A Pack of Lies

by Geraldine McCaughrean

Ailsa doesn't trust MCC Berkshire, the mysterious man helping out in her mother's antique shop. He tells wonderful stories about all the antiques, and his stories persuade the customers to buy the items he talks about, but everything he says is a pack of lies. Isn't it?

The story of Ailsa and MCC is interwoven with the stories MCC tells the customers, which range from romances to adventure stories; from crime dramas to pirate stories; from stories set in modern-day Ireland to stories set in ancient China.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Childrens, Romance, Middle Grade

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Geraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

So in Geraldine McCaughrean's 1988 Carnegie Medal winning novel A Pack of Lies, Mrs. Povey's antique shop is basically a total and utter disaster due to her severely lacking business sense. For Mrs. Povey is so brutally honest about any flaws in the objects being sold that she often talks potential customers out of buying them, and also seriously undercharges when she finally does manage to make a sale, well, that is the case until the enigmatic MCC Berkshire arrives on the scene of A Pack of Lies, a mysterious helper who insists on working for nothing and who with his amazing stories and yarns about the for sale items at the store ends up making them massively and irresistibly appealing to and for potential customers. And indeed, Mrs. Povey and her daughter Ailsa, they are very quickly under the story-telling control of MCC Berkshire's skilled use of language, his irrefutable logic. But even though in A Pack of Lies, the elaborate tales MCC Berkshire tells about the shop items might well be elaborate fairy stories, might well be totally untruthful, yes, they do serve a wonderful and very practical purpose, as these accounts do verbally seduce potential buyers into making purchases, into buying the antique objects that erstwhile Mrs. Povery could either not sell or not sell with a decent amount of profit.

Now each chapter of A Pack of Lies basically features a short story about a particular object (an item for sale in Mrs. Povey's antique shop). And yes, Geraldine McCaughrean certainly does not show these tales as being just diversions, as each account is presented in a different literary style and all of them are utterly enthralling and fun. However, and to be honest, while my adult self has totally and utterly enjoyed the very different in style and genre stories of A Pack of Lies, the often surprising twists and turns that overlap and extend the stories-within-stories and that I have found A Pack of Lies humorous and written with delightful irony and finesse meta-fiction, I do have to admit that my inner child finds and considers A Pack of Lies a bit unorganised and lacking in textual coherence (so that my star rating of four stars A Pack of Lies certainly must come with the caveat that I for one tend to think that A Pack of Lies is more a story meant for adults and not so much for younger readers).

[Gebanuzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una sarta de mentiras es necesaria para poder andar por el mundo, hay personas que no creen en las palabras, en el poder de ellas. Pero esta historia da pie a callar y cambiar esas mentes. Yo antes tenía dudas ¡Ahora quiero contarle al mundo un par de cuentos!

Lo especial del libro, es que dentro de la historia principal, se vierten muchas otras historias cortas; Es un chapuzón a distintos mundos.

[kyliemm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a young adult fantasy-esque novel about a girl named Ailsa who meets a man named MCC and invites him, on a whim, to get a job at her mother's antique shop. Both Ailsa and her mother are initially horrified by Ailsa's invitation, but MCC proves an apt salesman--in fact, he makes remarkable sales at incredibly high prices based on the fascinating stories he tells about different antiques. Each of MCC's stories reflects a different aspect of British history, or, as in the story of the evil count, reflects a different time period in British literary history--for example, the gothic; he covers the British colonization of India and Wales, Britain's military history, Britain's naval prowess, etc. My favorite story was the story of the writing desk, in which a bratty young English girl gets her comeuppance when she travels to India and attempts to impose her British customs on her Indian servants; it served as a nice metaphor for MCC's views about Mother England's colonization of India. In short, this was a well-written post-modern novel that, through this collection of interrelated stories, explores the author function as well as the concept of the death of the author. It's a very intelligent read that still appeals to young adult readers, and I would recommend it to any audience, adult and young adult alike.

[Steven Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pues a mi me encanto. Eso de "crear" una historia para cada objeto que parece normal y hacerlo tan bien es algo muy divertido. El final me dejo algo decepcionado, porque no sé, esperaba un final distinto, pero fue tan vacio, tan raro que no me gusto mucho. Aún así, por la cantidad de risas que me genero este libro digo que es muy recomendable.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first picked up this book because I was intrigued by the title and I was expecting something else entirely. I wasn't disappointed at all.I loved the well constructed stories which explored a lot of themes; romance, mystery,vanity, greed, justice etc. I thought MCC Berkshire was very fascinating. I don't blame Alisa for being drawn to his mysterious nature, charm and obvious talent of storytelling. A good read overall with twist at the end!. I'd recommend it for anyone not just young adults

