43 pages • 1 hour read
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432
Novel • Fiction
Sydney • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
In Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty, three couples—Erika and Oliver, Clementine and Sam, and Tiffany and Vid—attend a seemingly mundane backyard barbecue, which triggers deep emotional and psychological repercussions. Using non-linear timelines, the novel explores themes of friendship, marriage, and parenthood, revealing how each character grapples with guilt, secrets, and the complexities of their relationships. Issues faced by people with mental health conditions and children nearly drowning appear in this book.
Suspenseful
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Contemplative
365,041 ratings
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Liane Moriarty's Truly Madly Guilty impresses with its intricate exploration of relationships and suspense, though it occasionally suffers from a slow pace and excessive detail. Characters are well-developed, and the narrative's structure keeps readers engaged, but some found the climax underwhelming. Overall, it offers a compelling but uneven reading experience.
Fans of domestic dramas and psychological suspense will relish Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. Ideal for readers who enjoyed Big Little Lies or The Girl on the Train, this book delves into the complexities of friendships, secrets, and the hidden truths that shape our lives. Engrossing and emotionally charged, it's perfect for those who crave intricate character studies and unforeseen twists.
365,041 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Erika
The other central character, an accountant who had a difficult childhood, Erika deals with her complex friendship with Clementine and her ambivalence toward becoming a parent.
Sam
Clementine’s husband, who struggles with PTSD after a traumatic event, works to support his wife and family while grappling with traditional expectations of masculinity.
Oliver
Erika’s husband, an athletic accountant, who is supportive of his wife but also confronts personal issues stemming from a difficult family history.
Holly and Ruby
Clementine and Sam’s young daughters, who play a crucial role in the narrative’s central event that impacts family relationships.
Tiffany
Vid’s wife, who deals with the challenges of her past profession resurfacing during a social event and prioritizes resolving her family's distress.
Vid
An affable and extroverted electrician, whose love for hosting and connection with Clementine overlays deeper narrative developments.
Dakota
Vid and Tiffany’s daughter, a young book-lover, who inadvertently carries guilt from the family event that alters her behavior.
Pam
Clementine’s mother, a former social worker who has well-meaning but often misguided influences on her daughter’s relationships.
Sylvia
Erika’s mother, a nurse with a hoarding disorder, whose relationship with Erika adds tension and complexity to the narrative.
Harry
An antisocial elderly neighbor, whose past tragedy eventually sheds light on his tough exterior and connections to the story's events.
432
Novel • Fiction
Sydney • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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