγραφέας και παντρεμένος με μια όμορφη γυναίκα. Είναι, επίσης, πολύ καλός φίλος και εξαιρετικός συνεργάτης. Όλα αυτά όμως είναι μια βιτρίνα. Τα βιβλία δεν τα γράφει αυτός, αλλά η γυναίκα του. Και, επίσης, έχει μια γκόμενα, η οποία έμεινε έγκυος. Η τακτοποιημένη ζωή του είναι έτοιμη να διαλυθεί. Και τότε είναι που κάνει κάποιες ακραίες ενέργειες. Όμως το μυστηριώδες παρελθόν του δεν είναι τυχαία μυστηριώδες. Ο Χένρι είναι έξυπνος και άνθρωπος που επιβιώνει σε κάθε δύσκολη κατάσταση...
Τίποτα το τρομερά ιδιαίτερο ή πρωτότυπο από άποψη πλοκής, δεν μπορώ να πω ότι ξετρελάθηκα από τις όποιες εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Ίσως επειδή δεν υπήρξαν τέτοιες. Βέβαια το βιβλίο το διάβασα με ενδιαφέρον από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος, υπήρχε μια αγωνία για την συνέχεια και για το ποιες θα είναι οι επόμενες ενέργειες του πρωταγωνιστή, επιπρόσθετα μου άρεσε αρκετά ο τρόπος γραφής -οι περιγραφές των τοπίων και των διαφόρων καταστάσεων, οι διάλογοι, όλα αυτά-, καθώς και η ατμόσφαιρα, έτσι ωραία και κάπως μουντή όπως ήταν, απλά σαν ψυχολογικό θρίλερ δεν έκανε την διαφορά. Πάντως πέρασα καλά, οπότε τα τέσσερα αστεράκια στο Goodreads θα τα πάρει, έστω και την τελευταία στιγμή.
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