Review: Nice 30+ Page Prequel!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 18, 2013
The First Lie, the prequel to full-length novel, Necessary Lies, by Diane Chambers gives us a very targeted and specific look at life in Grace County, North Carolina in 1958.  The South is segregated and friendships, let alone relationships, between white and black are frowned upon.Thirteen year old Ivy, and her sister, 15 year old Mary Ella, are being raised by their grandmother on a tobacco farm.  Their father died in an accident and their mother is in a state hospital (which back in those days were not good places to be).  Mary Ella is very heavy with child and when she goes into labor, grandma and Ivy worry about the color of the child upon being born; especially since Mary Ella won't divulge the name of the father.  Mary Ella also undergoes a procedure while in the hospital that becomes part of The First Lie.Prior to the beginning of labor, Ivy is out having fun with Henry Allen, the son of the farm owner.  When Henry locates an Ouija board, he and Ivy set it up in the church and take turns stirring up a spirit who identifies herself as Ruby.  The kids take turns asking Ruby questions, some of which Ivy doesn't like the answers to, and refuses to believe what the board spells out.  Some questions/answers turn out to be true and some have yet to be explored in this quick, 35-page teaser.This little number certainly whets the appetite and I will definitely be reading Necessary Lies.  Diane Chamberlain's writing style is enjoyable and the vernacular and tone of the prequel are perfect for the time and place that the story happens.  I am very interested in seeing how the author develops Necessary Lies and answers the questions left untied in The First Lie.Review Copy Courtesy Of:  St. Martin's Press @ NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.