THE GIRL WHO COULDN’T LIE by Radhika Sanghani
Author: Radhika Sanghani
THE GIRL WHO COULDN’T LIE is a fresh, funny, and moving middle-grade story that interweaves real-life challenges, like family tension, grief, and the pressures of competitive sports, with a sprinkle of magical realism. It’s told with warmth and empathy that invites readers to resonate deeply with Priya’s journey.
Thirteen-year-old Priya Shah has a habit of telling white lies - whether it’s pretending everything’s fine at home, keeping her head in gymnastics training, or hiding the challenges she faces at school. After her grandmother’s golden bangle - her link to the one person who ever truly understood her - unexpectedly fastens to her wrist, Priya discovers she can’t tell a single lie anymore.
The bangle's magical grip leaves her blurting embarrassing truths to friends, family, and her crush, even when she’d rather stay quiet. Now, Priya must navigate the chaos of radical honesty and decide whether she can find her true voice without losing the people she loves.
Through humour and heartfelt moments, the novel explores how truth and connection go hand in hand, and how hiding our real feelings - even with the best intentions - can hold us back. Priya’s struggle with honesty and her evolving relationships with friends, family, and herself make this a captivating read with real emotional depth.