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Little White Lies
In a gorgeous beachfront mansion in Martha's Vineyard, Annick and Rebecca have left their young children in the care of their life-long friend Tash. Tash has made millions from her fashion business and treating her friends to a luxury holiday makes all the hard work worthwhile. But by the end of the afternoon, one of the children will have vanished . . .
As the daughter of an iconic actress and an assassinated president, Annick has spent a lifetime running from the truth of her family's wealth. For her, Rebecca and Tash have always felt more like family than friends. But can she truly trust them with the secret of her past?
Rebecca, the dutiful daughter of a financial dynasty, has always done the right thing. And when the pressure of pleasing her parents gives way to the pressure of being a model wife and mother, she begins to wonder if she'll ever have the chance, or the courage, to please herself.
And Tash, who's worked so hard to escape the poverty of her mother's Russian roots, now has the world at her feet.But despite her millionaire lifestyle - the business, the houses, the holidays - why is she struggling to keep a grip on her life?
Money, it would seem, isn't the answer to everything.
As the daughter of an iconic actress and an assassinated president, Annick has spent a lifetime running from the truth of her family's wealth. For her, Rebecca and Tash have always felt more like family than friends. But can she truly trust them with the secret of her past?
Rebecca, the dutiful daughter of a financial dynasty, has always done the right thing. And when the pressure of pleasing her parents gives way to the pressure of being a model wife and mother, she begins to wonder if she'll ever have the chance, or the courage, to please herself.
And Tash, who's worked so hard to escape the poverty of her mother's Russian roots, now has the world at her feet.But despite her millionaire lifestyle - the business, the houses, the holidays - why is she struggling to keep a grip on her life?
Money, it would seem, isn't the answer to everything.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2013
18 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Lokko
26 books317 followersLESLEY spent seven years training as an architect but always dreamed of writing a novel. Eight novels (and counting) later, and aside from building her own home in Ghana, she hasn’t looked back. She splits her time between Johannesburg, Accra and London, (although now she’s dreaming of a flat in Edinburgh) and counts the BA lounges at Heathrow amongst her favourite places in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 3, 2016
I've loved Lesley Lokko's books from the very start - the love stories, and the plot lines spanning borders and generations.
I've grown used to some questions not being answered when reading Lokko's books - we spend pages and pages getting into a story line, only to find that it has no conclusion. So far, it hadn't bothered me too much, because the outlying story was still good.
I was sad to find, almost from the very start, that this book was worse than the others. The first third of the book takes us back and forth over 80 years of history, and it's very hard to follow who's who, and why we're reading about them. Some characters we read about once, only to never see them again.
SPOILER BELOW***
As the book progressed, I found that I had to force myself to continue reading, and once I'd finished the book, I found that I was angry - I honestly feel as if there was no point to the book - I read all of it, only to find every single story line was left unfinished.
- Adam and Tash marry out of the blue without knowing each other, but we never see a conversation between them. We know nothing of their wedded life.
- What happens with Rebecca? What happens with Tariq, why do we learn on two occasions that she likes to be hurt (but there's no follow-up?), what happens with her husband? They also get married after a few weeks and little to no conversation, and while they're both unhappy and both cheat on each other, we never find out why or what happens.
- What happens with Yves? Who is he? What was the point of the whole story about his employers looking for the money, when it just dropped off completely?
I feel like this book could have used through editing, and a couple hundred more pages, or 10 or so fewer characters. Lokko's character development, which has often been my favourite part of her novels (think Sundowners, or Saffron Skies), is completely non-existant in this book.
Overall, a great disappointment for a usually great author.
I've grown used to some questions not being answered when reading Lokko's books - we spend pages and pages getting into a story line, only to find that it has no conclusion. So far, it hadn't bothered me too much, because the outlying story was still good.
I was sad to find, almost from the very start, that this book was worse than the others. The first third of the book takes us back and forth over 80 years of history, and it's very hard to follow who's who, and why we're reading about them. Some characters we read about once, only to never see them again.
SPOILER BELOW***
As the book progressed, I found that I had to force myself to continue reading, and once I'd finished the book, I found that I was angry - I honestly feel as if there was no point to the book - I read all of it, only to find every single story line was left unfinished.
