LIE WITH ME by Phillipe Besson

A Book Review

By Naisha, BA (hons.) Journalism, second year

Edited by Vasvi Singhal

Philippe Besson's novel Lie with Me, which offers a profoundly emotional look into first love and self-discovery, greatly affected me. The story, set in France, focuses on the deep and life-changing bond between two teenage boys. Besson depicts their relationship in a way that is sensitive yet incredibly honest, capturing the complexity and unfiltered feelings of adolescent love with extraordinary delicacy.

The novel vividly depicts their shared moments of intimacy and the challenges they face, including the pressures of societal expectations and personal insecurities. Both find solace in the relationship, but it also pushes them to face painful realities about one another and themselves.

The book's reflections on the passage of time and the lasting influence of first love struck an especially deep chord with me. It’s a reminder of how our early experiences with love, however brief, leave an indelible mark on our souls. Besson’s writing compels us to reflect not just on the love we’ve experienced, but on the ways in which those connections have helped to mold our identities. It made me reflect on my own experiences and how they have greatly influenced who I am.

More than merely a love tale, Lie with Me also evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, reminding readers of the innocence and intensity of youth, a time when emotions are felt with such fervor and everything seems possible.

As I turned the final pages, I found myself deeply moved by the realization that the echoes of our first loves are never truly gone; they stay with us, subtly influencing the way we approach love, relationships, and even our own sense of self for the rest of our lives. This novel is not just a story—it’s an exploration of the human heart, inviting readers to look inward and consider the profound impact that love, in all its forms, has on the course of our lives.