I Tell a Lie Every So Often

Bruce Clement's novel I Tell a Lie Every So Often is an engaging tale of Henry and his brother Clayton's quest to find a lost relative in the nineteenth century Midwest. The story takes many turns, from sinking ships to shooting rifles, all because of a tiny lie Henry told. The reader continuously wonders what will happen next. Henry, although young and a bit naïve, has many profound insights throughout the tale. He confesses to the reader shame for not speaking up for a person he respects, and realizes the folly of his actions. Although he does not act in time to prevent some of the misfortunes that occur during his travels, he follows his conscience and does what he believes is right, sometimes against what is taught to him by his elders. The back of the book describes Henry as "Holden Caufield invented by Mark Twain." I would not go so far as describe him this way; there are few characters in my opinion that could be compared with Holden Caufield. I will agree that Henry and the journey he entails are in the spirit of Holden, Huckleberry, Tom and their adventures, especially the latter two. This is light and pleasant reading, but also touches on some deeper issues, such as the treatment of Indians during the frontier. A good story of an odyssey that didn't need to happen, but I agree with Henry and I am glad it did anyway.