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What I Saw and How I Lied
When Evie's father returned home from World War II, the family fell back into its normal life pretty quickly. But Joe Spooner brought more back with him than just good war stories. When movie-star handsome Peter Coleridge, a young ex-GI who served in Joe's company in postwar Austria, shows up, Evie is suddenly caught in a complicated web of lies that she only slowly recognizes. She finds herself falling for Peter, ignoring the secrets that surround him . . . until a tragedy occurs that shatters her family and breaks her life in two.
284 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2008
227 people are currently reading
11966 people want to read
About the author
Judy Blundell
13 books347 followersA pseudonym used by Jude Watson.
Judy Blundell has written books for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers under several pseudonyms. Her novel, Premonitions, was an ALA Reluctant Readers Best Picks and was chosen by the New York Public Library as a 2004 Best Books for the Teen Age. Among her forthcoming projects is Book #4 in the New York Times bestselling series, The 39 Clues. Judy Blundell lives in Katonah, New York, with her husband and daughter.
2008 National Book Award winner for her YA novel What I Saw and How I Lied, Judy Blundell is well known to Star Wars fans by her pseudonym, Jude Watson.
What could be more fun than writing in your journal? Well, how about writing Queen Amidala's journal for her? Jude Watson is currently the most celebrated author in the prequel-era of the Star Wars phenomenon. She's no stranger to science fiction — her own series, entitled Danger.com, is a mystery series based on the Internet. Watson became involved with LucasBooks when an editor she had worked with in the past selected her to write Captive to Evil by Princess Leia Organa (Star Wars Journal). Since then Watson has penned the Star Wars Jedi Apprentice series as well as journals for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul.
Readers of the Queen Amidala journal become privy to all her top secrets such as why she applies her lipstick in such an odd manner and how she manages her two identities as Queen Amidala and as Padme. The book is a doorway to all her thoughts, fears and strategies for everything from dealing with droid blasts to negotiating with the less-than-trustworthy Neimoidians!
In Jude's series, Jedi Quest, she explores the world of the Jedi through Jedi Master Obiwan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker.
So how does Jude keep all the characters and events in order? Jude definitely relies on the movies and the folks at LucasBooks, and she has even used A Guide to the Star Wars Universe by Bill Slavicsek as a handy reference. Jude also credits the creative collaboration with Scholastic editor David Levithan and Lucas editors Jane Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens as being extremely helpful. On the Lucas editors, she comments, "They are also incredibly cool — not only do they know the Star Wars universe inside and out, they really urge writers to bring their own ideas to the table."
Although the books are written for children ranging from 9 to 13 years of age, Watson has found a large fan base with adults! That's not a surprise since the stories are not only timeless, but also universal.
From Scholastic.com
Judy Blundell has written books for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers under several pseudonyms. Her novel, Premonitions, was an ALA Reluctant Readers Best Picks and was chosen by the New York Public Library as a 2004 Best Books for the Teen Age. Among her forthcoming projects is Book #4 in the New York Times bestselling series, The 39 Clues. Judy Blundell lives in Katonah, New York, with her husband and daughter.
2008 National Book Award winner for her YA novel What I Saw and How I Lied, Judy Blundell is well known to Star Wars fans by her pseudonym, Jude Watson.
What could be more fun than writing in your journal? Well, how about writing Queen Amidala's journal for her? Jude Watson is currently the most celebrated author in the prequel-era of the Star Wars phenomenon. She's no stranger to science fiction — her own series, entitled Danger.com, is a mystery series based on the Internet. Watson became involved with LucasBooks when an editor she had worked with in the past selected her to write Captive to Evil by Princess Leia Organa (Star Wars Journal). Since then Watson has penned the Star Wars Jedi Apprentice series as well as journals for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul.
Readers of the Queen Amidala journal become privy to all her top secrets such as why she applies her lipstick in such an odd manner and how she manages her two identities as Queen Amidala and as Padme. The book is a doorway to all her thoughts, fears and strategies for everything from dealing with droid blasts to negotiating with the less-than-trustworthy Neimoidians!
In Jude's series, Jedi Quest, she explores the world of the Jedi through Jedi Master Obiwan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker.
So how does Jude keep all the characters and events in order? Jude definitely relies on the movies and the folks at LucasBooks, and she has even used A Guide to the Star Wars Universe by Bill Slavicsek as a handy reference. Jude also credits the creative collaboration with Scholastic editor David Levithan and Lucas editors Jane Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens as being extremely helpful. On the Lucas editors, she comments, "They are also incredibly cool — not only do they know the Star Wars universe inside and out, they really urge writers to bring their own ideas to the table."
Although the books are written for children ranging from 9 to 13 years of age, Watson has found a large fan base with adults! That's not a surprise since the stories are not only timeless, but also universal.
From Scholastic.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,136 reviews
September 7, 2011
There are good novels and then there are good novels. This one is the latter.
However, it's hard to pin down why it's such an amazing novel.
Sure, I could comment that the writing was flawless and brilliant. The characters were fleshed out, detailed and intricate. The setting was technicoloured, nostalgic and almost touchable.
But I think what really makes this novel is the gritty, raw, awkwardness of it.
Evie is on the cusp of womanhood. She's so close she can almost taste it and yet, she rankles with childishness. She's naive, with a dreamy, delusional view of life and the world. She sees the world and the people in it with a child's eyes and understanding that is portrayed so well by Blundell.
It doesn't help that her mother is classic. Effortlessly beautiful, with a rich understanding of humanity, people and how to work them. It can't be easy for any teenage girl to develop a healthy self-esteem about herself when she has that impossible image to live up to.
On their holiday in Florida, Evie meets Peter. He's suave, charismatic, worldly and charming. She's instantly caught up by him and clings tenaciously to her dreams and fantasies - blinding herself to the mystery, intrigue, and clues that surround her. The slight of hand, the winks, the double entendres all fly over her head whilst all are laid bare for the careful reader.
Then we watch, agonizingly, already knowing what's going to happen and powerless to stop it. What I love about this novel, is being able to read it as an adult. Because, I felt like Evie was my child, or even myself at fifteen. And I read this novel with great affection for her. I felt for her - because I knew the world she'd eventually end up living in. It's the world that adults go to and it's not a nice place. Teenage years are meant to bring the child into it bit by bit. But it doesn't go that way for Evie. She's suddenly catapulted into it - leaving me saddened at the childhood that was lost and can never be returned. I felt anguished knowing the world she had to step into.
If you're still a teenager, waiting to grow up - I guess this book is perfect for you. Listen when her mother says, "Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, baby. It's not all polka dots and moonbeams, you know."
But I know you won't listen, I didn't either at your age.
However, it's hard to pin down why it's such an amazing novel.
Sure, I could comment that the writing was flawless and brilliant. The characters were fleshed out, detailed and intricate. The setting was technicoloured, nostalgic and almost touchable.
But I think what really makes this novel is the gritty, raw, awkwardness of it.
Evie is on the cusp of womanhood. She's so close she can almost taste it and yet, she rankles with childishness. She's naive, with a dreamy, delusional view of life and the world. She sees the world and the people in it with a child's eyes and understanding that is portrayed so well by Blundell.
It doesn't help that her mother is classic. Effortlessly beautiful, with a rich understanding of humanity, people and how to work them. It can't be easy for any teenage girl to develop a healthy self-esteem about herself when she has that impossible image to live up to.
On their holiday in Florida, Evie meets Peter. He's suave, charismatic, worldly and charming. She's instantly caught up by him and clings tenaciously to her dreams and fantasies - blinding herself to the mystery, intrigue, and clues that surround her. The slight of hand, the winks, the double entendres all fly over her head whilst all are laid bare for the careful reader.
Then we watch, agonizingly, already knowing what's going to happen and powerless to stop it. What I love about this novel, is being able to read it as an adult. Because, I felt like Evie was my child, or even myself at fifteen. And I read this novel with great affection for her. I felt for her - because I knew the world she'd eventually end up living in. It's the world that adults go to and it's not a nice place. Teenage years are meant to bring the child into it bit by bit. But it doesn't go that way for Evie. She's suddenly catapulted into it - leaving me saddened at the childhood that was lost and can never be returned. I felt anguished knowing the world she had to step into.
If you're still a teenager, waiting to grow up - I guess this book is perfect for you. Listen when her mother says, "Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, baby. It's not all polka dots and moonbeams, you know."
But I know you won't listen, I didn't either at your age.
May 8, 2011
I know, very few of my Goodreads' friends have read or liked What I Saw And How I Lied, but I am so very grateful that such stories are even written and published these days. Historical fiction is not in vogue right now, unless, of course, it involves cattiness and soapy melodrama, it seems.
For one, I loved the atmosphere of this novel. It gave me the same feeling of strange nostalgia for post-WWII America, the way Mad Men does - red lips, cigarettes, glamor and privilege, with a generous pinch of unpleasant - sexism, homophobia and antisemitism.
And then, this is a story about growing up, about that time in your young life when you want to be an adult, to be attractive to men and to be taken seriously. But when you get a taste of this adulthood, it's not as sweet as you expected it to be. You learn that your parents are flawed, that being enticing to men has its cost. You learn to lie and pay dearly for your decisions.
