Dorothy Deene’s The Gravity of Lies is a poignant coming-of-age novel that follows Skye Lark, a struggling child entertainer, pursuing friends, family, and a sense of belonging. Living in Los Angeles, Skye and her mother scrape by on Skye’s modest earnings while grappling with the harsh realities of food and housing insecurity. Skye’s relentless quest to find her absent father and break free from her dreary existence takes a transformative turn when she’s chosen for a reality TV show. New friendships, financial stability, and the tantalizing allure of fame are within her reach—until a shocking event alters her trajectory.

From the engaging opening line, Deene’s masterful storytelling captivates readers, driving them to invest deeply in Skye’s journey. Far from a stereotypical protagonist, Skye is a multifaceted character whose struggles resonate with authenticity. Deene’s unflinching portrayal of the difficulties faced by child entertainers—including intense pressure, loneliness, relentless auditions, eating disorders, poverty, and even abuse—offers a stark and vivid panorama of their world. Amidst this bleak backdrop, Skye’s friendships with well-crafted supporting characters such as Kylie and Sebastian provide glimmers of hope and humanity. A particularly well-executed plot twist adds intrigue without disclosing vital details.

Despite its many strengths, The Gravity of Lies does present some areas where further development could enhance the reading experience. I felt the treatment of Skye’s abuse is approached with realism. Still, the resolution of other characters’ dilemmas seems hastily concluded, confined to just a few lines toward the novel’s conclusion. I think this is an area where Deene’s obvious talents could provide a more nuanced exploration. Additionally, I felt the extended seven-chapter continuation after the climax altered the otherwise good pace of the story.

For young adults who appreciate literary kin such as The Catcher in the Rye and Looking for Alaska, The Gravity of Lies is a compelling read. Deene crafts a rich tapestry of likable and realistic characters interwoven with resonant themes that will indeed speak to its intended audience. The novel is a remarkable exploration of perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery.

Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0C47N3SMD