Why Men Lie

A middle-aged woman finds what she thinks is love in later life - a brilliant new novel from the winner of the 2009 Scotiabank Giller Prize.

Absolutely brilliant...has the flavour of a peaty singlemalt

Linden MacIntyre is one of Canada's most distinguished broadcast journalists. He has been involved in the production of documentaries and stories from all over the world. He is the author of four previous books, including his first novel, The Long Stretch, and a childhood memoir, Causeway, both of which were critically acclaimed; the latter won The Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction in 2007. His most recent novel, The Bishop's Man, was awarded the 2009 Scotiabank Giller Prize, and two Libris Awards. It was also longlisted for the Dublin IMPAC Prize. MacIntyre was born in St Lawrence, Newfoundland, and grew up in Port Hastings, Cape Breton. He now lives in Toronto.

Effie Gillis is a history professor teaching at a major university. She is also a survivor - of a troubled childhood, two failed marriages and numerous relationships which, for the most part, ended badly. 
 
Now, out of her past, arrives a man who is familiar and yet mysterious; mature, wise, and full of youthful energy. His presence is a reassurance, but he also carries with him an aura that is menacing. 
 
Slowly she becomes dependent on a relationship that's rich in truth and promise - but doomed by the lie that gave it life. 
 
Drawing on both minor and major characters from his two previous novels, The Long Stretch and The Bishop's Man, Why Men Lie is a story of longing, love and loss in middle age.

Linden MacIntyre

Extraordinary... Above all, it's a page-turner which renders existential questions about personal responsibility into fodder fit for a thriller

Impressive in the breadth of its concerns ... what is striking about The Bishop's Man is the way the author achieves a necessary balance, keeping a judicious distance between himself and his tale of institutional corruption and its dire effect. Both dispassion and compassion inform his narrative

The character of MacAskill, whose theological musings are worthy of Graham Greene, is rich and complex. The remote and decaying fishing village, with its cast of lost and lonely souls, also rings with conviction

Powerful... An overwhelming sense of secrecy pervades every exchange, every turn and twist of the story

Very readable, with a hint of Graham Greene

Father Duncan MacAskill has spent most of his priesthood as the 'Exorcist' - an enforcer employed by his bishop to discipline wayward clergy and suppress potential scandal. 
 
Hidden in a small rural parish to avoid an impending public controversy, Duncan must now confront the consequences of his past. Pushed to the breaking point by loneliness, tragedy and sudden self-knowledge, Duncan discovers how hidden obsessions and guilty secrets either find their way to the light of understanding, or poison any chance we have for love and spiritual peace. 
 
Winner of the 2009 Giller Prize, Canada's Premier Literary Prize.

Linden MacIntyre

Praise for The Bishop's Man

Extraordinary... Above all, it's a page-turner which renders existential questions about personal responsibility into fodder fit for a thriller

Impressive in the breadth of its concerns ... what is striking about The Bishop's Man is the way the author achieves a necessary balance, keeping a judicious distance between himself and his tale of instituti ...

The character of MacAskill, whose theological musings are worthy of Graham Greene, is rich and complex. The remote and decaying fishing village, with its cast of lost and lonely souls, also rings with conviction

Extraordinary... Above all, it's a page-turner which renders existential questions about personal responsibility into fodder fit for a thriller

Impressive in the breadth of its concerns ... what is striking about The Bishop's Man is the way the author achieves a necessary balance, keeping a judicious distance between himself and his tale of instituti ...

The character of MacAskill, whose theological musings are worthy of Graham Greene, is rich and complex. The remote and decaying fishing village, with its cast of lost and lonely souls, also rings with conviction

Extraordinary... Above all, it's a page-turner which renders existential questions about personal responsibility into fodder fit for a thriller

Impressive in the breadth of its concerns ... what is striking about The Bishop's Man is the way the author achieves a necessary balance, keeping a judicious distance between himself and his tale of instituti ...

The character of MacAskill, whose theological musings are worthy of Graham Greene, is rich and complex. The remote and decaying fishing village, with its cast of lost and lonely souls, also rings with conviction

Books by Linden MacIntyre

Series by Linden MacIntyre

The Cape Breton Trilogy

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