For one, I loved the atmosphere of this novel. It gave me the same feeling of strange nostalgia for post-WWII America, the way Mad Men does - red lips, cigarettes, glamor and privilege, with a generous pinch of unpleasant - sexism, homophobia and antisemitism.
And then, this is a story about growing up, about that time in your young life when you want to be an adult, to be attractive to men and to be taken seriously. But when you get a taste of this adulthood, it's not as sweet as you expected it to be. You learn that your parents are flawed, that being enticing to men has its cost. You learn to lie and pay dearly for your decisions.
June 26, 2020
stay tuned, there will be mary lou retton if you are patient....
so first of all, i love this title. i was supposed to read three books from the list for this week's teen class; i ended up reading five because i am such a super-nerd, but i think it is good for me, because these aren't the types of teen fiction i would ordinarily pick up - if i read teen fiction it is pretty much only survival-in-a-dystopian-setting kind of stuff, certainly not "first love in a complicated, postwar america".
i am going to review all my teen books by likening them to adult books. if wither was handmaid's tale, this one is sophie's choice. briefly, it is about a girl whose stepdaddy comes back from the war with a whole lot of baggage. what follows is blackmail, first love, some realizations about how the world works for men, and for women, and for jews regardless of genders, and some lessons in high-class deception. and a decision.
this book is punctuated by beautiful moments, but ultimately it isn't likely to stick with me for very long. some really nice high-octane lines scattered throughout, primarily in her early intimacies with peter. the scene where they are dancing barefoot by the pool is HOT. well, hot for a different time. these aren't characters who are going to demonstrate oral sex on toothpaste tubes like that scandalous alaska.
it's hard to believe any sixteen-year-old girl was ever as naive as evie at the book's beginning, but i suppose you need that just for the contrast to the close of the book - teen fiction isn't known for its subtlety in character development, and nothing really surprising happens, but the character's fall from innocence and her picking up the pieces and her ultimate sacrifices are handled beautifully.
as a story of first love, it is okay, as a crime story, it is serviceable, but as a psychological study of the origin of evil in the adolescent girl, it is near-staggering. is evil too strong?? mendacity?? deception?? whatever it is, it's great, but most of the work the reader has to do for themselves - much of the drama happens between the text.
the transformation evie undergoes is from frighteningly innocent to an almost resigned submission to adult-world betrayals.i don't think i am expressing it right. and this is the best thing about the book, so i want to get it right. on the one hand, she is embracing her power as a woman,and using it for a complicated blend of good-and-evil, on the other hand she is exhausted by the situation (which i am trying to dance around and around) and a little resentful to have to be playing the game in the first place. but she plays it very well, for her first time. and it is noticed, and her comfort within this new role terrifies her mother in a really nice understated scene.
i think that is superb, in the context of the events.
she does a really good job with the historical elements - the postwar america - raw and still shocked tender - redefining morality in the aftermath of witnessed atrocities, and of course translating it into one girl's individual parallel experience. there is another exceptional scene that is like fight club, in that i can't talk about it without ruining everything for everyone, but know that it is there.
this is almost a four, but i can't just keep giving out star like candy. 3 1/2 - read it yourself.
and now, the obligatory mlr:
read my book reviews on goodreads
so first of all, i love this title. i was supposed to read three books from the list for this week's teen class; i ended up reading five because i am such a super-nerd, but i think it is good for me, because these aren't the types of teen fiction i would ordinarily pick up - if i read teen fiction it is pretty much only survival-in-a-dystopian-setting kind of stuff, certainly not "first love in a complicated, postwar america".
i am going to review all my teen books by likening them to adult books. if wither was handmaid's tale, this one is sophie's choice. briefly, it is about a girl whose stepdaddy comes back from the war with a whole lot of baggage. what follows is blackmail, first love, some realizations about how the world works for men, and for women, and for jews regardless of genders, and some lessons in high-class deception. and a decision.
this book is punctuated by beautiful moments, but ultimately it isn't likely to stick with me for very long. some really nice high-octane lines scattered throughout, primarily in her early intimacies with peter. the scene where they are dancing barefoot by the pool is HOT. well, hot for a different time. these aren't characters who are going to demonstrate oral sex on toothpaste tubes like that scandalous alaska.
it's hard to believe any sixteen-year-old girl was ever as naive as evie at the book's beginning, but i suppose you need that just for the contrast to the close of the book - teen fiction isn't known for its subtlety in character development, and nothing really surprising happens, but the character's fall from innocence and her picking up the pieces and her ultimate sacrifices are handled beautifully.
as a story of first love, it is okay, as a crime story, it is serviceable, but as a psychological study of the origin of evil in the adolescent girl, it is near-staggering. is evil too strong?? mendacity?? deception?? whatever it is, it's great, but most of the work the reader has to do for themselves - much of the drama happens between the text.
the transformation evie undergoes is from frighteningly innocent to an almost resigned submission to adult-world betrayals.i don't think i am expressing it right. and this is the best thing about the book, so i want to get it right. on the one hand, she is embracing her power as a woman,and using it for a complicated blend of good-and-evil, on the other hand she is exhausted by the situation (which i am trying to dance around and around) and a little resentful to have to be playing the game in the first place. but she plays it very well, for her first time. and it is noticed, and her comfort within this new role terrifies her mother in a really nice understated scene.
Truth, justice... I always thought they were absolutes, like God. And Mom. And apple pie.
But you could make apple pie from Ritz crackers. You could make cakes without sugar. We learned how to fake things, during the war.
i think that is superb, in the context of the events.
she does a really good job with the historical elements - the postwar america - raw and still shocked tender - redefining morality in the aftermath of witnessed atrocities, and of course translating it into one girl's individual parallel experience. there is another exceptional scene that is like fight club, in that i can't talk about it without ruining everything for everyone, but know that it is there.
this is almost a four, but i can't just keep giving out star like candy. 3 1/2 - read it yourself.
and now, the obligatory mlr:
read my book reviews on goodreads
November 22, 2017
"When Alice fell down the rabbit hole, she fell slow. She had time to notice things on her way down—Oh, there’s a teacup! There’s a table! So things seemed almost normal to her while she was falling. Then she bumped down and rolled into Wonderland, and all hell broke loose."
I really love it when I turn to the last page of a book, and the ending is so thoroughly perfect, but not too perfect. Some questions still remain, retribution is administered, and sometimes there's cake. I think, however, that what makes a Bildungsroman so amazing is when the adolescent protagonist matures, and their view of the world is altered in the most beneficial way possible. This book followed that recipe to the "t" and I love the author for it!
"Truth, justice…I always thought they were absolutes, like God. And Mom. And apple pie. But you could make apple pie from Ritz crackers. You could make cakes without sugar. We learned how to fake things, during the war."
Set in Queens and Palm Beach in 1947, Blundell created a world that was utterly believable and rich, down to the cigarette jingles. I felt like an awkwad, gawky fifteen year-old that hadn't quite grown into my bra and didn't really stick up for my values. That's good character writing. But Evie is also an observer, and the reader's only medium to the sinister events that take place that autumn in '47. Seeing things through her eyes, innocent but questioning, was so accurate and foreboding. I was fully invested from the first page.
I also loved Blundell's gregarious "Acknowledgments" where I learned that David Leviathan was her editor, and listed memoirs and history books about the era that helped her shape the novel. I'd love to read more by her and can't wait to look into the referenced works.
October 1, 2012
What I Saw and How I lied is not going to end up as one of those books that returns to my thoughts now and again. It's perfectly forgettable.
This is a coming of age book set at the end of World War 2. Evie is a teen who's step father, Joe, has just come back from the war and he's not exactly the man she remembered. Joe decides that the family should have a vacation and then schleps himself, his wife, his mother and Evie to Palm Beach, Florida in the middle of god awful hot August In the days before air conditioning.
A handsome GI by the name of Peter shows up, who coincidentally (or not) served with Joe in the war, and catches young Evies eye. Before long she is madly in love.
This book is filled with lots of nostalgia, dresses with pumps dyed to match, red lipstick and lots of smoking. Future lung cancer victims of Ameerica. It was well written, but I don't think I fancied the style.
I liked it, it wasn't bad nor was it great. Meh.
This is a coming of age book set at the end of World War 2. Evie is a teen who's step father, Joe, has just come back from the war and he's not exactly the man she remembered. Joe decides that the family should have a vacation and then schleps himself, his wife, his mother and Evie to Palm Beach, Florida in the middle of god awful hot August In the days before air conditioning.
A handsome GI by the name of Peter shows up, who coincidentally (or not) served with Joe in the war, and catches young Evies eye. Before long she is madly in love.
This book is filled with lots of nostalgia, dresses with pumps dyed to match, red lipstick and lots of smoking. Future lung cancer victims of Ameerica. It was well written, but I don't think I fancied the style.
I liked it, it wasn't bad nor was it great. Meh.
August 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this 'coming of age' novel set in the aftermath of WWII. I have to admit, I picked this one purely because of the title, which I found intriguing, and I am so glad I did.
Evie is awkward and gauche and, at the tender age of 15, wanting to be womanly, just like her mother who is all red lips, nail lacquer and cocktails. She is ready to find love. She adores her mother and Joe, her step-father.
