Diary of Lies

Barbara Gurney

1968. After her father gambles away the family home, seven-year-old Kate and her mother move to Chidley House, a quaint boarding house in Fremantle, where Alice Chidley occasionally allows Kate to watch the newly acquired TV, Miss Tillman encourages her to be more than “Just Kate”, and Stan and Syd Blennerhasset fuel Kate’s imagination with facts and made-up stories. With this background of fantasy unintentionally created, Kate warms to make-believe and hidden truths as a way out from her unwanted existence. When Chidley House is sold, Stan gives Kate a diary as a parting gift.

After leaving school, Kate endures a job in a cafe and evening typing classes. Absorbing etiquette and subtle manipulation from her new wealthy friend, Fiona Noble, she waits for the opportunity to have a similar lifestyle, embellishing her family’s situation and social standing with untruths.

1977. Securing a job at an upmarket boutique as Katisse Blanchard, Kate is worlds away from her past. Her subtle lies continue as she builds a life amongst society’s elite, recording her exploits in a diary.

But has Kate’s attitude, shaped by comparison of others’ lifestyles, created overtures for a life of illusion? Are her diaries full of lies or enriched truths? And will she regret any of it?

A well-written story with twists and surprises that kept me reading. Add to that a lovely writing voice and excellent characterisation, and you have an entertaining read.

- Juanita Kees, author of the Calhouns of Montana series.