Product guide

The Lies They Told — Historical Fiction

Fiction: The Lies They Told is a historical novel set in 1930s Virginia, following immigrant mother Lena Conti as she confronts eugenics, family separation and the threat of losing her daughter. Its themes of injustice and survival suit readers prepared for emotionally difficult subject matter.

At a glance

Set in rural 1930s Virginia against the historical backdrop of the eugenics movement.
Follows an immigrant mother separated from her family and fighting to protect her daughter.
The listing describes this as a hardcover edition and also mentions a trade paperback original.

Price

£13.19Save 22%

Reference price: ~~£16.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Often bought together

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook: A Heartbreaking Novel of Survival Based on True History

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Pros and cons

Pros

A focused historical-fiction narrative connects a mother's personal struggle with eugenics and state persecution.
At 384 pages, the listing gives a clear indication of the book's length.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Book details
Format described	A Simultaneous Hardcover Edition—Also Available as Trade Paperback Original
Publisher	Kensington Publishing
Publication date	29 July 2025
Language	English
Print length	384 pages
ISBN-10	1496741501
ISBN-13	978-1496741509

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	369 g
Dimensions	13.97 x 2.39 x 20.96 cm

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers of historical fiction about eugenics, immigration and social injustice.
Readers interested in stories of family separation, survival and hope.

Less suited to

Readers seeking light or emotionally undemanding fiction. The story involves forced family separation and institutional persecution.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.4 / 5 · 6,574 ratings

5 stars59%59%
4 stars30%30%
3 stars9%9%
2 stars1%1%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes the novel as engaging, engrossing and emotionally affecting, with some readers also appreciating its historical content and research. Others find it difficult to read, so the subject matter may be challenging despite the clear 384-page length. The overall ratings lean positive, but ratings alone do not explain individual reactions.

Positive themes

Customers describe the story as engaging and hard to put down.
Feedback praises the historical content, and some readers find it informative.

Mixed feedback

Readability feedback is mixed. Some find it easy to read, while others find it difficult.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Lies They Told about?

The novel follows Lena Conti, an immigrant mother in 1930s Virginia, as she faces family separation and persecution linked to the eugenics movement while trying to protect her daughter.

How long is the book?

The listing gives a print length of 384 pages.

What format is this edition?

The product details describe a simultaneous hardcover edition, while the listing text also refers to a trade paperback original. Confirm the format for the selected edition before ordering.

Is the story emotionally difficult?

The supplied description includes forced family separation, poverty and institutional persecution. Customer feedback also describes the story as gut-wrenching, though readers differ on how easy it is to read.