In turns funny, sad, and page-turning, Big Little Lies deals with school gate politics; domestic and sexual abuse, relationships and the sometimes staggering differences between the true self and the self shown to others.
A death has occurred at a very nice primary school in a seaside suburb of Sydney, the mystery of who, why and how is slowly revealed by different characters retrospectively as the story unfolds.
There are three main characters each with a very different personality and history.
Madeline is a girly-girl living in organised domestic chaos, who is loyal to her friends and not afraid to fight on their behalf
Jane is a young single mother with a horrifying secret, whose child is accused of bullying, and is facing the recriminations from a group of very indignant mothers (the 'Blonde Bobs' who run the school).
Celeste is beautiful, rich and seemingly living the perfect life.
Big Little Lies is well-plotted and effortlessly mixes domestic fiction and humour with psychological suspense, and some very big issues.
I read this book while waiting for Moriarty's latest novel; and note that Big Little Lies has been made into television mini-series which will be released in February. The series is set in the US and has attracted big names such as Reece Witherspoon, Nicloe Kidman and Shailene Woodey (from the Divergent franchise). Will have to look out for that one!
Reviewed by Katrina
Catalogue link: Big Little Lies
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