A genius idea, executed flawlessly. * Red *
This high concept novel is intriguing, engrossing, and frighteningly plausible. I think we're going to see The Big Lie shortlisted for a great number of awards next year. * Louise O'Neill, author of ONLY EVER YOURS *
Brilliantly realised . . . this unputdownable book is also a powerful and moving exploration of friendship, family, sexuality and what it really means to be "good" * Irish Times *
The Big Lie is a chilling, beautifully written, minutely observed 'what if' novel that messes with your head and stays with you long, long after you've turned the final page. * Sarra Manning *
A very special book * James Dawson, author of THIS BOOK IS GAY *
Brave, beautiful and devastating...Like all the best speculative fiction it echoes not only the past but what is happening NOW. Amazing. * Rae Earl, author of MY MAD FAT DIARY *
One book that everybody will be talking about... a thought-provoking and chilling coming-of-age novel exploring loyalty, love and morals. * The Bookseller (Children's Previews) *
Devastating, thought-provoking alternate history -- Claire Allfree * Metro *
The Big Lie is a powerful, uncompromising, uncomfortable, thought provoking, challenging and chilling read [...] frighteningly realistic -- Tanja Jennings * School Library Association *
A powerful coming-of-age story, The Big Lie deftly takes on the big guns of dystopia, including sexism, feminism, sexuality, loyalty, propaganda, freedom and protest. Make sure you get a copy on your bookshelf, stat. * Stylist Online *
Mayhew manages two feats, both crucial: she creates a believable modern-day Nazi society built on rules, silence, and surveillance, and a compelling depiction of a girl caught between what she has always been taught and what she is coming to suspect is true. As Jessika discovers, the truth is both dangerous and liberating * Publishers Weekly *
Readers who know their World War II history and enjoy extremely unreliable narrators will find great satisfaction in puzzling out the truth behind the horrors Jess leaves unspoken * Kirkus *
Beyond its alternate history premise, the book deftly examines the ways in which gender roles and sexuality play out under a society that strictly delineates them. There are surprises for both Jess and the reader in the ending, making this a timely piece for teens to consider what pacifism and/or protest looks like and the costs each entail * Bulletin For The Center of Children's Books *
This is a story that paints the dangers of totalitarianism in vivid language * The Conversation *
