A Comfy Night in with Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel that stayed with me long after I finished it. Set in the 1960s, the story follows a young social worker navigating morally complex decisions in a deeply flawed system. From the beginning, the book pulls you in with its quiet intensity, asking hard questions about right and wrong, compassion, and the consequences of choices made in the name of “help.”
What makes this story so powerful is its emotional honesty. The characters feel real and vulnerable, and the situations they face are uncomfortable in ways that make you stop and reflect. Chamberlain handles sensitive topics with care, allowing the story to unfold thoughtfully rather than sensationally. There were moments that felt heavy, but they were balanced by tenderness and hope, making the reading experience meaningful rather than overwhelming.
Reading Necessary Lies felt like sitting with a difficult truth and allowing yourself the time to truly absorb it. It’s the kind of book that encourages empathy and lingers in your thoughts long after the last page. If you enjoy emotionally rich, character-driven stories that challenge you while still offering moments of warmth and humanity, this is a powerful and unforgettable read—and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
⭐Rating: 4/5. Recommend to readers who enjoy tragic “real” life stories.