One Great Lie

One Great Lie
Deb Caletti
Atheneum, 2021
384 pages
Grades 9-Up
Realistic Fiction/Mystery

Growing up in a working-class dysfunctional family, Charlotte never truly trusted that her dreams of becoming a writer could come to fruition. On a lark she applies for a scholarship to attend a summer workshop run by her favorite writer, who is an international sensation, on his private island in Venice. To her surprise she wins! Charlotte finds herself in awe as she gets close to the great writer in a truly magical setting. To give herself courage she brings along a medieval book of poetry, her family legacy, by an unknown Venetian poet/ancestor. Can she find out more information about the long-dead poet and perhaps prove that her famous lover stole her work? A young librarian and potential love interest helps Charlotte navigate the investigation. Meanwhile, although the charismatic author is sharing time and energies with his charges and the extra attention he is showering on Charlotte is flattering, something seems a bit "off". When the opportunity for a day alone with this powerful man presents itself, Charlotte feels honored to be in his presence, but what are his true intentions? And how should be best handle them?

Printz honor winner, Caletti, presents a new novel with a lot going on. One main plot arc involves a mystery, as Charlotte and her new love interest, Dante, track down the facts of her ancestor's poetry and work to prove that her work, as well as her body, were stolen by a more powerful man. Meanwhile, in the parallel present Charlotte experiences her own hopeless situation, as the powerful male writer feels entitled to take whatever he wants, while dangling his connections and expertise as bait for Charlotte's compliance. After Charlotte escapes Italy, we see the aftermath and hopelessness of her situation, proving that what was going on in the medieval days is still happening within present culture. The true star of the book is the city of Venice. The author's love of the city comes though, as she paints it in vivid colors and the reader can nearly feel the rising waters. Each chapter is introduced by a brief tragic biography of a long-forgotten female Venetian poet, adding a layer to the narrative. The book was well written, but took me a while to get through. It was not a fun read and I was constantly nervous for the recent high school graduate as she navigated through the tricky waters. I also did not feel a connection between Charlotte and Dante, though that relationship offered contrast to the creepy advances of the much older man. A timely book with a lot to say in a beautiful city, though certainly not a light read.