When they go on holiday to Florida, Evie is excited, particularly when she meets Peter Coleridge, an ex-army buddy of Joes, but one he does not seem particularly happy to see. Befriended by Mrs Grayson, who takes Evie on a shopping trip to buy her some 'grown-up' clothes, she believes her life is suddenly taking the direction she wants it to go. Peter is noticing her, and calls her 'pussy-cat'. He takes her on drives and to exciting places, but always in the company of her mother as 'chaperone'.
But slowly Evie realises she is surrounded by shadows and lies, and that nothing is quite as it seems. And when tragedy strikes, Evie must make a decision, one that will impact on all their lives.
This is a beautifully narrated book. We have all the language, the atmosphere, the prejudices of the 1940's, the anti-Semitism, the struggles and opportunities of post-war America. We have the angst of those teenage years when hormones conspire to take us to new heights of happiness and just as suddenly plunge us into the pits of despair. We have Evie with the desire to become a woman, but lacking the confidence to do so.
A thoroughly enjoyable audio experience, and I will be looking for more from this author.
Evie is awkward and gauche and, at the tender age of 15, wanting to be womanly, just like her mother who is all red lips, nail lacquer and cocktails. She is ready to find love. She adores her mother and Joe, her step-father.
When they go on holiday to Florida, Evie is excited, particularly when she meets Peter Coleridge, an ex-army buddy of Joes, but one he does not seem particularly happy to see. Befriended by Mrs Grayson, who takes Evie on a shopping trip to buy her some 'grown-up' clothes, she believes her life is suddenly taking the direction she wants it to go. Peter is noticing her, and calls her 'pussy-cat'. He takes her on drives and to exciting places, but always in the company of her mother as 'chaperone'.
But slowly Evie realises she is surrounded by shadows and lies, and that nothing is quite as it seems. And when tragedy strikes, Evie must make a decision, one that will impact on all their lives.
This is a beautifully narrated book. We have all the language, the atmosphere, the prejudices of the 1940's, the anti-Semitism, the struggles and opportunities of post-war America. We have the angst of those teenage years when hormones conspire to take us to new heights of happiness and just as suddenly plunge us into the pits of despair. We have Evie with the desire to become a woman, but lacking the confidence to do so.
A thoroughly enjoyable audio experience, and I will be looking for more from this author.
March 23, 2012
What I Heard and How I Lied is a coming of age novel set during the time period of post-World War II. The novel is full of nostalgic descriptions of full skirts, pumps dyed to match dresses, late afternoon cocktails, pot roast with mashed potatoes, smoking as sexy habit, and Palm Beach as an exotic location. What I Heard And How I Lied also addresses in a very subtle manner issues of segregation, anti-Semitism, soldiers recovery from war trauma, war time opportunism, gender roles, sexual politics and dark greedy motives. This book took me completely by surprise. I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was definitely not a novel that begins slowly with a young and naïve teenager and progresses into a story of a young adult learning the truth about her parents. The subject matter is not unique, but Judy Blundell manages to present the story in a very fresh way.
There is something is so appealing about the coming of age story, the abandoning of naïveté, and first feelings of love; is there a better setting for these themes than post-World War II 194os? Ms. Blundell gives us a back a time in our history when smoking was sexy and lipstick was always apple red. The set-up is done so well, the reader is able to easily settle back into the idea that America used to be comfortable, predictable and simple. But this story is not about a simplistic free time in America. Once the reader relaxes back into the past, the thread of darkness and greed slowly winds itself around the book.
I could not put this book down (or actually, I could not turn off the audio book), while the setting and characters seemed familiar nothing about it was typical or rehashed. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical novels driven by characters and young adult novels.
There is something is so appealing about the coming of age story, the abandoning of naïveté, and first feelings of love; is there a better setting for these themes than post-World War II 194os? Ms. Blundell gives us a back a time in our history when smoking was sexy and lipstick was always apple red. The set-up is done so well, the reader is able to easily settle back into the idea that America used to be comfortable, predictable and simple. But this story is not about a simplistic free time in America. Once the reader relaxes back into the past, the thread of darkness and greed slowly winds itself around the book.
I could not put this book down (or actually, I could not turn off the audio book), while the setting and characters seemed familiar nothing about it was typical or rehashed. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical novels driven by characters and young adult novels.
December 9, 2008
QUESTION? How did this win the National Book Award? If the first half of the book had been put into 3-or-so chapters so that the reader could get to the things that happen in the story, it would have been a lot better. I'm so glad that I finally finished it so I can stop sighing through an award winning novel wanting so badly to move on to the other books in my "to read" pile. I wasn't captivated by the "period" of this period piece. I wasn't captivated by the setting. The characters didn't have much depth. Actually, I found them to be very boring.
I need feedback fellow goodreaders. Help me out here. Am I alone in thinking that this book is a disappointing read?
What do you think?
I need feedback fellow goodreaders. Help me out here. Am I alone in thinking that this book is a disappointing read?
What do you think?
July 12, 2025
“It had never occurred to me that I could do something without permission. 'May I' was a way of life for a girl like me.”
― Judy Blundell, What I Saw and How I Lied
What every reader knows its that one may read a few not so good books..but it is all made worth it when you come across a gem. And that is what this little jewel of a book is.
I adored this What I saw and how I lied. It is coming of age Historical Fiction and had such a plaintive tone to it.
This is not just a post war novel or a young adult novel or a mystery or a romance. It is kind of all of the above. I was transported through time with "What I saw and how I lied" and I loved it.
It was odd reading this..I felt a strange familiar feeling like I'd read this before. I may well have..that's happened to me before..but I digress..
So I loved the whole atmosphere. When reading Historical Fiction, in particular, one wants to feel like they are there. Some books are good but they lack the ability to transport you to that time period. This did that, no question.
And there was such a melancholy about this book. The plaintive bittersweet tone really hooks you in.
This really is a coming of age story but it is also so tragic. I took to the character of Evie right away. There is such an innocence about her, a yearning, that it isn't difficult to get caught up in the story.
I also love that so much of the book took place in the Palm Beach area because I love Palm Beach! And it was so odd to read about places like The Breakers as they were back then.
So in short, I would really really say read this. It's beautiful. I do not think this book is to be missed.
― Judy Blundell, What I Saw and How I Lied
What every reader knows its that one may read a few not so good books..but it is all made worth it when you come across a gem. And that is what this little jewel of a book is.
I adored this What I saw and how I lied. It is coming of age Historical Fiction and had such a plaintive tone to it.
This is not just a post war novel or a young adult novel or a mystery or a romance. It is kind of all of the above. I was transported through time with "What I saw and how I lied" and I loved it.
It was odd reading this..I felt a strange familiar feeling like I'd read this before. I may well have..that's happened to me before..but I digress..
So I loved the whole atmosphere. When reading Historical Fiction, in particular, one wants to feel like they are there. Some books are good but they lack the ability to transport you to that time period. This did that, no question.
And there was such a melancholy about this book. The plaintive bittersweet tone really hooks you in.
This really is a coming of age story but it is also so tragic. I took to the character of Evie right away. There is such an innocence about her, a yearning, that it isn't difficult to get caught up in the story.
I also love that so much of the book took place in the Palm Beach area because I love Palm Beach! And it was so odd to read about places like The Breakers as they were back then.
So in short, I would really really say read this. It's beautiful. I do not think this book is to be missed.
December 4, 2018
I read this book a bit earlier but couldn't post about it until now because it was part of a postal book swap.
This book is interesting to me because Blundell is not interested in heroics. She shows adults, even "war heroes" as flawed - greedy, opportunistic, racist, etc. This is so much more true about parts of America, but rarely seen in YA literature!
The setting of post-war Florida was pretty interesting.
Evie as a character seems very real to me - that awkward time in life is so well captured (wanting to grow up but not fully understanding it, living in a reality that may not be.) And the way the parents try to keep her young felt true, and unhelpful.
This book is interesting to me because Blundell is not interested in heroics. She shows adults, even "war heroes" as flawed - greedy, opportunistic, racist, etc. This is so much more true about parts of America, but rarely seen in YA literature!
The setting of post-war Florida was pretty interesting.
Evie as a character seems very real to me - that awkward time in life is so well captured (wanting to grow up but not fully understanding it, living in a reality that may not be.) And the way the parents try to keep her young felt true, and unhelpful.
November 14, 2008
This is one of those books that I am kicking myself for not reading earlier! A kind friend sent the galley and I put it in stack to read but didn't get to it until the NBA announced their shortlist.
