Big Little Lies Summary by Liane Moriarty: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how far people will go to protect their secrets? Liane Moriarty‘s Big Little Lies takes you deep into the lives of seemingly perfect mothers living in the coastal town of Pirriwee.

The narrative structure is non-linear, often featuring retrospective interviews with various community members (e.g., Gabrielle, Bonnie, Stu, Miss Barnes, Mrs. Lipmann, Carol, Jonathan, Melissa, Samantha, Detective-Sergeant Adrian Quinlan, Harper, Thea, Graeme, Jackie) that foreshadow a significant tragedy.

The story explores themes of domestic violence, bullying, social hierarchies, the facades of perfect lives, and the complex bonds of friendship and family, all set against the backdrop of a close-knit, yet often competitive, school community. The central mystery revolves around a death that occurs at the Pirriwee Public School trivia night, prompting a murder investigation.

In this Big Little Lies Summary, you’ll uncover the compelling twists, heartfelt moments, and shocking truths that lurk beneath the surface of their glamorous lives. Whether it’s bullying at school or hidden domestic violence, Moriarty masterfully crafts a story that reveals the complexity of relationships, lies, and the choices people make to protect the ones they love.

Quick Summary

• Key Insights: Big Little Lies reveals the hidden lives of mothers, filled with secrets, lies, and complex relationships.

• Main Recommendation: 9/10. A gripping psychological drama.

• One-Sentence Description: Three mothers’ lives intersect as they navigate lies, betrayal, and a murder investigation at their children’s school.

• Primary Audience: Fans of domestic thrillers and character-driven stories.

• Quick Pros & Cons:

  • Pros: Engaging plot, complex characters, strong themes.

  • Cons: Slow build-up, some predictable moments.

Reader Reviews: Standout Quotes from Goodreads

1. “A perfect blend of suspense, heart, and humor. Moriarty truly knows how to keep you hooked!”

2. “The plot twists were masterfully done. I never saw the ending coming!”

3. “Big Little Lies isn’t just a story about lies—it’s a brilliant look at the complexities of friendship and motherhood.”

4. “This book made me laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected to the characters.”

5. “I couldn’t put it down. Moriarty’s writing is top-notch, keeping the suspense high throughout.”

6. “A beautifully crafted story about the lies we tell ourselves and the ones we tell others.”

Questions the Big Little Lies Book Answers

1. What lies do the characters tell to protect themselves?

2. How does Madeline deal with her ex-husband Nathan?

3. What is the truth behind the bullying accusations against Ziggy?

4. How does Celeste cope with her abusive marriage?

5. What are the dynamics between the school mothers?

6. What role does Bonnie play in the events of the trivia night?

7. How do the characters’ secrets affect their relationships?

8. What are the underlying tensions in the school community?

9. How does the murder investigation unfold?

10. What does the ending reveal about the characters’ growth?

Big Little Lies Summary & Plot Summary

What is the book Big Little Lies about?

Big Little Lies is a thrilling novel set in a tight-knit community where secrets and lies are woven into the fabric of everyday life. The story revolves around three women—Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—whose lives are interconnected through their children’s school and the increasingly strained social dynamics of their town.

The book opens with a dramatic flash-forward to a school trivia night that ends in violence. But what exactly happens that night remains a mystery until the very end. As Moriarty unravels the past, we learn about the complex relationships, personal struggles, and lies that ultimately lead to a fatal event.

Six months before the infamous trivia night, we meet Madeline Martha Mackenzie, a fiercely protective mother who is navigating complicated family dynamics. Madeline’s relationships with her ex-husband Nathan and his new wife, Bonnie, are strained. When she meets Jane Chapman, a quiet single mother with a troubled past, their bond grows despite the challenges they face.

Madeline’s daughter Abigail decides to live with Nathan and Bonnie, adding to Madeline’s emotional turmoil. Jane’s son Ziggy becomes embroiled in a bullying accusation at school when a classmate, Amabella, points the finger at him for choking her. Jane is adamant that Ziggy is innocent, but the school community begins to turn against her.

