Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book. 1. If you were restoring Anna’s mural, which disturbing elements would you preserve, and which might you modify? What would guide your decision-making process? 2. What elements would you include in a mural depicting your own community’s essence and history? 3. If you could interview any character from the novel, who would you choose, and what questions would you ask them? Need more inspiration for your next meeting? <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/resources/#book-club-resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Browse all of our Book Club Resources</a>.

Creative Engagement

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism and death. Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book. 1. Chamberlain’s novel weaves together two timelines: Anna’s story from 1940 and Morgan’s from 2018. What impact did this dual-timeline structure have on your reading experience? 2. How does this novel compare to Chamberlain’s other works, such as <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/necessary-lies-chamberlain/summary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Necessary Lies</a> or <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-last-house-on-the-street/summary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Last House on the Street</a>? If this was your first experience with Chamberlain’s writing, what aspects might encourage you to read more of her work? 3. What single moment or revelation in the novel surprised you most?

General Impressions

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism. 1. The <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/big-lies-in-a-small-town/symbols-and-motifs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mural</a> serves as both a literal and symbolic centerpiece in the novel. What does it represent for each main character? 2. In what ways do the artistic elements that Anna incorporates into her mural reflect her psychological state? 3. Which <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/big-lies-in-a-small-town/major-character-analysis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">character</a> undergoes the most significant transformation throughout the novel, and why? 4. In what ways does the alternating narrative structure create suspense while gradually revealing the connections between past and present? 5. Why might Chamberlain have chosen to make <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/big-lies-in-a-small-town/major-character-analysis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Morgan</a> Anna’s great-granddaughter? 6. What purpose do symbolic elements like the <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/big-lies-in-a-small-town/symbols-and-motifs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iris</a> serve in connecting the novel’s <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/big-lies-in-a-small-town/themes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">themes</a> and <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/big-lies-in-a-small-town/major-character-analysis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">characters</a>?

Literary Analysis

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences. 1. Both Anna and Morgan find healing through their artistic work. When have you used a creative outlet to process difficult experiences in your life? 2. What unfamiliar social situations have you navigated that mirror Anna’s adjustment to life in Edenton? 3. Jesse’s family risks everything to protect Anna after Martin’s death. Describe a time when you stepped in to help someone despite potential consequences for yourself. 4. Which character’s journey resonated most deeply with your own life experiences? 5. What values portrayed in the novel align with or challenge your personal beliefs? 6. In what ways do you relate to the novel’s exploration of found family versus biological connections?

Personal Reflection and Connection

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes. 1. What aspects of systemic racism portrayed in the 1940s storyline still persist in today’s social climate? 2. The novel portrays small-town dynamics that both nurture and constrain inhabitants. What examples from the book reflect contemporary community structures you’ve observed? 3. What does the government-commissioned mural project suggest about the value of public art in society?

Societal and Cultural Context

Values & Ideas

Humanities

Books About Art

Society

Community

Fiction

Historical Fiction

Horror, Thrillers, & Suspense

Emotions & Behavior

Memory

Mystery & Crime

Social Issues

Sexual Harassment & Violence

The Best of "Best Book" Lists

Diane Chamberlain

Adult

Novel

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Big Lies in a Small Town and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Big Lies in a Small Town Summary and Study Guide

Background

Big Lies in a Small Town Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 5

Big Lies in a Small Town Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-12

Big Lies in a Small Town Chapters 6-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-21

Big Lies in a Small Town Chapters 13-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-29

Big Lies in a Small Town Chapters 22-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-38

Big Lies in a Small Town Chapters 30-38 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 39-48

Big Lies in a Small Town Chapters 39-48 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 49-58

Big Lies in a Small Town Chapters 49-58 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 59-Epilogue

Big Lies in a Small Town Chapter 59-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Big Lies in a Small Town Character Analysis

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Themes

Big Lies in a Small Town Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Big Lies in a Small Town Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Big Lies in a Small Town Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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Essay Topics

Big Lies in a Small Town Essay Topics

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Book Club Questions

Big Lies in a Small Town Book Club Questions

Big Lies in a Small Town: A Novel