The Lie

by: O.H. Bennett

Published by: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill

Reviewed by Barbara Fielder

Lawrence and Terrell are brothers who were close, at one time. Now, one is dead at the hand of the other. The younger brother, Terrell (Terry) Matheus, shoots his athletic, likeable brother, Lawrence, and tells a lie to cover up his guilt. The lie sets the stage at the beginning of the story to describe why and how a tragedy covered up can transform the family, aggravate community relations between Caucasians and African Americans, and forever impact lives. You see, Terry tells everyone that white boys drove by his house in a pick-up truck, and shot Lawrence while he stood on the front porch. This
is in the mid ”˜70s, in Evansville, Indiana.

The author crafts a story of one family’s failings, Terry’s guilt, and the devastating impact the lie has on the surrounding community. The author dives deeply and directly into the emotions, thoughts and actions of Terry as he discovers how easily it is to tell a lie, then how difficult it is to live with the consequences.

Immediately following the discovery of Terry’s guilt, his parents turn their back on him. Following sentencing by the courts, Terry takes up residence with his uncle while he works to satisfy his four-hundred-hour community service punishment. This living arrangement gives Terry time to settle into a routine and develop a platonic relationship with his dead brother’s girlfriend, Tamara. Tamara helps Terry struggle with his guilt and creates a solace that Terry desperately needs.

Mayhem surrounds Terry it seems, at every turn. Tamara runs with a rough crowd who threatens Terry and his family with bodily harm. Together, Terry and Tamara work to build new lives for themselves and to escape their own individual failures.

In the long run, does Terry find redemption? Does Terry ever find peace from with? What price is Terry willing to pay for honesty?

Read this compelling novel and discover the truth.

Armchair Interviews says: This author also wrote The Colored Garden, a coming of age novel told by a young African American boy.