- Adam and Tash marry out of the blue without knowing each other, but we never see a conversation between them. We know nothing of their wedded life.
- What happens with Rebecca? What happens with Tariq, why do we learn on two occasions that she likes to be hurt (but there's no follow-up?), what happens with her husband? They also get married after a few weeks and little to no conversation, and while they're both unhappy and both cheat on each other, we never find out why or what happens.
- What happens with Yves? Who is he? What was the point of the whole story about his employers looking for the money, when it just dropped off completely?
I feel like this book could have used through editing, and a couple hundred more pages, or 10 or so fewer characters. Lokko's character development, which has often been my favourite part of her novels (think Sundowners, or Saffron Skies), is completely non-existant in this book.
Overall, a great disappointment for a usually great author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2014
L'ho elogiato fino alla fine per la bella storia, per come stavano crescendo piano piano i personaggi, per il fatto che non fosse per niente noioso e poi mi è caduto sul finale. Voglio dire.. la storia di Tash e dell'alcool è sempre stata un po' marginale nel libro e farla ubriacare e perdere il controllo proprio così e 20 pagine dalla fine del libro.. non so, ci sono rimasta parecchio male.
January 10, 2017
This book didn't really end up being the story of a missing child, like the blurb suggested. Although I found that initially confusing- there was a bit more historical depth and character building than I expected. A pretty solid beach read, and a decent examination of female friendships, relationships and the expectations we have of ourselves and others.
July 18, 2013
Love all of Lesley lokko's books. I thought this one had a very empty ending though. Still a good read.
June 1, 2019
Thrilling. A wonderful epic take of friendship soannjbg decades, secrets and lies
July 14, 2018
To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I have a lot of mixed feelings: I liked it but at the same time didn't.
First of all, I liked the idea and how the story was progressing. Second, the characters and their individual stories were interesting. Third, I liked the way Lesley Lokko writes and describes the events in the book; although there were moments when some things were described too much in detail.
I liked some aspects of the book but there were a lot of things I didn't like. Sometimes I even had to force myself to continue reading. One moment I was about to put the book down but was too interested on how things would unfold.
*SPOILER ALERT*
I didn't like the fact that both Julian and Rebecca were cheating on each other but still remained together, the fact that Rebecca had a child with Tariq, the storyline with Yves and the secret name change, and many more...
I also didn't like how there where so many questions left unanswered. For example, what happened between Rebecca and Tash after the whole Maryam's disappearing and also the relationship between Tash and Adam.
And I was a bit confused about the ending...
First of all, I liked the idea and how the story was progressing. Second, the characters and their individual stories were interesting. Third, I liked the way Lesley Lokko writes and describes the events in the book; although there were moments when some things were described too much in detail.
I liked some aspects of the book but there were a lot of things I didn't like. Sometimes I even had to force myself to continue reading. One moment I was about to put the book down but was too interested on how things would unfold.
*SPOILER ALERT*
I didn't like the fact that both Julian and Rebecca were cheating on each other but still remained together, the fact that Rebecca had a child with Tariq, the storyline with Yves and the secret name change, and many more...
I also didn't like how there where so many questions left unanswered. For example, what happened between Rebecca and Tash after the whole Maryam's disappearing and also the relationship between Tash and Adam.
And I was a bit confused about the ending...
February 27, 2014
This book was fairly interesting - although a little difficult to get into at first. Once I got into it, I found myself being drawn in by some characters more than others. I enjoyed the fact that it followed the lives, not only of the three girls, but also of their parents when they were younger - which adds to the reasoning as to why some of the girls are the way that they are now.
I found it to be fairly well written and would recommend it to people who like reading about romance and life in general. Three very different lives and realities - some of which you, as a reader can relate too, and some of which you can't because it is a reality that you have never lived in - but a reality in which others have.
I found it to be fairly well written and would recommend it to people who like reading about romance and life in general. Three very different lives and realities - some of which you, as a reader can relate too, and some of which you can't because it is a reality that you have never lived in - but a reality in which others have.
March 31, 2016
The book, the story, and the storytelling was a good way of seeing how our choices and environments could influence our lives. Personally, it made me think a lot about my life and my choices.