Madeline’s friendship with Celeste, who appears to have the perfect life with her wealthy husband Perry, starts to show cracks. Celeste is secretly enduring an abusive relationship with Perry. Meanwhile, Renata, a high-powered career woman and Amabella’s mother, escalates her accusations against Ziggy, leading to tension and division among the school parents.

Celeste’s struggles with her abusive relationship deepen. At the same time, Madeline’s family life grows more complicated as Abigail’s rebellion intensifies, and she begins to explore her own independence. Jane, still trying to fit in, continues to defend her son, but the bullying rumors are gaining momentum.

The pressure on Madeline and Jane increases as their children become further involved in the conflict. Celeste begins to contemplate leaving Perry, but her fear and love for him keep her trapped. Bonnie, who is still trying to form a connection with Abigail, becomes an increasingly important figure in the story.

The night of the trivia event finally arrives, and the tensions between the parents come to a head. In a shocking turn of events, Perry is pushed off a balcony during a confrontation. The women involved must decide whether to tell the truth or cover up the murder.

Big Little Lies Summary Chapter by Chapter

Chapter 1
The story opens with Mrs. Patty Ponder observing a chaotic school trivia night, foreshadowing a major event. Various interviews from the community hint at tensions, including underlying conflicts and a murder investigation.

Chapter 2
Interviews reveal deep issues, from helicopter parenting to school politics, building up to Detective Quinlan’s announcement of a murder investigation.

Chapter 3
Madeline reflects on her 40th birthday and meets Jane after an accident involving a texting driver. This meeting sparks their friendship.

Chapter 4
Jane helps Madeline after her injury, and they bond over breakfast at Blue Blues cafe, where Madeline introduces Jane to Celeste and the complex school hierarchy.

Chapter 5
Jane shares her history as a single mother, while Madeline vents about her ex-husband Nathan and his new wife, Bonnie.

Chapter 6
Madeline, Jane, and Celeste attend a school event, drawing attention for their “party scent,” and Jane’s trivia skills come to light.

Chapter 7
At the kindergarten orientation, Renata accuses Ziggy of choking her daughter, Amabella, triggering a series of escalating tensions.

Chapter 8
Madeline, irritated by Nathan’s “perfect family” and Bonnie’s volunteer work, navigates her own struggles with her children’s behavior.

Chapter 9
Celeste and Perry celebrate Christmas, though Celeste secretly contemplates leaving her abusive marriage.

Chapter 10
Jane confronts her fears about Ziggy’s father and reflects on their troubled past while continuing to defend Ziggy’s innocence.

Chapter 11
On a flight, Celeste and Perry discuss their hopes for the upcoming year, while Celeste considers leaving Perry.

Chapter 12
Madeline reluctantly agrees to let Chloe play with Ziggy, despite Ed’s concerns, and continues to struggle with Abigail’s closeness to Bonnie.

Chapter 13
Celeste faces another violent outburst from Perry, reinforcing her internal conflict about leaving him.

Chapter 14
Celeste and Perry meet Renata while shopping for school uniforms, with Celeste’s pain from the abuse hidden beneath a veneer of normalcy.

Chapter 15
Jane reflects on her longing for a “proper life” while bonding with Madeline, who offers emotional support and validation.

Chapter 16
Madeline, Ed, and Celeste discuss Jane’s potential trivia prowess, with Madeline contemplating a makeover for Jane and Celeste.

Chapter 17
Jane’s parents visit for Ziggy’s first day at school, meeting Nathan and Bonnie, while Amabella runs off at the sight of Ziggy.

Chapter 18
Madeline, dealing with PMS, becomes frustrated over Abigail’s desire to live with Nathan and Bonnie, and struggles with her shifting relationship with her daughter.

Chapter 19
Madeline confronts Abigail over a controversial website, while Jane discusses her own difficulties with her mother.