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favourite books as a kid, so much so that when I lost it in the process of moving house I had to go out and buy it again. My main reason for loving it was that I absolutely fell in love with MCC and wanted to be Ailsa. However I did enjoy the stories as well, especially as they were often spoofs of some of my other favourite books at the time (for example the story about Grace the spoiled girl who persuades her parents to take her to India is reminiscent of A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett). I also thought the ending was immensely clever. Reading it for a third time I still loved MCC and Ailsa, and still wished there was more of them in it, and am even guilty of skipping over the stories a bit to get to their parts. However I know that if McCaughrean had included more of their characters it would be a very different novel. I also still loved the stories and can appreciate more that they each copy a British literature genre (or at least genres loved in British Literature) and the way the conventions are played around with is very clever. What struck me most that I didn't notice so much as a kid was the language. McCaughrean's incredibly adept at writing vivid and brilliant descriptions. I still liked the ending, and the concept of characters realising they're characters is one I find very interesting so I wish it was explored in more depth. It is a bit creepy that the author decided to write a young girl as his love interest when he could have written anyone. But maybe his real life experiences of women his own age weren't the best. There is certainly lots of room to expand the characters and story of McCaughrean ever decided to write sequel.

[Rocío Ángeles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comencé este libro a la edad de 10 años, apenas hace unos meses tuve la oportunidad de conseguirlo para poder terminar su lectura. Un libro interesante, y hasta un tanto misterioso. Ailsa conoce a un joven que dice llamarse Era C. Lector, al poco tiempo él comienza a trabajar para la señora Poovey, madre de Ailsa, en una tienda de antigüedades. Era C. tiene una peculiar historia para cada objeto que se busque comprar. ¿Son en verdad una sarta de mentiras? Cuentos o no, pueden mantenernos ávidos en su lectura. El desenlace es inesperado, Era C. desaparece, lo que hace dudar a los demás de su existencia y los pone a buscar una explicación razonable. Sin embargo, razonable es lo último que es su única explicación.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite books to have read to my children - certainly my favorite among books few have ever heard of. The overarching story of the mysterious homeless man saving the failing secondhand shop is populated with a succession of presumably fabricated, but incredibly creative stories-cum-sales-pitches behind each curio. Each story is in a different, classic style - ghost story, romance, Lewis-Carrollesque poem, and many more. The author's clever stylistic virtuosity may not be fully appreciated by children, but it was an utter delight for me.

[Andrea Kennard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a book for young readers, I really loved this little book! Stories within a story - a bit like a Russian Doll.

It is a tiny bit dated in places, but that didn't matter. You still get lost in it.

I chose it as my 'book written by someone local'. Geraldine is from Enfield which is where I live and I don't know why, but I didn't think anyone from Enfield would write so well. How silly of me.

I will be looking out for more of Geraldine's books. I like her style! She paints lovely pictures with her words.

Read it.

[Suzanne Macartney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grabbed this because it was the only one I could find by the author of The White Darkness, a story I admired. The title suggested a fleshed out web of deceit. Not at all. Interesting but totally different book than I what sought out. Not quite my thing but it did keep my attention. Young protagonists, one of whom can spin tales the way Midas touched gold. Good stories too. And the young guy is a book lover. Always a winning trait.

[Gabriela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro que sin duda empece sin expectativas, sin alguna idea respecto a la historia; podría llegar a decir una historia aburrida al comenzar, pero, hubo un momento mientras iba leyendo que me engancho y solamente quería seguir y seguir leyendo; una historia extrañamente original, me encanto la historia del escritorio y odie la de la cama. Sin duda un final totalmente inesperado para mi, igual extrañamente confuso. ¡Me gusto! <3

[K. Carters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone loves this book but I didn't really bond with it. I liked the premise and the awards it has won aren't too shabby but I just couldn't get into the story or be that impressed by the twist at the end. Shame as I was really looking forward to this one =(

[Yoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historias cortas dentro de una historia, dentro de una historia jaja. Todas las historias cortitas están buenas, y aunque el enlace entre ellas (o sea, Ailsa y Lector jaja) me parecía un pelín absurda, al final con lo que él resulta ser el escritor de la historia, todo cobra sentido jaja y las cosas cuestionables (porque yo me devanaba el ceso pensando en las edades de ellos dos) ya no se ven tan mal a la luz de la fantasía jsjs. En fin está bueno jsjs para la edad a la que va dirigido y todo jsjd

[Ingrid Parada · Rating 5 out of 5]

MCC Berkshire is a mysterious stranger, an inveterate reader and spinner of tales, with twelve short stories of tragedy, comedy, adventure and romance.
MCC Berkshire is the character who always tells incredible stories and becomes part of shop Poveys Antiques, telling a different story to each customers about The antique piece (of junk) they are interested in.
This book is winner of 1988 Carneggie Medal and 1989 Guardián Children Fiction Award. Not need to be young to enjoy a funny reading 😌

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two of McCaughrean's books are in my all-time top ten list, so, I knew I was in for a good story and good writing. A Pack of Lies is delightful. It first came out in 1988 and does have an even more old-fashioned feel. It is a clever book, with lots of heroes and villains in the stories MCC Berkshire spins whether he wants to persuade someone to buy things from the Antique shop, or simply entertain. There is a nice twist at the end that leaves the reader thinking!

