Reviews for Diane Chamberlain's Necessary Lies highlight its compelling narrative and well-researched setting, shedding light on historical injustices. Readers appreciate the intricate character development and emotional depth. However, some critics find certain plot elements predictable. Overall, the novel captivates with its thought-provoking and heart-wrenching story.

A reader who would enjoy Diane Chamberlain's Necessary Lies is typically drawn to historical fiction interwoven with emotional and ethical dilemmas. Fans of The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate would appreciate the novel’s deep character development and exploration of social injustices.

In Necessary Lies, Diane Chamberlain interweaves the narratives of Jane Forrester, a new social worker in 1960s rural North Carolina, and her 15-year-old client, Ivy Hart. As Jane faces her own personal and marital conflicts, she becomes determined to protect Ivy from the state's forced sterilization program amidst the oppressive poverty and rigid social structures of Grace County.

Emotional / Inspirational / Contemplative / Challenging / Bittersweet

- Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain addresses themes of social injustice and was inspired by real-life events surrounding the North Carolina Eugenics program, which is a little-known aspect of American history.
- The book explores the moral complexities faced by a young social worker, and Diane Chamberlain drew from her own background as a former social worker and psychotherapist in crafting the story's narrative.
- Set in the rural Southern United States during the 1960s, Necessary Lies vividly captures the cultural and societal challenges of the era, providing a rich historical context that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

**Jane Forrester**  
A kind and devoted character who seeks to balance a career in social work with her personal life in a time when women pursuing work outside the home faced societal pushback. Her genuine care for her clients leads her to challenge professional boundaries.

**Ivy Hart**  
A hard-working and responsible 15-year-old girl living in the rural South during the 1960s, who is committed to caring for her family despite limited resources. Her dreams of a better life are shaped by her challenging circumstances.

**Charlotte Werkman**  
An experienced and realistic social worker who hires Jane and epitomizes the professional status quo, maintaining detachment from her clients to ensure objective decision-making. She admires Jane but feels obligated to adhere to professional protocol.

**Robert Forrester**  
Jane’s husband, a respected pediatrician who holds traditional beliefs about gender roles and is eager to maintain social acceptance within his community. His differing views with Jane cause tension in their marriage.

**Davison Gardiner**  
The owner of the farm where the Hart family lives, initially portrayed as benevolent and fair but later revealed to have a more complicated and self-serving nature. His role deeply impacts Jane's understanding of the social and economic issues faced by her clients.

Diane Chamberlain

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