Duped – Explores those lured in and betrayed by compulsive liars
Reading the book blurb for Duped took my mind to Ja Rule’s recent tweet that went viral. The comedy, tragedy and sheer astonishment that so many intelligent, rich, A-List celebrities could be drawn into such a global scale scam such as the Fyre Festival
Duped is a refreshingly honest and open account from author and New York Times journalist Abby Ellin of her own tale of deception by someone she fell in love in with. As you read the story of ‘The Commander’ as he is referred to in the book (Unfortunately, I couldn’t help but think of The Handmaid’s Tale every time I saw that name on the page), you will gasp at the red flags which Abby should have seen, and did see to a certain extent. There were stories of international espionage and secret missions relating to Osama Bin Laden and the Pentagon an ex-wife, some kids and an unusual bromance with Seth McFarlane.
These may sound ridiculous, but ‘The Commander’ had many plausible reasons and excuses. So, what is that keeps an intelligent journalist, who seeks truth and facts for a living, hanging in there when the red flags are waving and your gut is telling you something is off? Are we all susceptible to being duped no matter what our social, educational or Mensa status?
Duffy’s thoughts on Duped
Abby Ellin not only dissects her own story but then goes on to explore others that have been duped and also those who have lived lives of constant secrets, stories, re-invention and deception. It’s a real eye-opener to just how prolific being duped seems to be; from fake internet profiles right up to faking your own death and re-inventing yourself anew. It’s also a
Duped is a vulnerable, self-deprecating, well researched and insightful read. If you’ve ever been Duped, you’ll want to pick up this book.
Order from Booktopia
Out now, published by Hachette RRP $32.99
Right! The energy needed to maintain a false life is incredible.
I can relate to this. Last year I got involved with a compulsive liar. Yes I know – intelligent independent woman was duped. Well no I wasn’t. I knew he was a lair a pathological liar but I went along for the ride. As a creative writer I would love to put down the mind of someone like that to paper. It must be mentally exhausting to have that kind of imagination and live with the results!