The Lie

A brief but heartfelt memoir from a man who could have been my high school classmate (i.e. we're both in our 50s). I ache for the pain Dameron caused his wife of 20 years, and he pulls no punches about how he deceived her and even used her weight as an excuse to not sleep with her. But I can't help feeling even sadder for Bill himself, living a lie for so many years because of family and societal pressure, and I was as happy as if I had read a romance novel to see him find a HEA with his soul-mate Paul (who seemed a little too perfect to be true). The theme of “catfishing” others and oneself is eerily appropriate, as Bill's online picture was used to catfish numerous women into fake relationships. Although Bill was blameless in this cruelty, he feels strangely responsible.

The book jumps around in time a lot as Bill reminisces and ties themes together in a non-linear manner, so it can be a tad confusing, but the feeling shines through. I hope Bill and Paul are still happy together, and I hope his wife and children are as well.