Truth and Other Lies, a novel by Maggie Smith.
Review by Jenna Zerbel, editor with Orange Hat Publishing | Ten16 Press
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“Maggie Smith’s ambitious debut tackles not only mother-daughter dynamics and family secrets, but also the workplace and realworld politics affecting modern women. Written with an engaging, conversational tone, the story conflicts are both realistic and substantial.” —Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jamie Beck
Perhaps the most critical component of any novel’s success is its main character. In the case of Truth and Other Lies, that’s Megan Barnes – a spirited and ambitious young woman chasing a career in journalism. After losing her boyfriend and job on the same day, she flees to Chicago and moves in with her mother, who is in the midst of running for US Congress. While Megan gets settled into a new job on the PR team of her hero – renowned journalist Jocelyn Jones – she finds herself involved in newsroom hierarchies, social justice, and political campaigns. The more tangled she gets in this media whirlwind, Megan discovers that the lines between fact and fiction are not always black and white. Truth and Other Lies steeps readers in the cutthroat fields of journalism and politics, following along as Megan unravels harsh truths about how professional ambition often leads to questionable ethics. What’s most impressive about Smith’s debut novel is how seamlessly she manages to weave critical realworld issues into the story – ranging from sexual harassment to reproductive rights. Another standout feature of Truth and Other Lies is how it examines the complex dynamics between mother and daughter, as well as mentor and protégé. This book is a contemporary feminist triumph, featuring a strong protagonist who maintains her integrity despite striving for success in an industry built on corruption.
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Centered around three career-driven women, this book manages to capture readers’ attention at the outset and keep it through FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022
