Book Review: Big Little Lies

“If she packaged the perfect Facebook life, maybe she would start to believe it herself.” – Liane Moriarty, Big Little Lies

If you’re a diehard Real Housewives fan like I am, this book by Liane Moriarty is the perfect read. Shows and books about the absurdly wealthy (and absurdly messed up) in suburban areas are my guilty pleasure.

Actually, no.

I don’t feel the least bit guilty about it. Growing up in the affluent and preppy town of Andover, MA, some of my experiences definitely read like a dramatic beach novel in themselves. Maybe that’s where the fascination began.

Either way, Big Little Lies was a winner in my book – pun intended. Not only does it contain trivial schoolyard feuds between mothers and booze-fueled brunches, it also packs some serious mystery.

Narrated alternately by different kindergarten parents, Big Little Lies keeps the perspective fresh and interesting. It is revealed from the get-go that something terrible has happened in the picturesque seaside town, but we are not sure what – or even to who – until the very end. It will keep you guessing the whole way through.

Although it’s certainly a quick read, it’s far from all fluff. The novel discusses controversial issues such as domestic abuse, bullying, and sexual assault, to name a few.

This review may sound vague, but that is actually in keeping with the book’s style. You have no idea what to expect.

And that’s the best part.

I’ll leave you with another telling quote from the novel:

“They say it’s good to let your grudges go, but I don’t know, I’m quite fond of my grudge. I tend to it like a little pet.”

Happy reading!