The L.I.E.

by Brian Barrie

A brilliant young woman, shut off from the world, determines to seek her revenge by stealing the energy of children and selling it to the infirm. However, a young girl's friendship miraculously transforms her life and lives of the inhabitants of her historic village forever.

92 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2019

About the author

Brian Barrie lives on Lake Huron, his horizon encircled by fishing islands until backlit by the Red Bay sunsets - a gathering place for a vibrant family life. He graduated from the Royal Miltary College in 1969 and, while serving in Gagetown, obtained a Master’s degree in English, specializing in Canadian literature, from the University of New Brunswick, before pursuing his law degree from Queen's University In Kingston, graduating in 1976. The call of Lake Huron and the unfailing support of his young wife afforded him the choice to establish a trial practice in Owen Sound Ontario, where for 40 years he was privileged to be accepted into a world of wonder and crisis, where strangers entrusted him with their causes, their fight for freedom, their financial survival and granted him access to their innermost fears and hopes. These were the living stories that provided motivation and instruction beyond books and cemented lasting relationships between a lawyer and his client. From a small town practice Brian Barrie defended 13 individuals charged with murder, acted for the Deputy Chief of Defence in the Somalia inquiry and three families who lost loved ones in the Walkerton Water crisis, among other things. As well, he served two terms on the board of directors of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. In his last trial, Superior Court Justice Conlan made note of Mr. Barrie’s legal contributions, referring to him in his written judgement “ as one of the best barristers to ever practise law in the Counties of Grey and Bruce”. But Brian Barrie could not still his passion for writing, while practising law. He published four books for children or youth between 2007 and 2019, which have been cherished by local Owen Sound readers. See www.brianbarrie.com to learn more about these titles, their story lines and their reviews. And now he has written a true life murder mystery ( ‘Four Bullets, Four Witnesses, Four Liars’ ), based on his second murder trial, which has won praise from jurists and the readers of true crime novels, alike. As Brian Barrie said: “ Every human life carries with it a unique and noble story worth telling and there are so many more stories that still need telling.”

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a GoodReads giveaway. It is beautifully written and has some important messages/lessons. I read it by myself first and then with my nephew. In his own words he, "liked all the science in the book and how cool it sounded." We then had some great discussions about kindness and forgiveness. As a teacher, I look forward to reading it to my students and having more deep discussions.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderfully imaginative plot of “The L.I.E.”, a book that I won through Goodreads Giveaways opens as Marta Magot an orphaned child ostracized by her fellow students at school uses her scientific brilliance as a young woman for revenge by stealing the energy of children and turning it into an elixir to sell to the aging and infirm. Only when the repercussion of her theft brings Hannah Brunner to Marta’s doorstep does her life and those of the folk of Melk, Austria change forever.

Beautifully illustrated in black and white until color tints the sketches as redemption heals Marta’s heart, the plot weaves together abuse, revenge, forgiveness and healing. Short in length and written for a pre-teen to early teenage group, this fascinating tale is stirring with powerful life lessons.

The character of Marta is vividly crafted as she grows from the pain and isolation of being orphaned and a harassed loner at school to a brilliant , persistent, determined scientific mind whose loneliness sets her on a course of vengeance until redeemed by the friendship of caring and kind fourteen-year-old Hannah Brunner.

I thoroughly enjoyed “The L.I.E.” , a captivating story that I will endeavor to have older children at my library read.

[Chris Devine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, first off, the illustrations that are throughout the book are pretty cool, they're mostly black and white, and they compliment the writing very well. I'm just not sure who the target audience is, the book is too hard for a young reader, and teenagers probably wouldn't pick this up. The story is unique and well written, overall it's a well made book.

I won this from a goodreads giveaway.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable story. It took me about an hour and a half to read. Because I do not understand science, I couldn't understand what she was doing at times. Once past those parts, the story became more enjoyable. I love stories that have a nice ending and second chances. I am glad that I received a copy. Thanks Brian.

[Leigh Soldan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fresh take on the morality tale which included science. Great illustrations. Just trying to decide what age group would be most appropriate to read.

[Linda W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and artwork!

[Tellwell Publishing]

I recently read a children’s book called The L.I.E. by author Brian Barrie and, in short, I absolutely adored it.

Here is an innovative writer who doesn’t pander or talk down to children. Barrie uses vocabulary with words one rarely finds in a children’s book but the writing is fluid, vivid and in complete context with universal themes applicable to any age. Barrie explores the wide arena of bullying by adults and by children and the resulting isolation and lack of self-worth experienced by the main character as she initially attempts to resolve her alienation.

The L.I.E. is a beautiful book about personal struggle, forgiveness and ultimate redemption, a redemption achieved through the support, understanding and team work of a young boy and his teenage sister. It is book about learning to love oneself and others.

The wonderful illustrations, done by Bonita Johnson-de Matteis augment the wonderful story
- Glenda Burrell (Goodreads User)