I enjoyed so much about this outstanding book. It was extremely atmospheric! The sense of place and time was skillfully rendered. I could hear the swish of skirts, smell hints of cigarette smoke and perfume and feel the humidity in the air. Set in postwar America, both the protagonist and the nation are awakening to a new role as they shake off childhood and wartime restriction. Evie is skillfully portrayed, full of the contradictions of adolescence, beginning to test her sexual power while still unsure of what that means. Blundell creates great tension with an intriguing plot and structure, managing to both tantalize and reveal secrets all at the same time. Themes of coming of age, loyalty and betrayal, truth, compromise and family relationships are well integrated into a completely engaging story. I also loved the cover! It is eye-catching and reflective of the sense of the book. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I enjoyed so much about this outstanding book. It was extremely atmospheric! The sense of place and time was skillfully rendered. I could hear the swish of skirts, smell hints of cigarette smoke and perfume and feel the humidity in the air. Set in postwar America, both the protagonist and the nation are awakening to a new role as they shake off childhood and wartime restriction. Evie is skillfully portrayed, full of the contradictions of adolescence, beginning to test her sexual power while still unsure of what that means. Blundell creates great tension with an intriguing plot and structure, managing to both tantalize and reveal secrets all at the same time. Themes of coming of age, loyalty and betrayal, truth, compromise and family relationships are well integrated into a completely engaging story. I also loved the cover! It is eye-catching and reflective of the sense of the book. Can't wait to read more from this author.
November 5, 2008
I'm shocked this was nominated for a National Book Award. It's not a bad read, but it's certainly nothing special. And the setting is one I am going to have to work very hard to get my teens interested in, and I don't think they'll come back as rewarded as they are when they read something like Tamar.
March 13, 2009
The historical background saved this one. But... I didn't like any of the characters in this novel, so it was difficult to get into it. Evie was desperate and naive (in an annoying way) and her mom was self-absorbed. The men were liars and cheats. I am a bit confused as to how it won an award.
May 6, 2025
”So many lies around me. Enough lies to fill ten houses.”
It’s so hard to find morally gray books in YA fiction. I don’t know if authors and their editors feel that the target audience wants characters to swing in only one direction (right or wrong), or if there is another underlying motive behind it. But I think that morally gray stories and characters are just as interesting to read about as ones that are fully good or fully bad. And with this book, you get the full scope of the fine line between what is right and what is wrong.
It's 1947, and the war is over. Sixteen-year-old Evelyn "Evie" Spooner and her parents decide to have some fun before summer's over and travel from their dull, drab Queens house to the more exciting tropical paradise of West Palm Beach. The arrival of the movie-style handsome soldier Peter Coolidge only heightens Evie’s excitement over their vacation. That is, until everything starts to go wrong. And you don’t know who (or what) to believe.
This book grabs (no, demands) your attention from page 1. But it makes you work for the innermost secrets of the plot and characters. It doesn’t give them up easily. And once it does, the author cleverly makes it so that you don’t know which side you believe. One of the beautiful things about this book is not so much a response as it is a question: Is the puppet master controlling the puppet?
The beauty of this novel is that just when you think you had everything figured out… you don’t. The rug gets pulled out from you and all your judgements, thoughts and opinions are second-guessed. You find yourself wondering what you missed in your quest to peel back all the layers this book has. And just when you feel as if you’ve peeled off the final layer, another one surfaces. The way she writes the setting and her characters is so enticing and seductive that you have to keep reading. She sucks you into this sick and twisted world where everything looks good on the outside... until you scratch the surface.
Every character in this book is like a puzzle waiting to be solved, yet you always get the feeling something’s missing, as if no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to figure them out. And that, I think, is what makes this book so great. It takes all the morals and expectations of society back in those times and completely turns them on its head. You might not even be able to figure out the mystery at the heart of this book.
But sometimes, mysteries aren’t meant to be solved.
It’s so hard to find morally gray books in YA fiction. I don’t know if authors and their editors feel that the target audience wants characters to swing in only one direction (right or wrong), or if there is another underlying motive behind it. But I think that morally gray stories and characters are just as interesting to read about as ones that are fully good or fully bad. And with this book, you get the full scope of the fine line between what is right and what is wrong.
It's 1947, and the war is over. Sixteen-year-old Evelyn "Evie" Spooner and her parents decide to have some fun before summer's over and travel from their dull, drab Queens house to the more exciting tropical paradise of West Palm Beach. The arrival of the movie-style handsome soldier Peter Coolidge only heightens Evie’s excitement over their vacation. That is, until everything starts to go wrong. And you don’t know who (or what) to believe.
This book grabs (no, demands) your attention from page 1. But it makes you work for the innermost secrets of the plot and characters. It doesn’t give them up easily. And once it does, the author cleverly makes it so that you don’t know which side you believe. One of the beautiful things about this book is not so much a response as it is a question: Is the puppet master controlling the puppet?
The beauty of this novel is that just when you think you had everything figured out… you don’t. The rug gets pulled out from you and all your judgements, thoughts and opinions are second-guessed. You find yourself wondering what you missed in your quest to peel back all the layers this book has. And just when you feel as if you’ve peeled off the final layer, another one surfaces. The way she writes the setting and her characters is so enticing and seductive that you have to keep reading. She sucks you into this sick and twisted world where everything looks good on the outside... until you scratch the surface.
”They couldn’t be killers.Evelyn Spooner has always lived in the shadow of her mother's beauty. She's what one would consider a wallflower; plain, someone that doesn't get noticed very often, and a bit naïve. But as the story progresses, she undergoes a lot of character development and grows not only as a person, but as a truly memorable character as well. I can forgive her faults, as they were all a part of the growing process for her. All she ever wanted was to be loved by someone.
Killers were in movies.
Killers didn’t sleep in the bed next to you.”
”I knew I loved him. I loved all parts of him, even the ones I didn’t understand.”Her mother, a shockingly beautiful woman, is the flighty wife of Joe Spooner, an army veteran who wants to start a new life. They kind of reminded me of a 40s version of Don and Betty Draper from Mad Men. At once loving and volatile, warm and distant, reading about their relationship was like riding a high-speed roller coaster without knowing what curveball would be thrown at you next. But her relationship with her daughter is the most complex of all.Always one to stick together through thick and thin, this seemingly perfect mother-daughter pair isn’t quite what it seems to be.
”Over his shoulder, I looked into Mom’s eyes. I didn’t see someone I recognized. I saw someone smaller. Someone scared. Scared of the police? Scared of Joe?Then we have the consummate golden boy, Peter Coolidge. A twenty-three-year-old Army buddy of Evie's stepfather Joe, he is the smooth talking, handsome and occasionally cocky man who steals Evie's heart.
No. My mother was scared of me.”
”’You don’t love me, kiddo. You’re a lovely little girl with a lovely little crush. You don’t know me.”He has this Gatbsy-like quality about him in both appearance and in mannerisms. When you come to the big reveal, his backstory even sounds like Gatsby’s. I don’t want to give too much away since it’s so much fun to figure this kind of thing out, but he was one of the most morally complicated anti-heroes I have read about in a long time.
Every character in this book is like a puzzle waiting to be solved, yet you always get the feeling something’s missing, as if no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to figure them out. And that, I think, is what makes this book so great. It takes all the morals and expectations of society back in those times and completely turns them on its head. You might not even be able to figure out the mystery at the heart of this book.
But sometimes, mysteries aren’t meant to be solved.
June 17, 2015
Bullet Review:
I'm still pondering over the events of this novel. I'd say it's got a great message and portrays a time period that tends to get sanitized (oh sure, every woman from the 40's was a virgin on her wedding night - right) rather honestly.
Not sure what the rating will be - probably will stick to 4 stars for all the meat and thoughts it's dredged up in me.
Superb work by the author who wrote "Jedi Apprentice". More YA needs to be written like this.
Full Review:
Evie Spooner lives with her mom, Bev, and her step-dad, Joe. After the War, the family reunites, but it isn't easy. One day, Joe comes home to whisk them away to Palm Beach. But in Palm Beach, Evie meets Peter, someone Joe knew. While she starts to develop a crush on Peter, other lies and truths come to the forefront and before she knows it, she's the only one who can keep her family together.
Judy Blundell is quite the prolific writer. She is also known as Jude Watson, who many Star Wars fans may recognize as the brilliant mastermind of the Jedi Apprentice Series, several journals (including the standout, Darth Maul), the Jedi Quest series, and finally the Last of the Jedi series. They were all about middle grade reading levels, and I got more enjoyment from the Jedi Apprentice series than the others, but for Star Wars entertainment, this was some of the best reading enjoyment you could find.
Anyway, Jude Watson impressed me so much, I wanted to read more from her and stumbled upon her real name, Judy Blundell. I think I've been pretty honest that I don't like World War 1 or 2 novels nor am I a fan of anything too "modern" (i.e. McCarthy/Eisenhower, 50's, 60's, you get my drift). However, it was my desire to read Blundell's non-Star Wars work that really drove me to purchase and read this book - even if it took me YEARS after purchasing to read. (Ah, the life of a book hoarder, amirite?)
What I Saw and How I Lied is really a fascinating character study, a mystery of sorts and a coming of age novel. The characters are just so well done, from Evie to her mom to her dad to the Graysons to Peter. I wouldn't say they are all top-notch "likeable" people, but they are flawed. Imperfect. Joe has a temper - but he really does love his wife and daughter and wants to do right by them. (I also think he shows potential signs of PTSD, which made me think of all the men from WWII who came home with PTSD but never got it treated.) Bev has a wandering eye, hates being a housewife - but she LOVES her daughter and would do anything for her. And Evie comes across as naive, but when she needs to grow up, she does so.
