Overview

From the award-winning author of The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence comes a wickedly funny and unexpectedly moving memoir of childhood guilt, globetrotting mishaps, and one truly terrible lie. The Lie That Changed Everything tells the story of a boy who was forced to swear a lie on his father's life, dreamed of his death, and then watched it come true. Trew unpacks this haunting legacy with unfiltered honesty and laugh-out-loud British humour, reflecting on a childhood shaped by chaos, confusion, and unexpected moments of grace. Set in the '60s and '70s, the story travels through RAF bases, botched first kisses, and a failed ""Ten Pound Pom"" migration to Australia. At its core are a mum who could terrify the devil with her ""scriptures,"" and a war-hero dad whose quiet reclusiveness left a hole no amount of humour could fill. One little rascal. One very big lie. And one funny, unforgettable ride. Perfect for fans of Sedaris, Angela's Ashes and The Glass Castle; Trew's tale is as heartbreaking as it is hilarious. The Lie That Changed Everything is Part 1 of a two-part memoir series, followed by The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence - winner of the 2025 Independent Author Award and Literary Titan Gold Award. Set in 1960s and 1970s England and Australia, this coming-of-age memoir explores RAF life, Ten Pound Pom migration, childhood guilt, British humour, family dysfunction, and parental loss. Perfect for readers drawn to nostalgic, emotional, and darkly funny true stories. The Lie That Changed Everything is Part 1 of a two-part memoir series, followed by The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence - winner of the 2025 Independent Author Award and Literary Titan Gold Award.

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9781069372949

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Reviews

""The Lie That Changed Everything is a deeply affecting, brutally funny, and beautifully crafted memoir. It takes us to the edge of grief and madness, then hauls us back with laughter, warmth, and wonder. It's a tribute to a complicated mum, a troubled dad, and a brave little rascal who somehow survived with heart and humour intact. The Lie That Changed Everything is more than a coming-of-age tale; it's a testament to resilience, a love letter to the underdog, and a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of childhood, light and laughter can survive."" Sandra Cain (Award Winning Author & Editor).

""The Lie That Changed Everything is a deeply affecting, brutally funny, and beautifully crafted memoir. It takes us to the edge of grief and madness, then hauls us back with laughter, warmth, and wonder. It's a tribute to a complicated mum, a troubled dad, and a brave little rascal who somehow survived with heart and humour intact. The Lie That Changed Everything is more than a coming-of-age tale; it's a testament to resilience, a love letter to the underdog, and a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of childhood, light and laughter can survive."" Sandra Cain (Award Winning Author & Editor). This raw and unflinching memoir deserves its five-star rating. If you enjoyed Angela's Ashes, then you'll love The Lie That Changed Everything. This is Gary Trew's second emotionally turbulent and hilarious memoir (the prequel) about growing up in a challenging family dynamic with a military father with PTSD and a mother whose childhood trauma had lingering effects of its own. Gary shares his captivating story as a young boy trying to navigate his way through life with brutal honesty and a no-holes-barred style, firmly convinced that it was these very same experiences that helped shape the man he is today. Gary's mother's story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. Despite her rough upbringing, she was always there for Gary and his siblings. What I found most fascinating about the Trews was how they dealt with traumatic situations. They possess a unique brand of dark humor, and I love it. What I learned is that nothing can get you down if you don't let it. I didn't always know whether to laugh or cry, so I indulged in both. (Danelle Petersen: Readers' Favorite)

Author Information

Gary Trew is a British-born author now living in Canada, known to friends and colleagues as ""that funny British guy"" thanks to his dry wit and enduring accent. A former UK police officer and Canadian child protection social worker, he holds degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Social Work. His writing blends dark humour with deep empathy-shaped by years investigating abuse, raising four spirited daughters, and surviving a 1970s education system that resembled a war zone. He loves Marmite, Cadbury's, and Brighton & Hove Albion (though not always in that order).Gary has also published humorous crime fiction books under the pen name of Denny Darke.

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