Parents' Guide to

The Lie Tree

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Exciting, twisty mystery stars clever Victorian teen sleuth.

Book Frances Hardinge Fantasy 2016
The Lie Tree Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Goodforumkvies
Goodforumkvies Parent of 12-year-old
February 5, 2023
age 11+

Interesting, unique and different

This book was really interesting. It was much different, and lighter than I expected. I had expected tons of murder, suspense and peril but it was lighter. Still, expect a few shootings with minor injuries but no gore. The beginning might be a bit boring but once you get used to it, it’s an amazing read (even if the author doesn’t right with clear word choice). All in all, fine for 11 + but for kids who aren’t ready yet, should read it at around age 12+
Student01
Student01 Adult
May 13, 2019
age 14+

Slow

I think that the book is a VERY slow start and can be hard for some to understand, I also believe that it only gets exciting in the last 100 pages. I recommend to those who enjoy reading for a while before it starts to get interesting.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When her family abruptly moves from Kent to the isolated isle of Vane, Faith Sunderly doesn't understand the urgency of the situation. Her clergyman father, who's also a respected natural scientist, is embroiled in a scandal involving falsified fossils. When her father is found dead, Faith suspects murder, while nearly everyone else believes he took his own life. Determined to learn the truth and exact revenge on the guilty parties, Faith searches through her father's belongings and learns about a mysterious plant known as the Lie Tree. The tree feeds on lies and grows bitter fruits that grant revelatory visions to those who dare to eat them. Intent on her mission, Faith can't foresee the terrible consequences of nurturing the plant.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (5 ):

A rich mix of Victorian mystery and timeless fantasy, this award-winning novel has plenty of plot twists and turns, as well as keen insight into the psychology of its cast of characters. In THE LIE TREE, Faith Sunderly demands justice for her murdered father, and author Frances Hardinge sets up a puzzling set of circumstances worthy of her sleuthing skills. The addition of a magical plant that feeds on lies and dispenses hidden truths adds a creepy tinge of the supernatural, not to mention a crucial serving of unpredictability. Each of the characters is seen in a different light by the end of the book.

Exciting, intense, and slyly funny, The Lie Tree will appeal to a wide and diverse audience of readers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons why people lie. Are some lies worse then others? How do you know the difference?

  • Faith's father can't be buried near the church because people suspect he committed suicide. How have attitudes about suicide and mental illness changed since the 19th century?

  • What role does violence play in The Lie Tree? How is violence or the threat of it used to control people's behavior?

Book Details

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