There is so much STUFF that happens here. We talk about the continued persecution of the Jews - in the US! We see slut-shaming and victim-blaming in its 40's glory. (Never once glorified though BTW.) I had hazy, summery vibes, reminders of childhood books like The Pink Motel, a book my mom read to me in the summer after 3rd grade, and that I've loved to death ever since.
I think if there is a flaw in this book, it's that it's so full with all these tiddly-bits, I'm not sure how to tie them all up in the end. Ruthie...Mrs. Grayson...Peter...murder...lies...adultery...coming of age.
In some ways, though, I feel the ending of this coming of age novel was more powerful than a similar one I read for book club, A Northern Light. At the end of the day, Evie does something big, something that sacrifices her character for her parents. Is it right? It's hard to say - but one thing that Evie comes away with is that she is her own person, with her own voice, and her own choices, and no longer will she bend and sway to the rhythm of other people.
This was a powerful book, one that definitely stuck with me, but also one I feel you have to be in the "right" mood to read. It's not happy or super uplifting, but it's important and impactful.
Judy Blundell has really showed me that she is a great crafter of words, that she is just as good outside Star Wars as in, that she is better at young adult than middle grade, and that more Young Adult authors need to write like she does - conflicted characters, great stories with touches of realism, and important messages without the feeling of being clubbed over the head. I would definitely pick up another of her books in the future.
I'm still pondering over the events of this novel. I'd say it's got a great message and portrays a time period that tends to get sanitized (oh sure, every woman from the 40's was a virgin on her wedding night - right) rather honestly.
Not sure what the rating will be - probably will stick to 4 stars for all the meat and thoughts it's dredged up in me.
Superb work by the author who wrote "Jedi Apprentice". More YA needs to be written like this.
Full Review:
Evie Spooner lives with her mom, Bev, and her step-dad, Joe. After the War, the family reunites, but it isn't easy. One day, Joe comes home to whisk them away to Palm Beach. But in Palm Beach, Evie meets Peter, someone Joe knew. While she starts to develop a crush on Peter, other lies and truths come to the forefront and before she knows it, she's the only one who can keep her family together.
Judy Blundell is quite the prolific writer. She is also known as Jude Watson, who many Star Wars fans may recognize as the brilliant mastermind of the Jedi Apprentice Series, several journals (including the standout, Darth Maul), the Jedi Quest series, and finally the Last of the Jedi series. They were all about middle grade reading levels, and I got more enjoyment from the Jedi Apprentice series than the others, but for Star Wars entertainment, this was some of the best reading enjoyment you could find.
Anyway, Jude Watson impressed me so much, I wanted to read more from her and stumbled upon her real name, Judy Blundell. I think I've been pretty honest that I don't like World War 1 or 2 novels nor am I a fan of anything too "modern" (i.e. McCarthy/Eisenhower, 50's, 60's, you get my drift). However, it was my desire to read Blundell's non-Star Wars work that really drove me to purchase and read this book - even if it took me YEARS after purchasing to read. (Ah, the life of a book hoarder, amirite?)
What I Saw and How I Lied is really a fascinating character study, a mystery of sorts and a coming of age novel. The characters are just so well done, from Evie to her mom to her dad to the Graysons to Peter. I wouldn't say they are all top-notch "likeable" people, but they are flawed. Imperfect. Joe has a temper - but he really does love his wife and daughter and wants to do right by them. (I also think he shows potential signs of PTSD, which made me think of all the men from WWII who came home with PTSD but never got it treated.) Bev has a wandering eye, hates being a housewife - but she LOVES her daughter and would do anything for her. And Evie comes across as naive, but when she needs to grow up, she does so.
There is so much STUFF that happens here. We talk about the continued persecution of the Jews - in the US! We see slut-shaming and victim-blaming in its 40's glory. (Never once glorified though BTW.) I had hazy, summery vibes, reminders of childhood books like The Pink Motel, a book my mom read to me in the summer after 3rd grade, and that I've loved to death ever since.
I think if there is a flaw in this book, it's that it's so full with all these tiddly-bits, I'm not sure how to tie them all up in the end. Ruthie...Mrs. Grayson...Peter...murder...lies...adultery...coming of age.
In some ways, though, I feel the ending of this coming of age novel was more powerful than a similar one I read for book club, A Northern Light. At the end of the day, Evie does something big, something that sacrifices her character for her parents. Is it right? It's hard to say - but one thing that Evie comes away with is that she is her own person, with her own voice, and her own choices, and no longer will she bend and sway to the rhythm of other people.
This was a powerful book, one that definitely stuck with me, but also one I feel you have to be in the "right" mood to read. It's not happy or super uplifting, but it's important and impactful.
Judy Blundell has really showed me that she is a great crafter of words, that she is just as good outside Star Wars as in, that she is better at young adult than middle grade, and that more Young Adult authors need to write like she does - conflicted characters, great stories with touches of realism, and important messages without the feeling of being clubbed over the head. I would definitely pick up another of her books in the future.
January 17, 2009
Frankly, I don't understand what all the hype about this book is about. I thought the writing was superficial (let's not even talk about the characters). Blundell just tried to make it into a book you could write an essay about, or have deep intellectual conversations. And she fails. Miserably, might I add.
Personally, I am a fan of the author who builds up intrigue and suspense, who truly leaves you hanging, who gives you bits and pieces of the story so that you're racing forward to the next bit.
There is none of that is this book. And when I say none, I mean none. As in zip, zilch, nein, nada, rien, nothing. At all. The bit about why Peter and Evie's stepfather dislike each other was unceremoniously dumped onto the page. Seemed like Blundell got tired of trying (note choice of verb) to write something decent, and just dumped the secret on the reader. In a page, might I add.
Maybe Stephanie Meyer and Judy Blundell are best friends. That's the only plausible explanation for how awful this book is.
Personally, I am a fan of the author who builds up intrigue and suspense, who truly leaves you hanging, who gives you bits and pieces of the story so that you're racing forward to the next bit.
There is none of that is this book. And when I say none, I mean none. As in zip, zilch, nein, nada, rien, nothing. At all. The bit about why Peter and Evie's stepfather dislike each other was unceremoniously dumped onto the page. Seemed like Blundell got tired of trying (note choice of verb) to write something decent, and just dumped the secret on the reader. In a page, might I add.
Maybe Stephanie Meyer and Judy Blundell are best friends. That's the only plausible explanation for how awful this book is.
July 26, 2016
SPOILERS!!
26/7 - A pretty decent and quick read, 3.5 stars. I was wrong, but then also right, with my guesses as to who was going to die and how but I was surprised by Evie's testimony at the trial. I put a lot of faith, perhaps too much, in the police and justice system and I believe it's very likely that if I were in Evie's position that I would find myself incapble of lying. I've certainly told my dad that he had better drive carefully when in my car because I won't be signing any statutory declarations to get him out of a speeding ticket.
I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters as they all had flaws that I find it hard to overlook. Evie had the most idiotic and callous ideas regarding the war and the part romance played in it. I know, she's a 15 year old girl and they're not known for their intelligence when it comes to romance, but it's not as if she doesn't know what it was like. She did in fact live through the war and even had her stepfather fighting in Europe, so I just can't understand where she'd get the idea that any part of war is 'romantic'. Evie's mother Beverly did not come across well. She was portrayed as using her looks to get what she wanted, even before Grandma Glad accused her of prostitution to get her and Evie through the war years. Joe seemed to be a bit of a risk-taker with his money (and therefore, because it was 1946, Beverly and Evie's money) which meant that his (and his family's) position in life was precarious. I don't think they would ever have felt safe financially, and how can anyone be genuinely happy constantly living under the dark cloud that you could lose your livelihood on any given day.
To start with I thought that Joe might crumble under the pressure of having to provide for his family and commit suicide and that would be the 'family-shattering event' the blurb mentioned. Then I moved my attention over to Beverly who behaved as if she felt trapped and I thought maybe that would be enough to make her feel the need to run away, if not kill herself. It wasn't until the discussion prior to the trio went out on the boat that I finally made the correct guess as to who and how. I had to be told the why. I can't imagine being Evie, living in that house, for the rest of her teenage years. Even with all that she held over their heads I can't imagine her final teenage years would've been all that happy, for her or her parents.
26/7 - A pretty decent and quick read, 3.5 stars. I was wrong, but then also right, with my guesses as to who was going to die and how but I was surprised by Evie's testimony at the trial. I put a lot of faith, perhaps too much, in the police and justice system and I believe it's very likely that if I were in Evie's position that I would find myself incapble of lying. I've certainly told my dad that he had better drive carefully when in my car because I won't be signing any statutory declarations to get him out of a speeding ticket.
I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters as they all had flaws that I find it hard to overlook. Evie had the most idiotic and callous ideas regarding the war and the part romance played in it. I know, she's a 15 year old girl and they're not known for their intelligence when it comes to romance, but it's not as if she doesn't know what it was like. She did in fact live through the war and even had her stepfather fighting in Europe, so I just can't understand where she'd get the idea that any part of war is 'romantic'. Evie's mother Beverly did not come across well. She was portrayed as using her looks to get what she wanted, even before Grandma Glad accused her of prostitution to get her and Evie through the war years. Joe seemed to be a bit of a risk-taker with his money (and therefore, because it was 1946, Beverly and Evie's money) which meant that his (and his family's) position in life was precarious. I don't think they would ever have felt safe financially, and how can anyone be genuinely happy constantly living under the dark cloud that you could lose your livelihood on any given day.
