59 pages • 1 hour read
Diane ChamberlainBig Lies in a Small Town: A Novel
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain intertwines the lives of two women, Morgan in the present day who is tasked with restoring a mural to gain her release from prison, and Anna in 1940 who is commissioned to paint the mural in a racially tense North Carolina town. Their stories unfold against a backdrop of art, secrets, and the struggle against societal racism, linking them through shared history and artistic passion. This work contains a racist slur, depiction of sexual assault, and discussions of suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain weaves a compelling dual-timeline narrative that captures readers with its intricate plot and deep character development. Critics rave about its emotional depth and historical nuances. However, some found the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that adeptly explores themes of redemption and artistic passion.
Who Should Read Big Lies in a Small Town?
A reader who enjoys Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain would likely appreciate complex, multi-generational narratives, strong female protagonists, and atmospheric settings. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Kate Morton's The Lake House will find themselves captivated by this compelling story of art, secrets, and redemption.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Race / Racism
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
History: World
Values/Ideas: Art
Identity: Race
Society: Community