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A review by anniefwrites
Sometimes You Have to Lie: The Life and Times of Louise Fitzhugh, Renegade Author of Harriet the Spy by Leslie Brody
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this biography. I knew a little bit about Louise Fitzhugh beforehand--that she had a handful of Harriet books, was a lesbian when that had to remain under wraps, and died young. But Brody created a full picture of not just the events of her life, starting with a privileged but chaotic childhood, but also of her personality from her painstaking interviews and research. With an estate that keeps most of Fitzhugh's personal affects locked away, Brody had a real challenge in writing such a full and detailed biography. Louise Fitzhugh was a fascinating and flawed person, a reckless artist, a political radical, and so much more. I'm so glad I read this so that I can appreciate more the trailblazing that Fitzhugh did for all who write children's lit, including myself. What a badass.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Suicide, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Sexism, and Police brutality