To start with I thought that Joe might crumble under the pressure of having to provide for his family and commit suicide and that would be the 'family-shattering event' the blurb mentioned. Then I moved my attention over to Beverly who behaved as if she felt trapped and I thought maybe that would be enough to make her feel the need to run away, if not kill herself. It wasn't until the discussion prior to the trio went out on the boat that I finally made the correct guess as to who and how. I had to be told the why. I can't imagine being Evie, living in that house, for the rest of her teenage years. Even with all that she held over their heads I can't imagine her final teenage years would've been all that happy, for her or her parents.
January 31, 2011
Well, it was okay..... 3 stars
(This section is Spoiler-ish)
Evie wants to be grown up, wants to fall in love, wants to stay in Palm Beach Forever. Enter Peter, exactly the man she wants to fall in love with, 23, Older than her and oh, so charming.
Apparantly he is so charming that her married mother couldn't resist either.... She tags along on all their "dates" and has been 'golfing' several days now. None of this comes out until, Peter, the Mother and Evie's Stepfather take a boat ride and Peter doesn't come back. Days later, he's body is found and a trail is born. It looks as if her step-father is guilty, so Evie gets on the stand and LIES. She takes the blame for her mother's affair, saying she was wearing her mother's clothes and sneaking around with Peter. Too bad it's not true, it breaks Evies heart, because she thought Peter loved her. He was using her to get to her mother. I don't know who I'm more pissed off at, Peter or her Mother. The Mother. Ugh, she should know better.
Eh, this book just made me feel Meh. Easy to read. I guess it's written for younger girls, but even then it's still just a little bit watered down and tedious.
Sidenote: I think I might like this book better as a movie....
(This section is Spoiler-ish)
Evie wants to be grown up, wants to fall in love, wants to stay in Palm Beach Forever. Enter Peter, exactly the man she wants to fall in love with, 23, Older than her and oh, so charming.
Apparantly he is so charming that her married mother couldn't resist either.... She tags along on all their "dates" and has been 'golfing' several days now. None of this comes out until, Peter, the Mother and Evie's Stepfather take a boat ride and Peter doesn't come back. Days later, he's body is found and a trail is born. It looks as if her step-father is guilty, so Evie gets on the stand and LIES. She takes the blame for her mother's affair, saying she was wearing her mother's clothes and sneaking around with Peter. Too bad it's not true, it breaks Evies heart, because she thought Peter loved her. He was using her to get to her mother. I don't know who I'm more pissed off at, Peter or her Mother. The Mother. Ugh, she should know better.
Eh, this book just made me feel Meh. Easy to read. I guess it's written for younger girls, but even then it's still just a little bit watered down and tedious.
Sidenote: I think I might like this book better as a movie....
October 27, 2008
Wow. I loved this book. I think teens will be intrigued by the mystery and the coming of age story. How Evie evolves as a young woman discovering her sexuality and its power is very well realized. It's a very sensual book, and not just in a sexual way. The descriptions include all of the senses and bring the characters to life. The post-WWII story is different from what most teen books set during this time explore. I feel like I am fumbling with this write up and am not doing justice to the book.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
World War II is over and life is slowly getting back to normal. For Evie Spooner, that means having her father, Joe, back from the war and her parents back together again. On a whim, Joe decides to uproot the family for an extended vacation to Florida.
While there, Evie and her family run into Peter Coleridge, a young ex-GI who served with Joe in the war. Peter is charming and movie-star handsome, and Evie soon finds herself falling head over heels. But Peter has brought with him secrets about Evie's family and Evie finds herself caught in a web of lies. No one is who they seem and Evie has to decide who she should trust and who to betray.
When I opened my copy of WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED and saw it described as a mystery/detective novel, I knew I was in for a treat. This is an engaging coming-of-age novel set against mystery and scandal. I loved the film noir style, which helped move the mystery along at a quick pace. I was immediately drawn into the story and the setting and felt like I was there with Evie as she was uncovering the truth.
If you get your hands on WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED, be prepared to be sucked into the 1940s and be up reading all night. This is a book that should not be missed!
World War II is over and life is slowly getting back to normal. For Evie Spooner, that means having her father, Joe, back from the war and her parents back together again. On a whim, Joe decides to uproot the family for an extended vacation to Florida.
While there, Evie and her family run into Peter Coleridge, a young ex-GI who served with Joe in the war. Peter is charming and movie-star handsome, and Evie soon finds herself falling head over heels. But Peter has brought with him secrets about Evie's family and Evie finds herself caught in a web of lies. No one is who they seem and Evie has to decide who she should trust and who to betray.
When I opened my copy of WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED and saw it described as a mystery/detective novel, I knew I was in for a treat. This is an engaging coming-of-age novel set against mystery and scandal. I loved the film noir style, which helped move the mystery along at a quick pace. I was immediately drawn into the story and the setting and felt like I was there with Evie as she was uncovering the truth.
If you get your hands on WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED, be prepared to be sucked into the 1940s and be up reading all night. This is a book that should not be missed!
April 11, 2009
It’s 1947, World War II has just ended, and Evie and her family are on their way to Florida for a vacation. They reach Palm Beach and practically everything is closed up for the season, but they manage to find rooms in a posh hotel called Le Mirage. Evie is in such a hurry to grow up – her mother dresses and treats her like a child - so when there’s a dance at the hotel, she borrows one of her mother’s dresses and makes herself available. Unfortunately, the only person who wants to dance with her is Wally - the bellhop from the hotel. When she goes outside to cry, she meets Peter Coleridge, 23 – her father’s “war buddy.” Evie falls in love with Peter, and he quickly insinuates himself into her family’s life. Evie’s stepfather, Joe, doesn’t seem to like Peter too much, and Evie’s mom, Bev, likes him more than she ought to. Joe gets wrapped up in a business deal with another couple they meet at the hotel – the Graysons – so he has little time to notice what his wife and stepdaughter are up to. Things come to a head when the Graysons are evicted from Le Mirage for being Jewish. Evie is desperate to talk to Peter, and when she confronts him she learns that her stepfather has been keeping secrets. But that’s not the only secret her family is keeping - it gets much, much worse. Joe takes Bev and Peter out fishing just as a hurricane blows in. He and Bev make it back, but Peter goes missing. Bev and Joe claim that he was washed overboard while trying to fix the boat, but the authorities aren’t buying their story. As the inquest proceeds, Evie learns that no one has been honest with her. She doesn’t know the whole truth of what’s happened, but she does know how she can fix things.
Everyone in this story lies about something. The Graysons lie about their religion, Joe and Peter lie about the money they stole from Jews during the war, Joe lies to Peter about his share of that money, Bev lies to everyone about her affair with Peter, and Peter lies to Evie about his background and his relationships with her parents. Evie, finally, lies to save the only family she has. Readers are left to wonder who they should believe and whether justice has been served when the charges against Joe and Bev are dropped. Evie starts out as a young, naïve girl, but by the end of this story, she’s the most adult of all the characters. It’s a harsh way to come into her own – amidst a pack of lies from all the people she trusted – and a quick and dirty education in how the world really works.
This mystery leaves a lot of questions unanswered, which may be unsatisfying for some readers. I liked the end-of-war backdrop, though, and learning about the discrimination that existed against Jews even after WWII. Judy Blundell keeps readers guessing the whole time about who the “bad guy” is going to be – and it turns out that there just aren’t any good guys. People committed crimes that they thought they could get away with, and lied about things to stay out of trouble. People were incredibly selfish, but then, people usually are. Evie was a stellar character, and has discovered an inner strength that will probably see her through whatever other messes life throws in her path, but I wonder if things will ever be ok, or normal for her family. Good read.
Everyone in this story lies about something. The Graysons lie about their religion, Joe and Peter lie about the money they stole from Jews during the war, Joe lies to Peter about his share of that money, Bev lies to everyone about her affair with Peter, and Peter lies to Evie about his background and his relationships with her parents. Evie, finally, lies to save the only family she has. Readers are left to wonder who they should believe and whether justice has been served when the charges against Joe and Bev are dropped. Evie starts out as a young, naïve girl, but by the end of this story, she’s the most adult of all the characters. It’s a harsh way to come into her own – amidst a pack of lies from all the people she trusted – and a quick and dirty education in how the world really works.
This mystery leaves a lot of questions unanswered, which may be unsatisfying for some readers. I liked the end-of-war backdrop, though, and learning about the discrimination that existed against Jews even after WWII. Judy Blundell keeps readers guessing the whole time about who the “bad guy” is going to be – and it turns out that there just aren’t any good guys. People committed crimes that they thought they could get away with, and lied about things to stay out of trouble. People were incredibly selfish, but then, people usually are. Evie was a stellar character, and has discovered an inner strength that will probably see her through whatever other messes life throws in her path, but I wonder if things will ever be ok, or normal for her family. Good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2011
Read the full review on my bog, holes In My brain
From it's title to the last sentence, WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED swept me off my feet and effortlessly took me back into the 1940’s with a tale rich in characters, mystery and atmosphere. This novel’s style is classic and graceful; people speak and act exactly how I would picture them to in my head, from Evie’s mother’s posture to the characters’ dialogue. The heat of south Florida, the beaches, boys, parents, the search for second chances and a new beginning.. all that is beautifully weaved into the top-notch plot.
