One Great Lie
on Goodreads (1,280)
What’s inside...
A YA story of romance, mystery, and power about a young woman discovering her strength in Venice. When Charlotte wins a scholarship to a writing workshop in Venice with the charismatic and brilliant Luca Bruni, it’s a dream come true. Writing is her passion, she loves Bruni’s books, and going to that romantic and magical sinking city gives her the chance to solve a long-time family mystery about a Venetian poet deep in their lineage, Isabella Di Angelo, who just might be the real author of a very famous poem. Bruni’s villa on the eerie island of La Calamita is extravagant—lush beyond belief, and the other students are both inspiring and intimidating. Venice itself is beautiful, charming, and seductive, but so is Luca Bruni. As his behavior becomes increasingly unnerving, and as Charlotte begins to unearth the long-lost work of Isabella with the help of sweet, smart Italian Dante, other things begin to rise, too—secrets about the past, and secrets about the present. As the events of the summer build to a shattering climax, Charlotte will be forced to confront some dark truths about the history of powerful men—and about the determination of creative girls. Four starred reviews!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading about Charlotte's journey, and why do you think you felt that way?
How do the settings in Venice influence the story and Charlotte's experiences?
In what ways do the characters in the book show courage or fear? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
What are your thoughts on how Charlotte handles her challenges? What would you do differently if you were in her shoes?
How does the mystery of Isabella's letters enhance the main plot? What did you think about the revelation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reflections on the book to create an open, communicative environment.
Ask your child to pick a favorite character and explain why they feel a connection to them. This can lead to deeper insights into your child's thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the historical aspects of the book and today’s world, fostering critical thinking.
Discuss the significance of setting in the book, prompting your child to consider how different environments can affect their own emotions and actions.
Explore the themes of mystery and revelation together, asking your child how they might feel uncovering a family secret like Charlotte.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist, Charlotte, embarks on a journey to Venice for a writing workshop, which becomes a transformative experience for her as she uncovers family secrets and finds her voice.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own interests and passions, helping them build their identity and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of history on the present
Explanation: Charlotte delves into historical research about a forgotten female poet, which sheds light on current issues around gender and power dynamics.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to respect and learn from the past to better understand contemporary issues and contribute to informed discussions.
Example Lesson: The value of mentorship and guidance
Explanation: The book highlights both positive and negative influences of adults on young individuals, exemplifying how guidance can shape one's path for better or worse.
Real-World Application: Children learn to seek out and appreciate guidance from trusted adults, fostering relationships that contribute to their growth and decision-making.
Example Lesson: Ethics in personal and professional relationships
Explanation: As Charlotte navigates complex relationships during her trip, the story explores themes of betrayal, trust, and ethical dilemmas.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of honesty and ethics in all relationships, promoting integrity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming challenges through resilience
Explanation: Faced with revelations and disappointments, Charlotte's resilience in pursuing her goals despite obstacles is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persevere through their own challenges, emphasizing that resilience is key to overcoming difficulties in life.