However, I found the book over-descriptive. It had too much of description that I just skipped them. Additionally, I was really irritated by the overuse of sentences in other languages. Besides, the moment I was getting involved with the characters or the story, the chapter would finish and jump into another character or timeline. I get it, it would drag and motivate the reader to keep reading, but it was very very frustrating and irritating.
Overall, I think the book could have been much better and shorter.
However, I found the book over-descriptive. It had too much of description that I just skipped them. Additionally, I was really irritated by the overuse of sentences in other languages. Besides, the moment I was getting involved with the characters or the story, the chapter would finish and jump into another character or timeline. I get it, it would drag and motivate the reader to keep reading, but it was very very frustrating and irritating.
Overall, I think the book could have been much better and shorter.
July 5, 2013
Another great read, tangled lives and lots of lies..
August 3, 2017
I liked it very much. I love how intertwined these girls' lives are. I love how their mothers' past has such a strong connection to the girls' present.
I didn't enjoy the ending much, though. Mild spoiler here: I was waiting for more. It's not a cliffhanger, but almost. It was too broad and open for my taste.
I must add that reading the synopsis at the back of my edition tells you absolutely everything about the story. There were many situations that could have been surprises for the reader, but, for me, they were not, as I knew from the synopsis, what was going to happen on page 350. That annoyed me a bit.
I didn't enjoy the ending much, though. Mild spoiler here: I was waiting for more. It's not a cliffhanger, but almost. It was too broad and open for my taste.
I must add that reading the synopsis at the back of my edition tells you absolutely everything about the story. There were many situations that could have been surprises for the reader, but, for me, they were not, as I knew from the synopsis, what was going to happen on page 350. That annoyed me a bit.
August 6, 2023
Book was given to me, not read a book by Lesley Lokko before. Started off well enough, splitting chapters between three friends, but got lost along the way. Ending in the epilogue without proper answers as to what happens between the friends and their husbands!! Thought I was going to read about a missing child - but that came right at the end.
Not sure I would read another book by this author
Not sure I would read another book by this author
January 3, 2024
I like the depth of learning about the characters and their parents and previous generations. Really gave me a comprehension understanding of why they are the way that they are. I was disappointed with the ending. So many questions left unanswered. Also the missing child in the end was a tiny portion of the book.
December 28, 2017
This was ok but it jumped around a lot in time and characters and I didn't like the ending.
August 13, 2017
This book had me a bit baffled in the beginning as there is a lot going on. About a quarter of the way through I was absolutely hooked and couldn't put it down! Great book!
August 17, 2017
enjoyable read
December 8, 2021
Not what I expected but an interesting read about people I know little about!
March 2, 2023
Orribile, primo libro di Leslie lokko che ho fatto fatica a leggere.. titolo, trama e libro non hanno nessun legame, finale senza neanche un epilogo… mah
November 23, 2022
Could have been five stars, but I'm starting to get tired of the 'unfinished plot' trend in Lokko's books. She creates such a build-up, and then ends the book with many questions left unanswered. Even though I knew the heartache would come, I kept reading because she's such an engaging author; you're drawn into the drama and intrigue, immersing yourself into the characters' lives. Still a good book though.
July 29, 2013
I had never read a book by Lesley Lokko before this, however I had heard great things about her as an author so I was very excited to start Little White Lies!
I don’t particularly want to give away more than the description written above, because this is one of those books where it is better to go in not knowing too much, and letting the story unravel out in front of you as you progress. From the first pages I was very intrigued about what would happen, and I was soon drawn into Lesley’s world of friendship, relationships and betrayal.
I really enjoyed Little White Lies, I enjoyed how Lesley explores these women, their personalities and the complex relationships and friendships that they have with each other. These women fascinated me, it was so interesting to know what made them how they are, and how their choices and the choices of other affected their lives. I loved following their individual journeys throughout the story and I wanted to read on because I was so keen to find out what would happen.
I was completely absorbed in this novel from start to finish. There is plenty to delve into in this compelling story, it is dramatic, it is addictive and like me you’ll eagerly look forward to returning to the book to read more! I was very impressed by Little White Lies, and I am already looking forward to trying more of Lesley’s novels.
