Judy Blundell’s What I Saw And How I Lied: A WWII Coming-Of-Age Story

Quick Answer

• What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell is a young adult historical fiction novel that scrutinizes themes of identity, truth, and deception through the eyes of a teenage protagonist during World War II.
• This book is recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives, complex moral landscapes, and a deliberate, atmospheric pace, rather than those seeking immediate plot resolution or straightforward heroism.
• Readers should prepare for an unreliable narrator and a focus on psychological nuance, where the titular “lies” are as much about perception and omission as they are about outright falsehoods.

Who This Is For

• Young adult readers and adults who enjoy historical fiction set in the 1940s, particularly those interested in the civilian impact of World War II and the intricacies of familial secrets.
• Readers who value character studies and are drawn to narratives that explore the formation of identity and the challenges of navigating a world where truth is often subjective and carefully constructed.

What to Check First

• Narrative Voice: The story is told from the first-person perspective of Vivian, a young teenager. Her voice is central to the novel’s themes, but it is also inherently subjective and potentially unreliable.
• Thematic Focus: The core themes revolve around deception, the search for truth, the complexities of adult relationships, and the impact of wartime anxieties on personal lives. The title itself is a direct indicator of these themes.
• Pacing and Plot Structure: The novel unfolds at a measured pace, prioritizing atmosphere and character development. Plot progression is often driven by revelations and shifts in understanding rather than overt action.
• Historical Context: The setting of 1944 New York City and Long Island provides a critical backdrop, influencing character motivations, societal expectations, and the undercurrent of secrecy.

What I Saw and How I Lied

• Audible Audiobook
• Judy Blundell (Author) - Caitlin Greer (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 10/01/2009 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Audio Books (Publisher)

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Step-by-Step Plan for Engaging with the Narrative

1. Establish the Protagonist’s Initial State: Focus on Vivian’s life before Vance enters her world. What to look for: Her feelings of dissatisfaction, her observations of her mother, and her yearning for something beyond her immediate circumstances. Mistake: Overlooking Vivian’s initial emotional landscape; her desire for change is a primary motivator for her later actions and susceptibility to deception.

2. Analyze Vance’s Introduction: Observe the impact Vance has on Vivian’s perceptions and behaviors. What to look for: The subtle ways he influences her, the allure he represents, and the initial hints of his manipulative nature. Mistake: Accepting Vance’s charm at face value; the narrative subtly signals that his persona is a carefully constructed facade, a key element of the story’s deception.

3. Track the Unveiling of Secrets: As Vivian begins to uncover inconsistencies, note the specific information that challenges her understanding. What to look for: Contradictory statements, hidden objects, or overheard conversations that create dissonance. Mistake: Believing every explanation provided by other characters; the title warns the reader that deception is a pervasive element, and Vivian’s understanding is constantly evolving.

4. Examine the Role of “Lies”: Consider the various forms of deception present—overt falsehoods, omissions, and self-deception. What to look for: Who is lying, what their motivations are, and the consequences of these lies on Vivian and others. Mistake: Focusing solely on outright lies; the novel’s power lies in its exploration of subtler forms of deception, including Vivian’s own misinterpretations and rationalizations.

5. Assess Vivian’s Agency: Evaluate the choices Vivian makes and the factors influencing them. What to look for: Her decision-making process, the information she acts upon, and the immediate outcomes of her actions. Mistake: Judging Vivian’s actions solely by adult standards; her choices are a product of her youth, her limited experience, and the complex, often misleading, environment she navigates.

6. Consider the Wartime Influence: Observe how the backdrop of World War II impacts the characters’ lives and the atmosphere of the narrative. What to look for: References to the war, societal anxieties, and how these external pressures contribute to the internal conflicts and secrecy within the story. Mistake: Treating the war as mere background; it is an active force shaping character motivations and the pervasive sense of unease.

