Lie With Me by Philippe Besson

Philippe Besson's novel Arrête avec tes mensonges is set in France. It was released in 2017 and garnered positive reviews. It was awarded the Maison de la Presse Prize. Molly Ringwald translated it into English as Lie With Me, and English-language reviews praised it.

The protagonist is going about his typical day when he comes across a young man who resembles his first love. Besson's poetic prose brings his recollections to life. He recalls his affair with Thomas, their attachment, and their covert rendezvous. Thomas is remote and detached – socioeconomic inequalities divide them, and Thomas knows Philippe will leave their small-town life one day. They are separated by heteronormativity and class. Finally, the greatness of this work rests in its beautiful language and capacity to express to the reader the longing, anguish, yearning, and pain of being concealed.

Translated by Molly Ringwald

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40539136