Chapter 20
Jane, feeling like a fraud, reflects on her career and motherhood struggles, while Madeline continues to show unwavering support for her.

Chapter 21
Celeste and Jane discuss their past careers, and Celeste suggests they take walks together, deepening their friendship.

Chapter 22
Celeste and Perry have a violent altercation after a disagreement about Amabella’s party, revealing the abuse Celeste hides.

Chapter 23
Madeline and Jane attend “Disney On Ice,” and tensions continue to rise over Ziggy’s exclusion from Amabella’s birthday party.

Chapter 24
Jane discovers that Harry the Hippo’s scrapbook is missing, adding to her stress about the ongoing bullying accusations.

Chapter 25
Madeline struggles with Abigail’s desire to move in with Nathan and confronts Nathan at the school carnival.

Chapter 26
Celeste and Renata host the “Kindy Mums Race,” but Renata uninvites Ziggy from Amabella’s party, leading Madeline to intervene and keep Chloe home.

Chapter 27
Celeste acknowledges her abusive relationship and begins researching domestic violence, realizing she needs help.

Chapter 28
Madeline feels grief over Abigail’s move and begins packing her belongings, considering starting a book club to cope.

Chapter 29
Jane reluctantly reveals to Madeline that Ziggy’s father is Saxon Banks, a traumatic memory that complicates their growing friendship.

Chapter 30
Madeline reacts with concern over Jane’s story about Ziggy’s conception, offering support and researching Saxon Banks.

Chapter 31
Jane opens up about the emotional toll of Ziggy’s conception, and Madeline vows to help her. Jane, however, asks her not to look up Saxon Banks.

Chapter 32
Celeste begins counseling but struggles to fully accept the label of “victim” in her abusive marriage.

Chapter 33
Celeste reflects on how Perry’s abuse impacts their children and considers creating a plan to leave him.

Chapter 34
Madeline asks Ed about erotic asphyxiation, leading to a discussion about blaming the victim and Madeline’s secret research into Saxon Banks.

Chapter 35
Jane enjoys the comfort of her work environment and begins a subtle flirtation with Tom, while Celeste gives her a healing necklace.

Chapter 36
Jane learns of a petition to suspend Ziggy for bullying Amabella and confronts Renata and Geoff Klein over their accusations.

Chapter 37
Madeline tries to connect with Abigail, whose passion for social issues grows, influenced by Bonnie’s “perfect” lifestyle.

Chapter 38
Celeste visits a rental apartment, struggling with the decision to leave Perry, but acknowledges the need to make a change for her children.

Chapter 39
Jane confronts Ziggy about his involvement in Amabella’s bullying, but Ziggy denies it, leaving Jane feeling conflicted.

Chapter 40
Madeline hosts an “Erotic Book Club” as discussions about the petition to suspend Ziggy intensify.

Chapter 41
Jane learns from Miss Barnes that a petition against Ziggy is gaining traction despite the lack of proof.

Chapter 42
Celeste dismisses a bruise as a tennis injury, but her babysitter subtly suggests she leave Perry, highlighting the quiet support she needs.

Chapter 43
Jane cancels her book club attendance due to Ziggy’s distress, feeling defiant and protective of him.

Chapter 44
The book club meeting centers around the petition against Ziggy, while Celeste is questioned about her role in the school’s conflict.

Chapter 45
Madeline reveals to Celeste that she found out about Saxon Banks, and Celeste realizes the disturbing connection to Jane’s past.

Chapter 46
Celeste reflects on the unsettling connection between Perry and Saxon, both harboring violent tendencies, as she struggles with her marriage.

Chapter 47
Jane’s family reacts to the petition, and Jane almost tells them the full truth about Saxon Banks, but chooses to protect them.

Chapter 48
Madeline struggles with Abigail’s website and Nathan’s influence over her, while confronting Abigail about her controversial actions.

