The Liar’s Diary by Patry Francis

"Ali and Jeanne’s tale is not so much a story of friendship as it is a trip through the shadowed halls and secret niches behind the polished façade of respected, average families. "

Diaries are for truth—and for lies.

Living openly and honestly, Ali expects everyone around her to do the same—even when the people around her don’t know and don’t want to see the truth.

Accepting a diary as a basically honest illustration, author Patry Francis questions the nature of truth in The Liar’s Diary. Two unlikely women come together and find friendship that Francis observes accurately with a bit of misdirection. Ali and Jeanne’s tale is not so much a story of friendship as it is a trip through the shadowed halls and secret niches behind the polished façade of respected, average families.

Deftly uncovering the clues that lead down blind alleys and hint at darker truths, Francis offers fruit from the tree of knowledge. She hints at the core’s rot and worms. The story moves with a deceptively slow and measured pace. The reader is a willing voyeur anxious for the next veil to drop. It is obvious Francis knows her characters well, allowing the reader a glimpse into homes that reflect each family’s true nature in subtly telling ways. So quietly does Francis offer up the final proof it is almost missed in the slow meander to the surprising conclusion. With such keen insight into the human heart, there is little doubt readers will be anxious to see what Francis comes up with next.
Reviewer: J. M. Cornwell