The Book of Lies
Brad Meltzer
320 pp. Grand Central Publishing. $25.99
Pub. Date: 9/2/2008
ISBN-13: 978-0446577885
Reviewed by Lindsay Stotts
So what does the creator of the Superman comics and the sons of Adam and Eve have in common? Could it be rescuing strays from the pound, or long walks on the beach? Or maybe collecting hand-painted Russian nesting dolls? Can’t come up with anything? Well neither could I. At first glance, I’d have to laugh and say that they have absolutely nothing in common. Upon further investigation conducted through Brad Meltzer’s The Book of Lies, apparently they have a slightly more significant connection.
The story of Cain and Abel is one of the most famous or infamous stories in the Bible. It’s the first murder. And a betrayal of staggering proportions. If it was a biblical crime television series, it’d be Homicide B.C. It’s the reason people know the word fratricide. (How many folk know the word for killing one’s sister? It’s sororicide, by the way. Great factoid to work into dinner party conversations. Especially a dinner party where people are looking to off their sisters.) There is one great mystery about the story, though: what was used as the murder weapon for this heinous crime?
Thousands of years later, Jerry Siegel—the creator of Superman—is a young boy, naïve and innocent. Jerry’s father is murdered in cold blood, an event that spurs Jerry’s creation of the Superman mythos. What no one knows though is that the first renderings of Superman hold more than just nostalgic and emotional appeal—they hold the secret to the biggest murder in history. About what weapon Cain used to kill Abel.
When it’s discovered that the real truth behind the world’s most famous fratricide is in Siegel’s comic, an unlikely pair set off on a whirlwind race to find it.
Admittedly, I was hesitant about The Book of Lies, almost dismissive at first. I didn’t think author Brad Meltzer was going to be able to write a convincing story with two—seemingly—vastly unrelated topics. And still have it make sense, and not seem forced or outlandish. After reading the book, I must say he was able to do just that, write a convincing and cohesive story which is incredibly exciting, entertaining and unique.
Meltzer seamlessly infused the two stories into one compelling and action-filled mystery adventure. He succeeded in combining fictional elements with historic and factual real life tidbits. This gave the story enough realism to make it seem believable, bringing elements as familiar as the Superman comics and the story of Cain and Abel to life.
Last Word:
The Book of Lies turned out to be a very engaging and entertaining read, despite my initial concerns. This book will keep you on pins and needle through the whole adventure, always wondering what’s lurking around the next corner. I look forward to seeing what Brad Meltzer has in store next, with his unique plot lines and convincing combinations of fact and fiction. The Book of Lies was a big ball of fun.
Final Score: 82 out of 100
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