Big Little Lies

73 pages2-hour read

Fiction

Novel

Adult

Published in 2014

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Book Club Questions

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel combines elements of family drama, suspense, and mystery. Which of these aspects did you find most engaging, and why?

2. What did you think of the revelation that Bonnie killed Perry? Were you surprised by this plot twist, or did you see clues that pointed to this development?

Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. One of the novel’s major themes is the Wisdom of Children. Has there ever been a time when a child you know had an insight that the adults around them hadn’t seen?

2. Madeline’s friendship is an important source of support for Jane and Ziggy. In your own life, who helps you through challenging times?

3. For Jane, jigsaw puzzles are a comforting reminder of home. Do you have any family traditions or other soothing rituals that help you manage stress?

4. After Perry’s death, all the women present agree to remain silent to protect Bonnie. In your own life, have you ever personally experienced the strength of solidarity? What problem did the group face, and how did you handle it?

Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Beyond raising awareness of domestic violence, what concrete solutions does the book offer about how society can address this issue?

2. How does Big Little Lies contribute to the current conversation around the impact of helicopter parenting? What does the story say about the link between parents’ attitudes and behaviors and their children’s actions?

Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What specific choices about the book’s structure and narration create its suspense? Point out evidence from the novel.

2. How does Renata evolve into a more sympathetic figure over the course of the novel, and how does this inform the story’s message?

3. How does Moriarty use bruises to illustrate the theme of The Importance of Domestic Violence Awareness?

4. Compare and contrast the mother-child bonds among the focal characters of Big Little Lies. What point is the author making by showing these differing relationships?

Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you could write a letter to one of the novel’s characters, who would you choose and what would you want to say to them?

2. Imagine that you’re in charge of planning an event to bring the citizens of Pirriwee together after the trivia night ends in disaster. What kind of event would you design, and how might this help to heal some of the tension within the community?