Chapter 49
Jane confronts the “Blond Bobs,” expressing her belief in Ziggy’s innocence, but tensions with the parents remain high.

Chapter 50
Jane confronts Amabella to discover who really bullied her, but Harper interrupts, escalating the conflict further.

Chapter 51
Madeline learns Ed is writing an article on the bullying controversy, while Celeste makes a bold threat to Perry about the petition.

Chapter 52
Madeline discusses Abigail’s “secret charity project” with Bonnie at the school assembly, feeling annoyed by Bonnie’s perceived perfection.

Chapter 53
Jane takes Ziggy to a psychologist, confirming he is not a bully. Ziggy reveals he knows about his father’s identity.

Chapter 54
Perry’s violent outburst in the car causes Celeste to contemplate leaving him for good, but her fears hold her back.

Chapter 55
Madeline learns of Geoff’s affair with Juliette, which complicates the already fragile dynamics between the parents.

Chapter 56
Celeste resolves to leave Perry while he is away, though the decision still weighs heavily on her.

Chapter 57
Madeline is horrified by Abigail’s “virginity auction” website, trying to shut it down, but Abigail refuses to take it down.

Chapter 58
Jane discovers Max is the real bully and confronts Graeme, but Tom intervenes to protect her, leaving Jane to process the truth.

Chapter 59
Celeste confronts Perry about his violent past, realizing that his shared traits with Saxon are undeniable, and she feels responsible for Jane.

Chapter 60
Nathan tries to get Abigail’s password, while Madeline takes action to confront her about the controversial website.

Chapter 61
Jane learns that Ziggy is not the bully, and Mrs. Ponder informs her about his head lice, leading to more tension.

Chapter 62
Madeline confronts Abigail, expressing her anger and frustration over the website, culminating in a car accident with Renata.

Chapter 63
Madeline shares her frustrations with Abigail, causing further distance in their strained relationship. Jane gets a new haircut as a way of coping.

Chapter 64
Jane continues to monitor Amabella, hoping to uncover the truth about the bullying, but Amabella remains guarded.

Chapter 65
Madeline observes Perry and Celeste at the school assembly, with tensions about the petition continuing to simmer.

Chapter 66
Celeste resolves to leave Perry, believing he won’t kill her, despite knowing his violent tendencies have escalated.

Chapter 67
Abigail’s website is finally taken down after a substantial donation, but Madeline’s anger and hurt linger.

Chapter 68
Jane and Tom share a quiet, flirtatious moment at Blue Blues, marking a shift in their developing relationship.

Chapter 69
Celeste learns about Max’s bullying from Josh, confronting her conflicting emotions about her son’s actions.

Chapter 70
Trivia night begins with chaos, and tensions are high as Jane and Tom share a private moment amidst the turmoil.

Chapter 71
Celeste confronts Perry, revealing her plan to leave him while divulging Max’s bullying and the truth about Ziggy.

Chapter 72
Madeline and Bonnie discuss Nathan’s influence, while the trivia night descends into chaos, with emotions running high.

Chapter 73
The trivia night reaches its climax as Jane confronts Perry, revealing his true identity and sparking a chain of events.

Chapter 74
Celeste confesses that Max is the real bully and apologizes for her son’s actions, while tensions between the families explode.

Chapter 75
Madeline tries to apologize to Renata, but tensions remain high as Perry’s true nature is exposed.

Chapter 76
Jane confronts Perry on the balcony, revealing his dark past and the truth about their shared history.

Chapter 77
Perry’s violent retaliation leads to his death, as Bonnie shoves him off the balcony, causing chaos and confusion.

Chapter 78
The aftermath sees Madeline in the hospital, grappling with guilt and the consequences of their actions, while Bonnie’s involvement is protected.

Chapter 79
The police question Jane, and Bonnie decides to confess the truth, revealing her past as a witness to domestic violence.

Chapter 80
Madeline texts Ed, confirming Bonnie’s confession, and they agree not to lie to the authorities.

