The Lie

by T.C. Boyle
The Lie cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 10159
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781408848135
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2013-06-03
  • Reviews: 3

The Lie is part of the Family Snapshots series, which offers a profound look into the intricacies of family dynamics. Each story is told from unique perspectives, providing a fresh and empathetic insight into the ties that bind us. This particular story is taken from T. C. Boyle's acclaimed collection, Wild Child, known for its beguiling narratives and masterful storytelling./n/nThe series brings together some of the finest short story writers of our generation, each contributing a piece that delves into the meaning of family. From the poignant to the profound, these stories capture the essence of human relationships, making them a compelling read for anyone interested in literary fiction and the human condition.

Reviews
Roger Ebert · Roger Ebert · 2013-04-09
delightful 5.00

The story and its reading are both fabulous. It is a delightful and uplifting piece.

Roger Ebert highly praises 'The Lie' for its fabulous storytelling and the equally fabulous reading by Stephen Colbert. The combination of the story's content and Colbert's performance makes it a standout piece. Ebert finds it so enjoyable that they keep it on their iPod for moments of cheer. The story's humor and Colbert's delivery create a delightful experience that lifts the spirits.

Quick quotes

    The story is fabulous, the reading is fabulous.

    I keep this on my iPod - whenever I am having a bad day, I listen to it.

    The story's humor and Colbert's delivery create a delightful experience that lifts the spirits.

Lonely Banshee - WordPress · Lonely Banshee · 2012-07-16
moving 4.50

The story is emotionally intense and thought-provoking. It leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

Lonely Banshee finds 'The Lie' to be a deeply moving and emotionally charged story. The narrative's intensity and the exploration of human emotions resonate strongly. The story's ability to evoke empathy and introspection makes it a memorable read. The emotional weight of the story lingers long after finishing it, making it a soul-crushing experience in the best possible way.

Quick quotes

    It's a soul-crusher.

    I once gave a lecture on T.C. Boyle's selected work, noticing various patterns in sentence structures and descriptions.

    The story's ability to evoke empathy and introspection makes it a memorable read.

Clifford Garstang's Blog · Clifford Garstang · 2008-04-12
disappointing 3.00

The story is enjoyable but ends on a weak note. The conclusion feels unsatisfying after a promising start.

Clifford Garstang appreciates the narrative's initial strength and the engaging premise of the story. However, they find the ending to be underwhelming and disappointing. The story's potential is not fully realized, leaving a sense of missed opportunity. The whimper-like conclusion contrasts sharply with the buildup, which is a letdown for the reader.

Quick quotes

    We end with a whimper instead of a bang.

    A very enjoyable story is spoiled by a wimpy ending.

    After Boyle's last story appeared in The New Yorker, I had high hopes for this one.

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