Understanding the Failure Modes in What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell

A significant failure mode readers encounter with What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell is the expectation of a straightforward, action-oriented plot driven by a clear protagonist and antagonist. The novel’s strength lies in its intricate character development and atmospheric portrayal of psychological complexity, which can be challenging for readers accustomed to more direct narrative structures. The deliberate ambiguity and the unreliable nature of Vivian’s narration are key elements, but they can lead to frustration if not approached with an understanding of the author’s intent.

Failure Mode: Reader dissatisfaction due to perceived slow pacing, lack of overt conflict, or the disorienting effect of an unreliable narrator.

Detection:

• Early Indicators: If a reader finds themselves frequently questioning “what is happening?” rather than “why is this character behaving this way?” within the first third of the book, it suggests a mismatch in narrative expectations. Skimming descriptive passages or feeling impatient with dialogue that doesn’t immediately advance a tangible plot point can also be warning signs.
• Behavioral Cues: A tendency to seek definitive answers or clear moral judgments from the narrative, rather than engaging with ambiguity, indicates a potential disconnect. Readers who prefer unambiguous resolutions may find the novel’s nuanced approach frustrating.
• Expectation Mismatch: If the reader anticipated a typical wartime adventure with clear heroes and villains, the novel’s focus on domestic secrets, moral gray areas, and subjective truth will likely feel like a deviation from their expectations.

Mitigation: Approaching What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell with an awareness of its genre and literary aims is crucial. Recognize that the novel’s power derives from its exploration of internal conflict, the subjective nature of truth, and the psychological impact of deception. The “action” is often internal—Vivian’s evolving understanding and emotional responses—and the “conflict” lies in the moral and psychological complexities the characters navigate. Embracing Vivian’s evolving, and often flawed, perspective allows for a deeper appreciation of the narrative’s thematic richness and its portrayal of a young girl’s encounter with adult secrets and wartime anxieties.

Common Myths About What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell

• Myth: The novel is primarily a coming-of-age romance.
• Correction: While Vivian’s infatuation with Vance is a significant plot driver, the story transcends a simple romance. Vance serves as a catalyst, introducing Vivian to a world of adult secrets and deceptions that force her to question her own identity and the reality around her. The romantic element is a means to explore deeper themes of truth, identity, and disillusionment.
• Myth: The “lies” in the title refer only to outright falsehoods told by characters.
• Correction: The novel explores a broader spectrum of deception. This includes omissions, half-truths, self-deception, and the subjective nature of perception. Vivian’s own narration is a testament to how personal experience and interpretation can shape what is perceived as truth, making the “lies” multifaceted and deeply ingrained in the characters’ lives.

Expert Tips for Reading What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell

• Tip: Actively scrutinize Vivian’s narration for signs of bias or limited understanding.
• Actionable Step: When Vivian describes an event or a character’s motives, pause and consider what information she might be missing or how her age and emotional state might be coloring her perception.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Accepting Vivian’s interpretations as objective fact. Her perspective is the primary lens, but it is a deliberately flawed one, designed to highlight the complexities of truth and deception.
• Tip: Pay attention to the subtle environmental cues that underscore the wartime atmosphere.
• Actionable Step: Note how descriptions of the city, the weather, or the general mood of the characters reflect the anxieties and restrictions of the wartime era, and how these external factors might influence characters’ decisions and their need for secrecy.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Treating the historical setting as mere backdrop. The pervasive influence of World War II—its anxieties, its social changes, its underlying sense of impermanence—is integral to the characters’ motivations and the narrative’s thematic depth.
• Tip: Analyze the motivations behind the various deceptions presented in the novel.
• Actionable Step: For each instance of a “lie,” consider who is involved, why they are lying, and what they stand to gain or lose. Distinguish between malicious deception and deceptions born of fear, protection, or societal pressure.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Labeling all deceptions as equal or inherently negative. The novel explores the nuanced reasons behind why people lie or conceal truths, particularly in a time of societal upheaval.

Literary Strengths and Limitations

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