You’ve all heard of James Frey, right? You know, the “Million Little Pieces” author who LIED to Oprah (gasp!) about the essential truth of his memoir. I was never able to work up much indignation; I liked the quirky weird writing of the book, was carried along by the story, and didn’t believe a word of it even before he was revealed to be a liar. To me, it was not such a big shock. Writers lie. They just do.
Now he’s written a new book, and Janet Maslin’s New York Times review is so clever that I want to rush right out and buy it. Maybe I will, and maybe I won’t. But the review was brilliant.
May 16, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I read his first book too and didn’t seem to mind that he embellished so much. I didn’t quite understand why Oprah took it so personally either. Oh well. Nevertheless, he is a talented writer…truth or untruth.
May 16, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Why should we care what Oprah says anyway?
May 16, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I didn’t read the book, but I’m glad I’m not the only one who wasn’t able to get too worked up over exaggerations and lies in a memoir. I’ve only got the capacity for so much righteous indignation so I like to save it up for things that piss me off a little more — like when my government lies to me.
May 17, 2008 at 7:56 am
I agree, I thought this review was absolutely brilliant as well. I didn’t read little pieces simply because I wasn’t very interested, but I think I may give this one a try!
May 18, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Oprah doesn’t like him? I’m there!