Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Review: ★★★★
I loved this book. This was my first (though definitely not my last) of Moriarty's books, so when I first read the back summary, I thought "A highly rated book about kindergarden moms that revolves around the kids' school...?" but it turned out to be much, much more. Moriarty is so artful at spinning and misleading the reader, and the whole experience is so enjoyable that you really thank her for all that emotional jerking around in the end. And don't worry if you're thinking, like I did that you need children to enjoy the book! I can attest that I have no kids, but I felt intimately connected with each of the characters.
If I had one adjective to describe them, it would be "relatable." I really felt like I was sitting in Blue Blues with the women during their morning rendezvous, and when I put the book down and went about my day, it felt like they were off somewhere as well—eating, sleeping, worrying about kids and spouses and friends. And when I finally settled in to read at the end of the day, it was an effortless shift into their world.
Madeline is a typical loud, lovable, passionate sanguine, and our first real introduction to our cast of characters. Then we're introduced to Jane, who Madeline rear-ends on her way to kindergarten. It's noted that Jane is a single mother, and quite young to have a six year old boy (who happens to be attending the same school as Madeline's daughter) but nothing much is mentioned after that. And finally we're introduced to the goddess-like Celeste, with her rowdy twins, perfect face, and rich/hot husband. But, as the novel is aptly named, nothing really is what it seems to be.
Their problems felt like mine, I ached for them and rejoiced with them—and isn't that the goal of every author? To create a real character?
Moriarty achieves that here beautifully. The ending was a bit unrealistic/too tidy for me (hence the docked star), but that aside it was a lovely read, and I look forward to her other work.