Lie with Me

More about the book

Just outside a hotel in Bordeaux, Philippe, a renowned writer, encounters a young man who resembles his first love. This moment prompts a reflection on Philippe's teenage years, specifically a winter morning in 1984 at a small French high school, where a carefully timed meeting between two seventeen-year-olds ignites a secret, passionate love affair with his classmate, Thomas. The story, translated by Molly Ringwald, beautifully captures the essence of first love and the bittersweet passage of time. Critics have praised it as a stunning and heart-gripping narrative, describing it as a beautiful, shattering exploration of desire, shame, and the regrets that accompany age. The novel is described as intense and unforgettable, filled with longing and loss. It offers a deeply moving portrayal of first love, marked by tenderness and nostalgia. The writing is noted for its elegance, evoking Proustian themes while addressing complex issues of class, secrecy, and the emotional weight of adolescence. Though it can be read quickly, its impact lingers, resonating with readers long after they turn the last page.