'The Lie' by Chad Kultgen is a novel that follows the lives of three main characters told from their different perspectives. The story delves into the dark and twisted behaviors of these characters, showcasing their abhorrent actions and decisions. The narrative style is described as confessional, stream of consciousness, and diary-like, which keeps the readers engaged and conflicted about the characters' actions. The novel is filled with vulgarity and dark humor, often playing these elements for effective laughs while exploring the worst aspects of human nature.

Characters:

The characters are largely unlikable and morally corrupt, each representing various negative aspects of society, ultimately leading to their downfall.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by a mix of sardonic humor and a compelling narrative style, using distinct voices that engage the reader while exploring dark themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around the superficial and immoral actions of wealthy college students, culminating in a surprisingly harsh resolution that reflects their flaws.

Setting:

The setting is a modern university that serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of privilege and corruption among its students.

Pacing:

The pacing is usually fast and engaging, although it can sometimes drag due to overindulgence in explicit content.

We met about two weeks into our freshman year at SMU. I was majoring in biological sciences with the intent of getting into a good med school and she was getting a bachelor’s degree in elementary educ...

Notes:

The Lie is often compared to Chad Kultgen's earlier work, The Average American Male.

The book is described as a satire of shallow modern culture, focusing on wealthy college students.

It presents multiple perspectives, which allows readers to see different interpretations of the same events.

Characters are intentionally written to be unlikable, which sparks strong reactions from readers.

The humor in the book is described as vulgar, yet effective and compelling.

It features a college setting filled with drugs, crime, and dark themes.

The writing style has been likened to that of Brett Easton Ellis, especially in character dynamics and moral ambiguity.

Some readers feel that the portrayal of women in the book reinforces negative stereotypes, while others see it as a critical commentary.

The ending is described as surprising, leaving characters to confront the consequences of their actions.

Despite its flaws, many readers found it engaging and difficult to put down.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings include sexual abuse, misogyny, drug use, and discussions around abortion.

From The Publisher:

With the publication of The Average American Male - and the release of the shocking viral videos that made it a water-cooler sensation - Chad Kultgen became one of the most talked-about authors of recent years. Now, with The Lie, Kultgen returns with an even more salacious - yet also more searching - novel that reaches deeper into the craven inner workings of some of most depraved minds in America: college students.

His subjects are Brett, the rich hedonist whose appetite for sex is matched only by his contempt for women; his best friend, Kyle, the brooding science geek whose good intentions lead him to one disastrous decision; and Heather, the social-climbing sorority girl who has the power to destroy them both. As this devil's triangle plows through four years of college, Kultgen offers a astonishing take on the wild and amoral universe of college today: a frathouse world where sex is social currency, status means everything - and winner takes all.

Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.

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About the Author:

Chad Kultgen is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His novels include The Average American Male, The Average American Marriage, The Lie, and Men, Women & Children, the basis of a feature film by Jason Reitman. He lives in California.

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The Lie

Chad Kultgen