Big Little Lies Summary
Big Little Lies is a captivating novel by Australian author Liane Moriarty, which was published in 2014. It tells the story of three women, all with children in the same kindergarten class, who become entangled in a web of secrets and lies that leads to a shocking act of violence.
The novel is set in the idyllic coastal town of Pirriwee, near Sydney, Australia. The main characters are Madeline, Celeste, and Jane, all of whom are struggling with personal issues. Madeline is a fiery, strong-willed woman who is dealing with her ex-husband's new marriage and her own feelings of inadequacy. Celeste is a beautiful, wealthy mother of twin boys who is hiding a dark secret about her abusive husband. Jane is a young, single mother who has just moved to Pirriwee with her son, Ziggy, and is trying to start a new life.
As the school year progresses, tensions rise among the parents at the kindergarten, and secrets and lies begin to emerge. There is a school trivia night coming up, and it becomes clear that someone is planning to do something drastic. The novel is narrated in alternating perspectives, with each chapter focusing on one of the three women, as well as snippets of interviews with other parents and witnesses to the events leading up to the trivia night.
Moriarty's writing style is engaging and witty, with a strong emphasis on character development. The novel deals with heavy themes, such as domestic abuse, infidelity, and bullying, but it is also lighthearted and humorous at times. The story is expertly woven, with each character's storyline building upon the others, until the reader is left on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.
The audiobook version of Big Little Lies is narrated by Caroline Lee, who does an excellent job of bringing each character to life with her nuanced performance. Her Australian accent adds to the authenticity of the story, and her pacing is just right, keeping the listener engaged throughout the book's 16 hours and 27 minutes runtime.
Overall, Big Little Lies is a gripping and suspenseful novel that will keep listeners hooked until the very end. It explores the complexities of motherhood and friendship, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. Moriarty's skillful writing and Lee's masterful narration make the audiobook version a must-listen for fans of the genre.