I have come to expect a lot of extreme-ness in plots after reading so many contemporary novels. I love reading about dramatic and emotional things like death and fighting so the subdued style of this novel threw me off at first. However, it is clear that the subtlety of the beginning is just a stepping stone to the shocking twist and the surprising ending. The way pieces built up to the climax demonstrated Blundell’s talent in plotting and pacing.
The thing I adored most about the novel was its sense of style. The prose and dialogue were very impressive, and the way the author incorporated things like fashion, speech, and cigarettes made the setting that much more believable. Evie’s teen-ness could get on my nerves (the whole ‘oh-my-gosh that boy is sooo THE ONE’) but she’s definitely a relatable and sympathetic character. Evie’s actions are quite true to self, especially when males are concerned; She could be snobby and stuck-up, or just an insecure girl. I guess I can forgive the fluttery heart of first love…
Lastly, the plot was utterly fantastic. Initially light-hearted sunny fun, things take a turn and the 'web of lies' forms an addicting thriller that makes readers to need to know what happpens next. Blundell managed to touch on so many teenage topics without overdoing or overwriting, Family, love, loyalties, and even racism is explored in this thought-provoking and entertaining novel.
From it's title to the last sentence, WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED swept me off my feet and effortlessly took me back into the 1940’s with a tale rich in characters, mystery and atmosphere. This novel’s style is classic and graceful; people speak and act exactly how I would picture them to in my head, from Evie’s mother’s posture to the characters’ dialogue. The heat of south Florida, the beaches, boys, parents, the search for second chances and a new beginning.. all that is beautifully weaved into the top-notch plot.
I have come to expect a lot of extreme-ness in plots after reading so many contemporary novels. I love reading about dramatic and emotional things like death and fighting so the subdued style of this novel threw me off at first. However, it is clear that the subtlety of the beginning is just a stepping stone to the shocking twist and the surprising ending. The way pieces built up to the climax demonstrated Blundell’s talent in plotting and pacing.
The thing I adored most about the novel was its sense of style. The prose and dialogue were very impressive, and the way the author incorporated things like fashion, speech, and cigarettes made the setting that much more believable. Evie’s teen-ness could get on my nerves (the whole ‘oh-my-gosh that boy is sooo THE ONE’) but she’s definitely a relatable and sympathetic character. Evie’s actions are quite true to self, especially when males are concerned; She could be snobby and stuck-up, or just an insecure girl. I guess I can forgive the fluttery heart of first love…
Lastly, the plot was utterly fantastic. Initially light-hearted sunny fun, things take a turn and the 'web of lies' forms an addicting thriller that makes readers to need to know what happpens next. Blundell managed to touch on so many teenage topics without overdoing or overwriting, Family, love, loyalties, and even racism is explored in this thought-provoking and entertaining novel.
July 25, 2018
Abandoned at 50% (debating whether to count this because I finished 1/2 but I might come back and shelve it as DNF so it doesn’t count)
* Not the right book for me.
* Expected more literary elements from a National Book Award winner.
* I can’t imagine YA being overly engaged by descriptions of the post WW11 era or references to old movie stars. (As an older reader, however, I can imagine and appreciate the settings the author created).
* Writing includes too many descriptive details such as every flick of the wrist.
* Pace is slow for a YA read (because descriptions)…..maybe the latter half picks up?
*Many others have loved it, and if you enjoy histfic light with lots of descriptive detail, this might be the book for you!
Readingladies.com
* Not the right book for me.
* Expected more literary elements from a National Book Award winner.
* I can’t imagine YA being overly engaged by descriptions of the post WW11 era or references to old movie stars. (As an older reader, however, I can imagine and appreciate the settings the author created).
* Writing includes too many descriptive details such as every flick of the wrist.
* Pace is slow for a YA read (because descriptions)…..maybe the latter half picks up?
*Many others have loved it, and if you enjoy histfic light with lots of descriptive detail, this might be the book for you!
Readingladies.com
January 16, 2009
GREAT GREAT COVER!
But the book inside really backs it up. The author gives just enough information so that you *think* you know what's going on, but you're not *sure.* You THINK you're sure, but.....Plots twist and turn, characters are not what they seem, and then they are, and the ending is magnifico.
I don't think that the writing is stellar, which is why I only gave it 4 stars, but you can't beat this book for plot.
For kids who have to read a historical fiction, and don't want to, this would be one of my top choices.
But the book inside really backs it up. The author gives just enough information so that you *think* you know what's going on, but you're not *sure.* You THINK you're sure, but.....Plots twist and turn, characters are not what they seem, and then they are, and the ending is magnifico.
I don't think that the writing is stellar, which is why I only gave it 4 stars, but you can't beat this book for plot.
For kids who have to read a historical fiction, and don't want to, this would be one of my top choices.
October 23, 2021
En realidad es una relectura desde la primera vez que me lo leí, que será...pues por allá por el 2010? Así que como comprenderéis, no me acordaba de nada (o eso pensaba yo).
La verdad es que en cuanto me he puesto a leerlo, me he dado cuenta de que aunque no me acordaba de los detalles (como lo de los (no) socios siendo judíos y siendo echados del hotel por eso), lo esencial y primordial del libro sí que me acordaba. Pero eso no ha hecho que lo disfrute menos.
Es una lectura entretenida, contada desde los ojos de una niña de 15 años que encuentra el "amor" por primera vez mientras pasa las vacaciones en Palm Beach con su familia después de la 2ª Guerra Mundial. Y conforme van sucediendo las cosas, ves cómo deja de ser una niña para darse cuenta del futuro que le espera como mujer en aquella sociedad cuando se haga mayor. De repente, algo que había visto desde niña sucediendo a su alrededor en su barrio de siempre, cobra sentido y lo ve con nuevos ojos. Y como dice al final del libro: ahora es más fuerte.
Así que, si buscáis una lectura sencilla, rápida y entretenida, este es vuestro libro.
La verdad es que en cuanto me he puesto a leerlo, me he dado cuenta de que aunque no me acordaba de los detalles (como lo de los (no) socios siendo judíos y siendo echados del hotel por eso), lo esencial y primordial del libro sí que me acordaba. Pero eso no ha hecho que lo disfrute menos.
Es una lectura entretenida, contada desde los ojos de una niña de 15 años que encuentra el "amor" por primera vez mientras pasa las vacaciones en Palm Beach con su familia después de la 2ª Guerra Mundial. Y conforme van sucediendo las cosas, ves cómo deja de ser una niña para darse cuenta del futuro que le espera como mujer en aquella sociedad cuando se haga mayor. De repente, algo que había visto desde niña sucediendo a su alrededor en su barrio de siempre, cobra sentido y lo ve con nuevos ojos. Y como dice al final del libro: ahora es más fuerte.
Así que, si buscáis una lectura sencilla, rápida y entretenida, este es vuestro libro.
November 16, 2025
Type of book that makes you think editors don't exist, then you get to the back of the book to the Acknowledgements and see. So I'm calling both out. Judy Blundell -- author. David Levithan --editor.
The sentences were horrible. And don't get me started on the plot. + All the random diversions from the plot right when it gets interesting to "filler" where the author tried to fill out random relationship details about the Spooner family. Yes, I get what message the author was trying to intimate. No, she didn't do it well. How did this win the 2008 National Book Award for Young People's Literature? Were no other books published?? Genuinely one of the worst books I've read, and Evie Spooner one of the most hateable characters. Screws Wally over for no reason, twice. Upset I have to give this book even one star.
Also on a side note wanted to mention that being an editor must suck because when you do it well nobody (on GR anyway) notices or acknowledges, but if you do it poorly -- hoo boy. "Where was the editor?" everywhere. Truly a thankless job.
The sentences were horrible. And don't get me started on the plot. + All the random diversions from the plot right when it gets interesting to "filler" where the author tried to fill out random relationship details about the Spooner family. Yes, I get what message the author was trying to intimate. No, she didn't do it well. How did this win the 2008 National Book Award for Young People's Literature? Were no other books published?? Genuinely one of the worst books I've read, and Evie Spooner one of the most hateable characters. Screws Wally over for no reason, twice. Upset I have to give this book even one star.
Also on a side note wanted to mention that being an editor must suck because when you do it well nobody (on GR anyway) notices or acknowledges, but if you do it poorly -- hoo boy. "Where was the editor?" everywhere. Truly a thankless job.
May 20, 2018
The way the book starts and the way it ends are such opposites, that I didn’t see it coming. At first, I was only lukewarm about this book, but it really starts to pick up about a third of the way in. It’s kind of a coming of age story, but with a twist. A darker version of “nobody puts Baby in a corner”, as it were.
