A True Story Based on Lies

A True Story Based on Lies is a remarkable and original novel that addresses the universal issues of class discrimination, male oppression and female servitude through dual narratives of spellbinding power. Set in contemporary Mexico, the book charts the consequences of a sexual relationship between Leonora, a servant in the wealthy O'Conner home, and her master. When a child, Aura Olivia, is born from this union she is brought up as the daughter of the house. As the novel unfolds, the "true" story gradually emerges. First published over 20 years ago, but out of print for some time, we are delighted to reissue this early example of the author's fiction, which was a finalist for the Orange Prize for Fiction.

"A bold and innovative novel. The rich mixture of the outlandishly real and the hyperfabulistic has a certain superstitious power over the reader. Jennifer Clement employs poetry's ability to mirror thought... superbly drawn" Times Literary Supplement

"A lyrically told, deeply moving tale." Sunday Tribune

"The unfolding emotional and physical complications are fraught with trauma, which the writer's particular style heightens into an emotionally wracking story." Big Issue

"A True Story's poetry is obvious, simple, beautiful and clear, like liturgical music." The Scotsman

"YOU WOULD be forgiven for mistaking Clement's first novel for a book of poetry, such is its lyricism and lightness of touch; yet what we are given here is a narrative that not only pays tribute to Clement's background as a poet, but uses the tricks of the master storyteller to delight and engross." The Times