59 pages • 1 hour read
Big Lies in a Small Town: A Novel
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Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Edenton, North Carolina • 1940s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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.
Mysterious
Emotional
Suspenseful
Dark
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
108,137 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
108,137 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Novel • Fiction
Edenton, North Carolina • 1940s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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