Caletti, Deb. One Great Lie. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2021. 978-1-534-46317-2. 384 p. $19.99. Grades 9-12.

Caletti has a knack for writing twisty stories that feel like a mystery, mild adult thriller, and realistic young adult fiction all in one. Pulling from current events in modern culture, such as the #MeToo movement, Caletti is able to tell a story while weaving in historically accurate information about female writers from the 1500s and 1600s that are largely unknown. Set mostly in the picturesque city of Venice, Charlotte was selected for an exclusive writing retreat for students to work with a renowned author. While leaving a home that isn’t always comfortable might come as a golden opportunity, Charlotte faces her own tribulations in Venice, and the distance makes it hard for her to communicate with her nearest and dearest. That is, except for Dante. By all standards, this book has romantic elements with unexpected developments in all story lines.

THOUGHTS: All high school libraries should start a Deb Caletti shelf now. This novel will be of particular interest to those who enjoy learning about historical female writers, art preservation, or Italy.

Romance          Samantha Hull, Ephrata Area SD
Realistic Fiction