Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty has revealed details of her long-awaited follow-up novel, which will serve as the basis for Season 3 of the hit HBO drama.
In an interview with USA Today, Moriarity announced that his new novel, Big Little Truths, will be published by Penguin Random House on August 25th. This book continues the story of a group of women (Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie) who bond over a murder investigation. In the new book, the action jumps back ten years.
“Feelings get hurt when someone isn’t invited to your child’s birthday party,” the new book’s synopsis reads. “But 10 years later, the kids are now in high school and have all the drama that comes with teenage life (goodbye playdates, hello drugs, sex, and alcohol).”
Season 3 of HBO’s hit series was officially announced last fall, with “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” co-creator Francesca Sloan writing and executive producing the first episode. David E. Kelley, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon will also serve as executive producers, with Kidman and Witherspoon leading the cast. Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitz are also set to reprise their roles.
The incident that sparked the new story occurred after a high school principal received a severed human finger in the mail, sending parents into an uproar. But the women formerly known as the Monterey 5 also have their own issues.
The synopsis continues. Celeste’s mother-in-law, Mary Louise, is acting strange, but is it age-related forgetfulness and frankness, or something more sinister? Madeline is facing perhaps the biggest challenge of her life, Jane is at a dangerous crossroads in her marriage, and Bonnie finds that yoga can only bring great solace. And what about Renata? Renata is living her best life – revenge is sweet.
When a strange man begins lurking around the school and asking perhaps innocent questions, this close-knit group of women must finally face the full impact of the big little truths they have but don’t share with their children. Because now the risks are much higher than not being invited to an ice skating show, and the ice is thinner than ever for any athlete.
When Big Little Lies first aired on HBO in 2017, the project was intended to be a limited series. The show was a huge success in its first season, winning Emmy Awards for Best Actress in a Limited Series, Best Actress in a Limited Series (Kidman), Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series (Dern), and Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series (Alexander Skarsgård).
Season 2, which aired in 2019, is based on Moriarty’s unpublished novel and depicts the aftermath of the murder. Film legend Meryl Streep joins an already star-studded cast, earning an Emmy nomination for her role as Perry’s mother, Mary Louise.
Moriarty is not particularly involved in the show, and said in an interview that the series team has no input on the plot of the new series. However, they inspired some of her writings. “That’s all Laura Dern’s fault because she was amazing as Renata,” Moriarty said. “It was impossible not to give her a bigger role in this book as well. We couldn’t go after Renata.”
