To Tell You the Truth

"To Tell You the Truth" by Leonard Merrick is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Marie Lamande, a talented pianist who leaves her small-town life in France with ambitions of making it big in Paris. Her journey unfolds through resilience and the struggle for recognition, alongside the emotional turmoil stemming from her circumstances and decisions. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Marie Lamande, who, at the age of twenty-seven, escapes from the oppressive atmosphere of her hometown to pursue her dream of becoming a celebrated artist in Paris. Struggling to establish herself, she takes on meager teaching jobs while longing for opportunities to perform. As she faces the harsh realities of life in the city, her association with an impoverished widow leads to a life-altering decision involving a child left behind after a tragic accident. The opening portion sets the stage for Marie's internal conflict and the ethical dilemmas that will arise as she grapples with her ambitions and the responsibilities she reluctantly takes on.