I don’t particularly want to give away more than the description written above, because this is one of those books where it is better to go in not knowing too much, and letting the story unravel out in front of you as you progress. From the first pages I was very intrigued about what would happen, and I was soon drawn into Lesley’s world of friendship, relationships and betrayal.
I really enjoyed Little White Lies, I enjoyed how Lesley explores these women, their personalities and the complex relationships and friendships that they have with each other. These women fascinated me, it was so interesting to know what made them how they are, and how their choices and the choices of other affected their lives. I loved following their individual journeys throughout the story and I wanted to read on because I was so keen to find out what would happen.
I was completely absorbed in this novel from start to finish. There is plenty to delve into in this compelling story, it is dramatic, it is addictive and like me you’ll eagerly look forward to returning to the book to read more! I was very impressed by Little White Lies, and I am already looking forward to trying more of Lesley’s novels.
June 28, 2014
I've never read a Lesley Lokko book before and based on this, I probably won't pick up another. I found it difficult to get through the historical context that built up the characters, although can understand why the author did this: it demonstrated why her characters were the way they were. However, the constant switching of main character, especially in the first 100 pages was off putting and confusing. Once into the main story, though, the writing was compelling. Still, there were numerous timing issues (Fridays turning into Wednesdays and 'all afternoon' only being 15m!) and the slips into minor character POV to reveal aspects of the plot were weak techniques.
Finally, I found the ending disappointing with many issues left unresolved. The blurb on the back mentions a missing child, but this is a very minor incident that takes up less then 30 out of the 500 pages and, despite being the pull to read on in the prologue, Lokko doesn't take us much further by the end of the book.
While I ended up liking the characters and felt the story was worth telling, the back story, inconsistent viewpoint and jumping timeline did ruin it for me. As a result, I won't be reading another Lokko novel if I can help it.
Finally, I found the ending disappointing with many issues left unresolved. The blurb on the back mentions a missing child, but this is a very minor incident that takes up less then 30 out of the 500 pages and, despite being the pull to read on in the prologue, Lokko doesn't take us much further by the end of the book.
While I ended up liking the characters and felt the story was worth telling, the back story, inconsistent viewpoint and jumping timeline did ruin it for me. As a result, I won't be reading another Lokko novel if I can help it.
February 5, 2015
I'm so unsure if giving this four stars is right. It's a toss between three and four. I'm also so very clueless at the storyline. It started off good, although took a while to get into but was interesting enough. The basis of a child going missing however doesn't seem to be the main reason of the story. It's pretty much the history of the three friends, their families and what brings them together and apart.
I liked Annik the most out of the characters although at first she annoyed me. But out of the three girls, she was the most likeable. Tash was just a drunk and Rebecca didn't have a back bone.
The ending let me down though. It just suddenly finished. Without explanation of what really happened. But guess thats books for you. Anything can happen.
I liked Annik the most out of the characters although at first she annoyed me. But out of the three girls, she was the most likeable. Tash was just a drunk and Rebecca didn't have a back bone.
The ending let me down though. It just suddenly finished. Without explanation of what really happened. But guess thats books for you. Anything can happen.
December 25, 2014
This book had so much promise. At face value, the characters she created are rich, compelling and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed how she built up the individual life experiences of the 3 main characters Rebecca, Tash and Annick. the differences between all of them were a good contrast to each other.
Where I felt the book fell apart was in the storytelling. The story lacked a proper build-up, it dragged in many parts. The biggest disappointment was how it ended so abruptly, cheating the readers of a good story climax and resolution. While happy ever afters are cliche and not necessarily the best and only endings, this book's ending was simply disappointing.
I'm still giving her another chance, hopefully the next book won't be another disappointment.
Where I felt the book fell apart was in the storytelling. The story lacked a proper build-up, it dragged in many parts. The biggest disappointment was how it ended so abruptly, cheating the readers of a good story climax and resolution. While happy ever afters are cliche and not necessarily the best and only endings, this book's ending was simply disappointing.
I'm still giving her another chance, hopefully the next book won't be another disappointment.
April 24, 2014
I loved all of Lesley's other books so i was really looking forward to this one.
But im afraid this was a bit of a disappointment, Apart from its epic proportions -it seemed to go on forever.
It took me quite a while to get into the book, And it seemed to jump about a bit from one person to the next.
