Where to start withBig Little Lies
2 versions · originally a book, 2014
Themes: Secrets and lies, Motherhood and parental dynamics, Class tension, Unreliable narrator, Small-town scandal.
Start with Big Little Lies (Liane Moriarty, 2014) — the book. Big Little Lies exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 2014; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Liane Moriarty’s dark comedy dissects the facade of suburban perfection through the lens of schoolyard politics and hidden domestic trauma.
✦ Most fans start here
Big Little Lies (2014)
The original novel
✦ Start hereBig Little Lies
Liane Moriarty · Book · 2014
The 2014 novel provides the definitive foundation for the story, offering an intimate, internal look at the mothers' motivations and the community dynamics that lead to the climactic trivia night.
2017 series
Big Little Lies
David E. Kelley · Series · 2017
The 2017 television series transforms the narrative into a visually stunning, high-stakes drama, emphasizing the atmospheric tension and the unraveling of these women’s lives through sharp, cinematic pacing and performances.
Common questions
Should I read the Big Little Lies book before watching the 2017 TV series?
You can experience them in either order. The 2017 TV series is an adaptation of the 2014 Big Little Lies book. While the show follows the core narrative of the source material, reading the book first provides additional context for the characters and the original setting.
Is the Big Little Lies TV series based on the 2014 book?
Yes, the 2017 Big Little Lies TV series is a direct adaptation of the 2014 novel Big Little Lies. The show translates the plot and themes from the written source material into a visual format, maintaining the central story established in the book.
What order should I consume the Big Little Lies book and TV series?
There is no required order. You may start with the 2014 Big Little Lies book to understand the source material or begin with the 2017 Big Little Lies TV series for the visual adaptation. Both versions cover the same primary story arc and character developments.
Is Big Little Lies a standalone 2014 book?
Yes, Big Little Lies was published as a standalone novel in 2014. It serves as the primary source material for the 2017 Big Little Lies TV series. The narrative is contained within the original book, providing a complete story for the reader.