Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty *****

 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is the story of three dysfunctional kindergarten families, single mother Jane whose son Ziggy has been accused of being a bully, rich and beautiful Celeste, mother of the twins Josh and Max, who lives with domestic violence, and Madeline and Ed who have a daughter, Chloe. Madeline’s ex-husband Nathan has a kindergarten daughter, Skye, with his second wife Bonnie. Between bullying, domestic violence, and divorced parents, the kindergarten class at Pirriwee Public School has more than its share of problems. This book is a masterpiece around the themes of bullying and domestic violence. Moriarty combines the many plot threads with the skill of a master weaver. The result is easy to follow and comes together beautifully in the end.

Jane has moved to Pirriwee Beach with her son Ziggy. On Kindergarten orientation day, Ziggy is accused of being a bully. He denies it, but Jane is worried that he might have inherited sadistic tendencies from his father, an uncomfortable one-night stand with an abusive guy when Jane was nineteen.

Celeste is rich and beautiful. We rarely see her husband who travels extensively. The smallest thing can set him off, but he is careful never to leave marks that may be seen in public. After each attack, he is most attentive and affectionate. She believes that his attacks are her fault. 

Madeline and her ex-husband Nathan compete over their fourteen-year-old daughter Abigail. Abigail chooses to move in with Nathan and Bonnie. Abi takes Boonie’s sensibilities (vegan, yoga, Amnesty International) and goes further. Her website is: www.buymyvirginitytostopchildmarriageandsexslavery.com.

The author supports the idea that adult abusers/bullies are irredeemable, but cheaters are not. The book toys with nature/nurture causes for abusers/bullies without declaring a side.

Other families:

Harper and Graeme have a daughter, Emily.

Renata’s daughter is Amabella, “not Annabella. It’s French. We didn’t make it up.” She has a French nanny, Juliette. Amabella was bullied on orientation day and blamed Ziggy. Renata started a petition to have Ziggy suspended. Husband Geoff.

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