Although having said that i did feel i needed to see it through and after a while i did begin to enjoy it.
However the ending didnt seem quite right. It didnt seem to resolve anything. A lot of the characters seemed to just be left, Who really is Yves ? did Rebbecca forgive Tash ? Hopefully Lesley's next book will be a follow-on and we'll find out.
But im afraid this was a bit of a disappointment, Apart from its epic proportions -it seemed to go on forever.
It took me quite a while to get into the book, And it seemed to jump about a bit from one person to the next.
Although having said that i did feel i needed to see it through and after a while i did begin to enjoy it.
However the ending didnt seem quite right. It didnt seem to resolve anything. A lot of the characters seemed to just be left, Who really is Yves ? did Rebbecca forgive Tash ? Hopefully Lesley's next book will be a follow-on and we'll find out.
August 10, 2014
Not quite what I'd expected. Thought I was getting a novel about friendship, betrayal and mystery based on a child going missing. In actual fact the novel is all about the lead up to that incident and, as others have said, leaves you with many unanswered questions.
Even if you view the book as a look at little lies and big lies and the effect on friendships/relationships it doesn't help you understand the book or what happens at the end as it is hard to get to truly know the characters because of the lies and mixed motives.
That said I felt compelled to read the whole thing as it was well written and engaging.
Even if you view the book as a look at little lies and big lies and the effect on friendships/relationships it doesn't help you understand the book or what happens at the end as it is hard to get to truly know the characters because of the lies and mixed motives.
That said I felt compelled to read the whole thing as it was well written and engaging.
September 13, 2014
After reading private affair I vowed never to read another book by lokko. I was very upset when this was picked as the book of the month by my book club. However I though I'd give it a try.....
Although I liked the three main characters and the intertwining stories I felt there were too many additional characters which meant I had to keep flicking back and forth . I was very disappointed with the ending .... Again I felt like she led me through almost 500 pages with no conclusion .... All of the storylines are left unfinished the book is concluded by a sloppy summary of 3 pages .... That she had called an epilogue.... I will not be reading another one of her books
Although I liked the three main characters and the intertwining stories I felt there were too many additional characters which meant I had to keep flicking back and forth . I was very disappointed with the ending .... Again I felt like she led me through almost 500 pages with no conclusion .... All of the storylines are left unfinished the book is concluded by a sloppy summary of 3 pages .... That she had called an epilogue.... I will not be reading another one of her books
December 2, 2014
La trama di Innocenti bugie di per sé poteva anche essere originale, ricca di emozioni, ma fino alla metà del romanzo ho avuto qualche difficoltà a comprendere gli intrecci dei personaggi e la loro collocazione nel tempo. Personalmente non ho mai gradito storie che abbondano di personaggi, saghe familiari che mi costringono a cercare un nesso logico, ma questo può essere un mio limite.
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May 31, 2022
I found this one to be really good and absorbing- lives of three characters with totally different backgrounds, shaped not only by their own choices but also by that of their elders.
I loved how writer made sure to trace incidents from the lives of parents of the three girls, giving a reason why each and every one's life is sculpted the way it is. And stated the fact that lives are always tangled with secrets and lies of those they're surrounded with.
I loved how writer made sure to trace incidents from the lives of parents of the three girls, giving a reason why each and every one's life is sculpted the way it is. And stated the fact that lives are always tangled with secrets and lies of those they're surrounded with.
December 3, 2013
Lesley Lokko's books are always so enjoyable and intriguing - such entangled story lines and unpredictable plots. This one doesn't disappoint. The only thing stopping me from giving it five stars is the ending, which I found slightly disappointing, as I did with another one of her books, 'An Absolute Deception' - I hope this doesn't become a trend.
April 15, 2014
As far as stories go, it was ok, but the time inconsistencies drove me crazy. I don't mean the narrative of different characters at different times of their lives, but details - if 2 paragraphs ago you're going to be on your honeymoon in France for three weeks, don't go making an appointment in London in two!
April 18, 2015
I hate books that have a great build up and then finish in half a dozen pages leaving so many loose ends. This was a good story with good characters and a pathetic ending. Would probably benefit from a sequel, tying up all the loose ends and satisfying and resolving the untold stories of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews