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Lie With Me

Questions About Lie With Me

by Philippe Besson

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Answered Questions (3)

The French title of this novel is "Arrête avec tes mensonges," which means "Stop with your lies." So why is the English title "Lie With Me"? Is it just for the double entendre?
John David Obviously translators have to sometimes choose new titles for books because the literal translations don't make sense. But in this instance the Englis…moreObviously translators have to sometimes choose new titles for books because the literal translations don't make sense. But in this instance the English translation, "Stop With Your Lies", would've worked just fine. However, "Lie With Me" is actually much cleverer because of the double entendre contained in the English verb "lie" (which doesn't exist in French) as the story is about two young men who have a clandestine sexual relationship. I'm surprised Ms. Ringwald didn't also mention this explanation in the interview linked below. Perhaps she felt it would be too plot-revealing although the summary on the book jacket says as much. (less)
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is this a true story or a work of fiction?
Jack Although billed as a novel, the book is dedicated to Thomas Andrieu, the name of the subject's first love, in the small rural village where Besson gre…moreAlthough billed as a novel, the book is dedicated to Thomas Andrieu, the name of the subject's first love, in the small rural village where Besson grew up. So it seems more like a memoir with artistic liberties taken. (less)
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Is anyone else confused by the inconsistent tense usage in this book? The present tense goes together with the past tense in describing the past. Is this by design?
Yoy I do not know about tense usage, but in the beginning of the book I was confused by the tone Besson used - his own voice. His language seemed the lang…moreI do not know about tense usage, but in the beginning of the book I was confused by the tone Besson used - his own voice. His language seemed the language of a (too) self-confident and older man, while he was talking/we were reading about a naïve boy of 17. It was difficult to identify with the main character. Perhaps tense usage was part of this confusion. Then it got better. Perhaps I adapted myself while reading, perhaps Besson found the right tone, because about from the moment the relationship starts I had no problems with this anymore, the tone seemed to be right.
Though from then on, I did not always like the memories and digressions too much (except linguistic analysis, why certain words are used or not).
Anyway, these problems do not change the fact that his language is very beautiful. (less)
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Unanswered Questions (3)

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