April 25, 2017
I came across this book while looking for a late night read through my local public library's website. Seeing it was the winner of the national book award, I decided to download it and give it a try. While classified as young adult fiction, I suspect that adult readers may actually find it more compelling than teenagers. Part love story, part murder mystery, part coming-of-age story, part historical fiction/period piece, What I Saw and How I Lied does not easily fit into any one genre. It is the story of Evie, a 15-year old girl, discovering love for the first time, finding out secrets about her parents, learning the evils of which each of us is capable, and making a hard decision for which she knows she will have to pay penance for the rest of her life by living differently than she did before.
It is a captivating read -- one in which the author takes ample time to set the stage and develop the characters before turning to the "main event." Personally, I thought this was a smart decision, but one that may lead others to conclude that the pace just was not fast enough. So many murder mysteries try to grab their reader's attention quickly by having something shocking happen in the first few pages that leaves you wanting to know what happened. But because this novel is as much a period piece and coming-0f-age story as it is murder mystery, the author describes in great detail what it was like to be a 15-year-old girl in Queens in 1947: the neighborhood community in which everyone knew everyone and so if you did anything wrong, one of your neighbors was sure to step in and tell your parents; the sense of excitement and possibility now that WWII and rationing have ended; the sense of loss because of family members who did not return from the battlefields; the realization and denial of the concentration camps. The hopes, fears, and values of the era are portrayed in vivid detail through the eyes of an inquisitive 15-year-old girl trying to figure out her place in this rapidly changing postwar world.
Still I fear that for many teenagers today Evie's naivety at the beginning of the story may not be believable or relatable, despite or perhaps because of the author's meticulous efforts to situate Evie in a different era -- one in which expectations for girls were very different than today: that girls should be innocent and childlike even in their teens or risk being labeled tramps. Thus, Evie's mother will not allow her to wear lipstick until she turns 18. And Evie and her friend practice smoking candy cigarettes as they eagerly await being old enough to smoke the real things. This innocence may be off-putting to some young adult readers, who have no memories of puffing on candy cigarettes in order to look cool. Or if they do, they identify those memories with an age much younger than 15.
But the lessons that Evie learns and the hard decisions that Evie makes do not belong to anyone time or place; they are in fact timeless. So if the reader, teenager or adult, gives this book a chance, they will find a rewarding read -- one that asks hard questions about values, compromises, and how far one should go to protect family and friends.
It is a captivating read -- one in which the author takes ample time to set the stage and develop the characters before turning to the "main event." Personally, I thought this was a smart decision, but one that may lead others to conclude that the pace just was not fast enough. So many murder mysteries try to grab their reader's attention quickly by having something shocking happen in the first few pages that leaves you wanting to know what happened. But because this novel is as much a period piece and coming-0f-age story as it is murder mystery, the author describes in great detail what it was like to be a 15-year-old girl in Queens in 1947: the neighborhood community in which everyone knew everyone and so if you did anything wrong, one of your neighbors was sure to step in and tell your parents; the sense of excitement and possibility now that WWII and rationing have ended; the sense of loss because of family members who did not return from the battlefields; the realization and denial of the concentration camps. The hopes, fears, and values of the era are portrayed in vivid detail through the eyes of an inquisitive 15-year-old girl trying to figure out her place in this rapidly changing postwar world.
Still I fear that for many teenagers today Evie's naivety at the beginning of the story may not be believable or relatable, despite or perhaps because of the author's meticulous efforts to situate Evie in a different era -- one in which expectations for girls were very different than today: that girls should be innocent and childlike even in their teens or risk being labeled tramps. Thus, Evie's mother will not allow her to wear lipstick until she turns 18. And Evie and her friend practice smoking candy cigarettes as they eagerly await being old enough to smoke the real things. This innocence may be off-putting to some young adult readers, who have no memories of puffing on candy cigarettes in order to look cool. Or if they do, they identify those memories with an age much younger than 15.
But the lessons that Evie learns and the hard decisions that Evie makes do not belong to anyone time or place; they are in fact timeless. So if the reader, teenager or adult, gives this book a chance, they will find a rewarding read -- one that asks hard questions about values, compromises, and how far one should go to protect family and friends.
September 6, 2016
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH FOR BOTH THIS BOOK AND ANOTHER BOOK - all are hidden, but venture no further without heeding the warning.....
I was a bit surprised by this book, mostly because out of my last three reads, two of them (this and . Of course, with this book, it kind of gives it away right in the title.....the reader just isn't sure about the answers.
"We learned how to fake things, during the war." I've recently been re-reading some teen romances from the 1950s and even though they aren't set immediately after World War II, like this book is (1947), Blundell perfectly captures the tone of a huge change in the world - women who had worked were now expected to stay home and be dutiful wives. People who had done without now had plenty. Things are DIFFERENT now and so is Evie Spooner - sixteen and ready to see what the world has to offer, but still with the voice and thoughts of a child, (of a Jewish classmate who lost European relatives to camps during the war, "she was so lucky-tragedy and curly hair."
So Evie is not quite little girl, not quite woman when she, her step-father and her glamorous mother spontaneously head to Florida, perhaps to escape a business deal gone wrong? However, she begins to face some adult situations and choices there - boys, men bigotry and, most importantly, family secrets and making hard decisions that impact not only one's own life but those of everyone around you. Just as World War II made men from boys, Florida makes a woman of Evie Spooner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - Blundell is so good with tone, details and characterization; I really felt I was in 1947 Palm Beach and I totally understood Evie. Excellent book with many well-deserved accolades.
I was a bit surprised by this book, mostly because out of my last three reads, two of them (this and . Of course, with this book, it kind of gives it away right in the title.....the reader just isn't sure about the answers.
"We learned how to fake things, during the war." I've recently been re-reading some teen romances from the 1950s and even though they aren't set immediately after World War II, like this book is (1947), Blundell perfectly captures the tone of a huge change in the world - women who had worked were now expected to stay home and be dutiful wives. People who had done without now had plenty. Things are DIFFERENT now and so is Evie Spooner - sixteen and ready to see what the world has to offer, but still with the voice and thoughts of a child, (of a Jewish classmate who lost European relatives to camps during the war, "she was so lucky-tragedy and curly hair."
So Evie is not quite little girl, not quite woman when she, her step-father and her glamorous mother spontaneously head to Florida, perhaps to escape a business deal gone wrong? However, she begins to face some adult situations and choices there - boys, men bigotry and, most importantly, family secrets and making hard decisions that impact not only one's own life but those of everyone around you. Just as World War II made men from boys, Florida makes a woman of Evie Spooner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - Blundell is so good with tone, details and characterization; I really felt I was in 1947 Palm Beach and I totally understood Evie. Excellent book with many well-deserved accolades.
October 3, 2010
I don't understand why this book is not more known. What I saw and How I lied is a very well-written book that lingered on my mind a long time after I had finished reading it.
After World War II is over, Evie Spooner is happy to have her stepfather Joe back home from the war. She just wants things to be normal again.
Evie is dying to grow up, be a woman, explore, experiment, but her mother still treats her like a child.
On a whim , Joe takes Evie and her mother to Florida on a holiday. There they meet Peter Cooleridge,who had served with Joe in the war. Peter is handsome, charming and Evie finds herself falling for him.
But he has his secrets and Joe's dislike for him becomes more and more apparent. Evie is soon caught in a tangle of lies, secrets and her world tumbles upside down after a tragic accident and she doesn't know whom to trust anymore.
Judy Blundell has created a great atmospheric novel. I love the feel of the 1940s and I love how the author has described it. I found myself engrossed in Evie's story, so much so that I read the book in a span of 3 hours!!
Though its a sad story and has a sad ending, its a very well-written realistic coming-of-age story.
Every character is beautifully etched out. I really loved Evie and truly felt for her.... I felt her pain, her inner emotional turmoil. Evie with her dreams, desires was so relatable.
Blundell's writing is beautiful, even haunting.Her descriptions are so vivid, especially the descriptions of Evie's love, her feeling of being betrayed..they have been so well done that they almost feel real.
Overall:
Beautiful and Lingering.
Recommended?
Yes, to all lovers of good coming-of-age novels
After World War II is over, Evie Spooner is happy to have her stepfather Joe back home from the war. She just wants things to be normal again.
Evie is dying to grow up, be a woman, explore, experiment, but her mother still treats her like a child.
On a whim , Joe takes Evie and her mother to Florida on a holiday. There they meet Peter Cooleridge,who had served with Joe in the war. Peter is handsome, charming and Evie finds herself falling for him.
But he has his secrets and Joe's dislike for him becomes more and more apparent. Evie is soon caught in a tangle of lies, secrets and her world tumbles upside down after a tragic accident and she doesn't know whom to trust anymore.
Judy Blundell has created a great atmospheric novel. I love the feel of the 1940s and I love how the author has described it. I found myself engrossed in Evie's story, so much so that I read the book in a span of 3 hours!!
Though its a sad story and has a sad ending, its a very well-written realistic coming-of-age story.
Every character is beautifully etched out. I really loved Evie and truly felt for her.... I felt her pain, her inner emotional turmoil. Evie with her dreams, desires was so relatable.
Blundell's writing is beautiful, even haunting.Her descriptions are so vivid, especially the descriptions of Evie's love, her feeling of being betrayed..they have been so well done that they almost feel real.
Overall:
Beautiful and Lingering.
Recommended?
Yes, to all lovers of good coming-of-age novels
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,136 reviews