I only discovered Liane Moriarty earlier this year when I first read 'What Alice Forgot' - and loved it! Since then I have gradually worked my way through her writings so far and 'Big Little Lies' DID NOT disappoint! What an easy top rating of five stars this was to give!
Liane tackles some meaty subjects; domestic violence, bullying, lies, alcohol and even murder - and uses the everyday world of the school playground's cliquey parents at the centre of her plot. Her use of the playground cliques creates some very interesting parallels between the world of children and that of the adults, their parents, leading to some reflective questioning. As we grow up do we ever really move away from the issues that dominate the childhood world, or do they just mature into something bigger? Is ALL our children's behaviour learned from their parents (the age old debate on the influences of nature or nurture)?
'Big Little Lies' is an addictive read, the author cleverly adding to the tension with section headings gradually leading to the main event, the Trivia Night. For example, 'Six months before the trivia night,' Five months before the trivia night,' until finally, 'The trivia night' near the end.
The author's observations of human nature and her understanding of peoples' strengths and weaknesses are real, sensitive, empathetic and unfailingly sharp, and her writing is full of affection for the characters she has created. Little tableau 'interviews' provide snapshots of different perspectives which adds a nice little touch of intimacy between reader and story.
I really truly loved this book and cannot recommend it enough.