The Lie; A Short Story

The Lie' is a short story by Mary Antin published shortly after 'the Promised Land' in 1912. In this story, an immigrant father Mr. Rudinsky, lies about his son's age in order to keep in the American school system for two more years. Young David is a devoted student and does well in school but the guilt of his father's lie hangs heavy on his shoulders.

Mary Antin (1881 - 1949) was an American author and immigration rights activist. She is best known for her 1912 autobiography 'The Promised Land', an account of her emigration and subsequent Americanisation. Other notable works include 'From Plotzk to Boston' (1899) and 'They Who Knock at Our Gates - A Complete Gospel of Immigration' (1914).