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ailsa meets the mysterious MCC Berkshire in the local library, and like a puppy she brings him home. He lives in the family's struggling used furniture shop, but helps sales by spinning incredible yarns about the origins of the pieces to customers.
Reminiscent of Harris Burdick, with MCC filling in the stories of the pieces of unknown origin.

[James Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A uniquely fascinating novel about truth, stories and the ways which both combine to create a personal 'reality'. Lovely writing about believable characters, full of wit and insight. A great read for anyone who enjoys unreliable narrators and information. Light and playful, but b deep in its knowledge of fiction, history and psychology. A great, short book.

[hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAFE REVIEW NO SPOILERS!!
when i was younger, this was my favourite book EVER > my mum would read this to me and it’s the best book for people like me who get bored easily - it has so many stories in one, great imagery and the best ending to a book i’ve ever read. i may be bossy since it is my most treasured memory as a kid, but this is my comfort book. never gets old <3

[Carlos Ceballos Méndez · Rating 5 out of 5]

He quedado maravillado con esta novelita que es un compendio de cuentos al estilo de 'los cuentos de la calle Broca'. Doblemente maravillado porque no esperaba que me gustara. Lo tuve en mi apartado de lectura pendiente durante cerca de dos años y ahora que lo leí había decidido hacerlo sólo por pasar página.

[Daphne]

I personally like how the author answers certain questions that came from the story, such as who is MCC? Are the stories real? How did MCC get into the Library in the first place? What is MCC's real name, and so on, there is also the aspect of how creative and visual the stories seem to be when told. Overall, it's a great story, to me at least, a fun read.

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was reasonably well written. It had a good balance between detail and an overall storyline. However, I did not find that the many short stories tied well into the overlying theme. The plot became predictable early on and there wasn't much substance to the main story.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, the imagination! What a wonderful place to explore! A delightful read. Lots of fun stories and nice twists as we try to figure out who the storyteller really is. I'm going to be looking for more by this fabulous author!

[Animetart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure when I first started this novel, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The way the stories were woven together was unique and enjoyable.

[Auba · Rating 2 out of 5]

S'ha posat interessant quan només faltava un 5% per acabar es llibre... :-(

[Claudia Hurtado · Rating 2 out of 5]

No tan bueno

[Clare Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid. Is it time for a reread?

[Zahra Hussain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept.
Some stories told within it however where a little boring.

[Martha Barragan Alvarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro encantador!
Historias contadas por un amante de la lectura.
El soldadito de plomo fue mi cuento preferido.
Una historia entretenida.

[Grace Moovans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really impressed with this book. Loved the individual tales and the twist at the end. Very well written.

[Cruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Geraldine McCaughrean
No Illustrations.
First Published: 1988
Awards: Carnegie Medal 1988, Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 1989

Christmas present for 7yo from Uncle.

Stories within stories. What is true, what is fiction, what is lie?

We have a series of morality stories, fairy tales, with Bad Things happening to Bad People surrounded by the story of Ailsa, her mother, and the mysterious MCC Berkshire.

The Clock: A Story of Superstition
The Writing Box: The Story of a Liar
The Plate: A Question of Values
The Table: A Story of Gluttony
The Harpsichord: A Story of Honour and Trust
The Umbrella-Stand: A Story of Temper
The Mirror: A Story of Vanity
The Roll-Top Chest: A Question of Whodunnit
The Wooden Chest: A Story of Betrayal
The Lead Soldier: A Story of Pride
The Bed: A Story of Horrors Unspeakable

Serious metafiction playing with narrative techniques, exposing the young reader to multiple genres and povs while examining the concept of fiction.

We took our time reading this book. A single chapter per night, and not every night.

As a shared book it is best digested in chunks.

And I'm not convinced the 7yo understood all the stories; "The Mirror: A Story of Vanity", for example, is a light horror incorporating the romantic intentions of a 16yo and much older man. "The Wooden Chest: A Story of Betrayal" delved into anti-Papacy. But she did like it. She asked for more chapters. And she was able to discuss what was happening and what did happen with some depth of understanding.

I was particularly wary of how she would take the final brain-screwing twist.

A lot I know.

She liked that bit best.

I think it's a book she'll come back to, later. She needs some maturity on her. And with age and distance a re-reading will find nuances and depths she misses now.

References:
w'pedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Pack_o...
Author's website http://www.geraldinemccaughrean.co.uk...
Only Make-Believe? Lies, Fictions, and Metafictions in Geraldine McCaughrean's A Pack of Lies and Philip Pullman's Clockwork, Dudley Jones http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/lion_and...

Age:
Read aloud - 9+
Read yourself - 10+

(ISBN 978-0-19-275203-1)

-CR-