How does an innocuous elementary school trivia night turn into a fatal crime scene? With the dynamics of a group of overly-involved, gossip-driven kindergarten parents and a series of epic events that unfold into a murder.
Liane Moriarty’s “Big Little Lies” is told in a light and humorous tone. The story follows three mothers– Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—starting six months prior to the infamous trivia night. Jane is a young, single mother who is new to their small community. At the kindergarten orientation, Jane’s son is accused of bullying a little girl, which spirals into a series of dramatic events including a petition to get the child kicked out of school. The vivacious and passionate Madeline along with her stunning friend Celeste take Jane under their wings and help her navigate through all the chaos. Though Madeline and Celeste are quick to help Jane, they both are harboring their own secrets and deep personal troubles.
“Big Little Lies” is an enthralling tale that keeps the reader guessing the murderer and the victim until the very last chapter. Within the murder plot are several small subplots and unexpected twists that make the book incredibly engaging. Moriarty gets credit for exploring some dark themes, including bullying and domestic abuse, all while keep the murder mystery genre. Her ability to capture her characters’ personalities and their reactions to the events is praiseworthy. Moriarty is an excellent storyteller with lovable characters, making “Big Little Lies” a book you can’t resist (Watching the HBO series does not count, though you should do that too).
Hannah Lapin 