The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

The Lies That Bind: A Novel by Emily Giffin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

June 2, 2020

NetGalley, arc

Fiction, women’s contemporary 

Random House/Ballantine Books

352 pages

ISBN: 9780399178955

6/11/20-6/14/20

I received the digital arc of this book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

In May 2001, Cecily Gardner is a 28 year old reporter working for The Mercury in New York. Growing up in rural Wisconsin she dreamed of heading to New York after graduating from University of Wisconsin. There were aspects of home that she missed, in particular, her best friend, Scottie and her close knit family.

Although working for The Mercury was not quite her dream job, she did find her colleague, Jasmine, to be a confidante. For the past 3 years, Cecily had been in a relationship with Matthew who was in no hurry to get married. Feeling like her feelings weren’t reciprocated she broke things off with him. Not wanting to be alone, she walks to a local bar for a drink. It isn’t long before she is involved with an engaging conversation with a handsome stranger.

They talk for hours drinking and doing shots until closing. She invites him to stay over even though they never exchanged names during all their banter. Cecily is surprised by how easy it is to talk to Grant who she discovers works as a stock broker. They develop a strong friendship while the sexual tension between them continues to rise. Cecily wonders if this is too good to be true. She struggles with missing Matthew and knowing that he still wants a relaxing with her.

The story takes a few unexpected turns which left me ambivalent. The story began light hearted where it seemed like it would be a fun and uncomplicated. Suddenly, the conversations with Grant Smith become personal as he shares information regarding his parents and now ailing brother. The stories he explains to Cecily are devastating yanking further on her heart strings.

I don’t want to provide spoilers so I will say that there were a lot questions regarding where the story was going. The characters did not seem grounded and the plot vacillated between feeling serious in the atmosphere of 9/11 and almost comedic with the crazy “surprises” that come.

The story is one about love and honesty in relationships by trusting your instincts. Can love survive betrayal and lies? Is doing the wrong thing for the right reason ever acceptable?


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