Big Little Lies

novel by Moriarty

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Blockbuster Liane Moriarty's 2014 novel *Big Little Lies* debuted at number one on *The New York Times* bestseller list and went on to become an HBO series starring Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, and Meryl Streep.

Big Little Lies is a novel by Australian author Liane Moriarty, first published in 2014. The story is set in Monterey, California, and follows the lives of four mothers. It delves into the complexities of relationships, hidden secrets, and the emotional intricacies of everyday life, often with a suspenseful narrative grounded in relatable, suburban settings. The novel was adapted into a successful HBO television series starring Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, with Kidman portraying an abused wife. Moriarty's work is known for its witty dialogue and compelling characters, making it a popular example of contemporary fiction.1234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.