Book Review: The Little Liar

In tallying up my Mitch Albom reads, it appears I've read six of his books. My last Albom book, The Stranger in the Lifeboat, was not my favorite. Indeed, I'd say over time, my opinion of his books has shifted. Am I maturing? Perhaps my taste in books is shifting? Critics have said he is overly sentimental and preachy. I get that. Yet, I've usually found something of value in his books.

The Little Liar is slightly reminiscent of Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief. Both stories take place in World War II and use unique narrators. Zusak's outstanding book uses Death to tell about a girl who saves books. Albom uses Truth to tell about a boy who is tricked into telling a lie that endangers his family. While Zusak's book is far stronger, I did enjoy watching the paths of four different characters intersect in Albom's book. 

Indeed, I marvelled at his writing skills. I felt invested in these characters. They were well drawn and full of humanity. What's more, Albom was able to weave each portion of the story to the point of a powerful merging in the final act (this felt reminiscent of the climax in Anthony Doerr's WWII tale, All the Light We Cannot See). I did enjoy this book. Still, if you're seeking WWII and haven't read The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See, start with those first. 

[My earlier links are to reviews of physical reading of these two books, but here are my reviews of re-reads, using audio versions, for The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See.]