Big Suspense, Big Time Fun, Little Criticism

It has been a bit since I was absolutely OBSESSED with a story, and finding out whodunnit, but Big Little Lies captured me from head to toe. I went into the novel knowing of the successful HBO miniseries and seeing trailers with competitive women jogging on the beach, and I wasn’t sure it was my cup of tea but I listened to the bajillion ladies I know who said, “OMG READ THIS BOOK” and they were all correct.

Firstly, and importantly, I did this on audiobook and I think that medium really suits this novel. Essentially the novel starts by telling you that someone is going to die, and then quickly backtracks to the previous months and then slooowly takes you up to the main action, making vague references to it along the way. In addition, there is an ongoing police investigation so interspersed in the narrative from the months leading up to whatever happens, there are short interviews with characters, giving their telling of what has happened all along the way. These are done just with the view of the character, a la a camera confessional on a reality show.

I usually very quickly find draaaawing out a major event tedious and want to just get to it already, but, with audio, I was really in the moment of hearing every last detail. Also, this novel was set in Australia and they had a lovely Australian woman read the book, so that pulled me in even more. Plus it made it easier to keep track of all of the characters during the police interviews: you were really able to understand their voice and personality.

I was pleasantly surprised also by the depths of this book. Shame on me, but I was expecting more fluffy content, and I was actually moved to tears at some points with her insight into womanhood, the pressures of trying to “have it all,” and the inner battles people fight every day. Pretty insightful and poignant things were happening throughout.I’m sure some people predicted the twists and turns of this book, but I was so into the story that I was positively gobsmacked by key parts. It. Was. Awesome.

In conclusion, every who said this is awesome is right. Get this one ASAP, though prepare for a loooong wait from your local library.