Review: The Lies That Bind

The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin        Published 2020


"You lie you don't want to hurt me

So you lie, buy a little time, and I go along

What else can I do, maybe it's wrong

But you know how much I love you

So you lie, 'til you can find a way to say goodbye

You lie"

"You Lie" by Reba McIntire


Is it ever okay to lie? 

If yes, when?

At what point does a little white lie turn in to a lie too overwhelming to look over?


These are all questions I asked myself as I read The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin.


How long does it take to fall in love? This is certainly what Cecily must be thinking after meeting Grant in a dimly lit bar nursing a broken heart after ending her year's long relationship with Matthew. But timing is everything, and Grant is leaving for London soon. Then comes the day when Cecily's ex-boyfriend, Matthew, emails her asking to see her again. A meeting that takes place the same day Grant leaves for London.


Cecily meets with Matthew, but her heart lies with Grant. Despite her feelings, we still know far too little about Grant and his feeling for Cecily.


Cecily is so in love (infatuated) that she flies to London with her best friend, Scotty, to spend a few days with Grant. For the duration of the trip, Grant repeatedly refers to Cecily his friend - just his friend. At this point, I began rooting for the ex to win her back. Why won't Grant commit to this relationship? Is there something he's trying to hide? And really, was Matthew so bad?


On Septrmber 10th, Grant has returned from London and Cecily wants nothing more than to reunite and have her questions answered. Then September 11, 2001 happens. And how can you hate somebody on September 11th? Giffin captures 2001 so well that I feel as though I am in New York City right along with Cecily and her friends looking for their loved ones. [In reality, I was a sophomore in high school in the Midwest. Despite the years that have passed, I still remember where I was, what I was doing, and the thoughts coursing through my mind as my classmates and I watched the towers collapse live on television.]


 When Cecily finds a flier with Grant's face, the image of the man she thought she loved is shattered. Matthew, realizing time is fleeting, wants to reunite with Cecily.

And the hits just keep coming.


 As much as I would live to detail all that follows, I won't. If you want to know how Cecily unravels the web of lies that Grant has so skillfully woven, you will have to read The Lies That Bind for yourself. Giffin kept me intrigued, wanting to know what was going to happen next, and giving clues along the was as to how the final puzzle piece was going to fit.


If you love romance and mystery, but don't want a psychological thriller that will haunt your dreams, this is the booms for you. 

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