Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty book review – “Big Little Lies” is a novel by Liane Moriarty, published in 2014. It is a psychological thriller that centers around a group of mothers living in the fictional Australian coastal town of Pirriwee. The novel explores the relationships, secrets, and lies that bind the women together, and it builds to a dramatic and shocking climax.
Critics have praised the book for its sharp writing, complex characters, and twisty plot. Moriarty’s pacing is excellent and she keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The story is also full of dark humor and satire, which makes it a page-turner. The book has been adapted into a successful HBO series of the same name, starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley.
Book characters
“Big Little Lies” features a diverse cast of characters, all of whom are connected in some way to the Pirriwee Public School. The main characters are:
Madeline Martha Mackenzie: A strong-willed and opinionated mother of two, who is fiercely protective of her friends and family. She is a leader of the school’s parent community and is constantly at odds with the new single mother, Jane.
Celeste Wright: A beautiful and successful mother of twin boys, who seems to have it all. However, her marriage is plagued by secrets and violence, and she is struggling to keep up appearances.
Jane Chapman: A young, single mother who has recently moved to Pirriwee with her five-year-old son, Ziggy. She is the new girl in town and finds herself an outsider among the cliquey group of mothers.
Renata Klein: A wealthy and powerful businesswoman, who is fiercely protective of her daughter Amabella. She is a formidable force in the school and is always looking out for her child’s best interests.
Bonnie Carlson: Madeline’s close friend, who is a yoga instructor. She is the peacemaker of the group, and is always trying to diffuse tense situations.
Nathan Carlson: Bonnie’s husband, who is a successful businessman. He is charming, but also has a dark side.
Perry Wright: Celeste’s abusive husband and father of their twin boys. He is charismatic and charming, but also has a tendency to be violent.
These characters are complex, flawed and well-developed, and their relationships are portrayed with nuance and realism. Their interactions, secrets and lies are the core of the story.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty book summary
“Big Little Lies” is a novel by Liane Moriarty that centers around a group of mothers living in the fictional Australian coastal town of Pirriwee. The book follows the lives of Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, Bonnie, Nathan and Perry, as they navigate the challenges of motherhood, marriage, and friendship.
The novel begins with a murder at a school fundraiser, which shakes the tight-knit community of Pirriwee. Through a series of flashbacks, the story unfolds to reveal the events leading up to the murder, and the secrets and lies that bind the characters together.
Madeline is a strong-willed mother of two who is fiercely protective of her friends and family. She is constantly at odds with the new single mother, Jane, who has recently moved to town with her young son Ziggy. Celeste is a beautiful and successful mother of twin boys, who seems to have it all, but her marriage is plagued by secrets and violence. Renata is a wealthy and powerful businesswoman, who is fiercely protective of her daughter Amabella. Bonnie is Madeline’s close friend, who is a yoga instructor and the peacemaker of the group. Nathan is Bonnie’s husband, who is a successful businessman. Perry is Celeste’s abusive husband and father of their twin boys.
As the story progresses, the characters’ pasts and secrets are revealed, leading to a dramatic and shocking climax. The novel explores themes of motherhood, marriage, power, and the complexities of human relationships.
“Big Little Lies” is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s a story of mothers, friends, and the lies that bind them together. The book was adapted into a successful HBO series of the same name, starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley.
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Plot twist
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty features a number of plot twists throughout the novel that keep the reader guessing until the very end. One of the biggest twists in the story is the reveal of the identity of the murder victim. The novel starts with a murder at a school fundraiser, and throughout the story, the reader is led to believe that the victim is one of the main characters. However, the identity of the victim is not revealed until the climax of the story, when it is revealed to be Perry Wright, Celeste’s abusive husband.
Another twist in the story is the revelation of the identity of Ziggy’s father. Jane, a young, single mother, has recently moved to Pirriwee with her five-year-old son, Ziggy. Throughout the novel, it is suggested that Ziggy may be the son of one of the main characters. However, the identity of Ziggy’s father is not revealed until the end of the story, when it is revealed that Perry Wright is Ziggy’s father, which makes Celeste and Jane related.
Additionally, the novel explores the secrets and lies that the characters keep from each other, and the plot twists as these secrets are revealed. This includes Celeste’s abusive marriage, Madeline’s past infidelity, and Jane’s past as a victim of sexual assault.
Ending explained
The ending of “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty ties together the various plot threads and secrets that have been revealed throughout the novel. The climax of the novel is the murder of Perry Wright, Celeste’s abusive husband. The novel ends with the police finally understanding what happened on the night of the murder, and the characters being able to move on from their pasts.
The ending also reveals that Jane’s five-year-old son Ziggy is actually the son of Perry Wright, which makes Celeste and Jane related. This revelation brings a sense of closure to the tension between Madeline and Jane, and it allows them to move forward and form a friendship.
Celeste, who has been a victim of domestic abuse, is finally able to break free from her abusive relationship with Perry and move on with her life, and her twin boys. Bonnie, who was the one who killed Perry, is able to find peace with what she did, and the other characters are able to support her and understand her actions.
The novel ends on a note of hope and healing, as the characters are able to come to terms with their pasts and move forward in their lives. The ending is satisfying, as the reader can see the characters have grown and changed over the course of the story and they have been able to find peace and closure.
Why is Big Little Lies worth reading?
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty is worth reading for several reasons:
Complex characters: The characters in the book are well-developed, realistic, and multi-dimensional. They are flawed and make mistakes, but they are also relatable and sympathetic. The reader can understand their actions and decisions, and can connect with them on an emotional level.
Engaging plot: The novel is a psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The story is full of twists and turns, and the pacing is excellent. The mystery surrounding the murder and the secrets and lies that bind the characters together make for a gripping read.
Thought-provoking themes: The novel explores themes of motherhood, marriage, power, and the complexities of human relationships. It raises important questions about domestic abuse, consent, and the expectations placed on women.
Writing style: Moriarty’s writing is sharp, witty, and full of dark humor. Her prose is engaging, and her storytelling is masterful. The book is also easy to read and engaging, making it a page-turner.
Adaptation: The book has been adapted into a successful HBO series of the same name, starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley, adding to its appeal and popularity.