Chapter 81
Jane and Tom begin a romantic relationship as they reflect on the media frenzy surrounding the tragedy.

Chapter 82
The community reflects on the aftermath, with a focus on kindness and healing, as the spring ball is canceled.

Chapter 83
Celeste speaks publicly about her experience with domestic violence, starting a new chapter in her life.

Chapter 84
Celeste continues her advocacy for domestic violence awareness, encouraging others to share their stories and highlighting the universal nature of abuse.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Main Characters

Madeline Martha Mackenzie – Madeline is outspoken, passionate, and protective of her children. She is navigating complex relationships with her ex-husband Nathan and his wife Bonnie, while also dealing with her own insecurities and frustrations. She is a loving mother but often finds herself at odds with the other school parents.

Jane Chapman – A quiet and reserved single mother, Jane moves to Pirriwee to start fresh with her son Ziggy. Jane is haunted by a traumatic past involving abuse, which she tries to keep hidden from those around her. Her quiet strength and determination to protect her son drive her throughout the novel.

Celeste White – Celeste appears to have a perfect life with her twin boys and successful husband, Perry. However, she is secretly enduring domestic abuse. Her internal conflict about staying in her marriage and her growing desire to escape form a central theme in the book.

Perry White – Celeste’s charming but abusive husband. Perry’s past is filled with anger and violence, and his strained relationship with Celeste becomes the catalyst for much of the story’s tension.

Ziggy Chapman – Jane’s son, who is accused of bullying a classmate. Ziggy is a sweet and gentle child who becomes the center of much of the conflict in the community.

Renata Klein – Amabella’s mother and a key figure in the school community. Renata’s overprotectiveness and aggressive defense of her daughter create tension, particularly with Jane and Madeline.

Bonnie Carlson – Nathan’s second wife. Bonnie is calm and collected, but her past trauma comes to light as the story progresses, ultimately leading to her involvement in the shocking events at the trivia night.

Big Little Lies Themes

About the Author: Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty is the author of several novels, including “The Last Anniversary,” “What Alice Forgot,” “The Hypnotist’s Love Story,” and the best-selling “Three Wishes” and “The Husband’s Secret”.

Her novel “The Husband’s Secret” achieved significant success, reaching number one on the New York Times best-sellers list, becoming a number one best-seller in the UK, selling close to two million copies worldwide, being optioned for a film, and translated into over thirty-five languages.

Moriarty lives in Sydney with her husband, son, and daughter. She acknowledges that her writing often draws inspiration from real-life conversations and observations, though she clarifies that the parents at her own children’s school are “disappointingly well-behaved” compared to those at Pirriwee Public.

Moriarty mentions two books that were useful in writing “Big Little Lies”: “Not to People Like Us”: Hidden Abuse in Upscale Marriages by Susan Weitzman (2000) and “Surviving Domestic Violence: Voices of Women Who Broke Free by Elaine Weiss” (2004), indicating her research into the themes of domestic violence.

The novel itself is dedicated to her friend Margaret Palisi, highlighting the theme of friendship within her work.

FAQ

Q1: What is Big Little Lies about?
Big Little Lies is a novel by Liane Moriarty that explores the lives of mothers in a small community, focusing on their secrets, lies, and a tragic event that occurs during a school trivia night.

Q2: Who is the protagonist of Big Little Lies?
The novel features multiple protagonists, including Madeline, Jane, and Celeste, whose lives intersect as they navigate personal struggles, motherhood, and dark secrets.

Q3: What is the main theme of Big Little Lies?
The main theme is the contrast between appearances and reality, exploring how lies, secrets, and societal pressures shape the characters’ lives.

Conclusion

Big Little Lies is a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that delves into the secrets, lies, and personal struggles of its deeply flawed but relatable characters. Moriarty’s masterful storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat, with shocking twists that leave a lasting impact.

If you love complex characters and page-turning mysteries, this book is a must-read.