The Lie

From the American author and immigrant civil activist, Mary Antin, The Lie is an enlightening short story that illustrates what life was like for young immigrants in early twentieth-century America.

David is the son of Mr. Rudinsky, an immigrant living in America. To keep his son in the school system for a further two years, Mr. Rudinksy lies about David’s age. Although David works hard and performs well in school, his father’s lie is constantly nestled in the back of his mind and weighs heavy on his shoulders. Will their lie eventually catch up with them?

Mary Antin was a Jewish immigrant in the late 1800s whose writing was inspired by her own experiences. In this short story, she captures the emotions of many young people who have had to leave their birth countries for a new life. The Lie, originally published shortly after Antin’s seminal autobiography, The Promised Land, provides incredible insight into the lives and struggles of immigrants in the early 1900s.

Still as relevant as it was upon first publication, The Lie has been republished by Read & Co. Books for future generations to enjoy. This new edition is a must-read for those who enjoy the work of Mary Antin, and are interested in the history of immigration in twentieth-century America.