Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain weaves a compelling dual-timeline narrative that captures readers with its intricate plot and deep character development. Critics rave about its emotional depth and historical nuances. However, some found the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that adeptly explores themes of redemption and artistic passion.

A reader who enjoys Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain would likely appreciate complex, multi-generational narratives, strong female protagonists, and atmospheric settings. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Kate Morton's The Lake House will find themselves captivated by this compelling story of art, secrets, and redemption.

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain intertwines the lives of two women, Morgan in the present day who is tasked with restoring a mural to gain her release from prison, and Anna in 1940 who is commissioned to paint the mural in a racially tense North Carolina town. Their stories unfold against a backdrop of art, secrets, and the struggle against societal racism, linking them through shared history and artistic passion. This work contains a racist slur, depiction of sexual assault, and discussions of suicide.

Mysterious / Emotional / Suspenseful / Dark / Melancholic

**Anna Dale**  
A young artist from New Jersey commissioned to paint a mural in Edenton, NC, whose experiences in the small town challenge her progressive values and lead to complex relationships with the locals.

**Morgan Christopher**  
A 22-year-old art student who is released from incarceration to restore an old mural, an opportunity that sets her on a path of personal growth and discovery.

**Jesse Jameson Williams**  
A talented young artist and former student of Anna Dale's who becomes a pivotal mentor figure, impacting both Anna’s and Morgan’s lives across the decades.

**Lisa Williams**  
Jesse Williams’s daughter who, despite having little interest in art, is responsible for ensuring the success of her father’s posthumous wishes regarding the mural project.

**Mama Nelle**  
Jesse’s sister who, known for her sharp mind in childhood, becomes a key source of historical insights and personal connections for Morgan in her pursuit of understanding the past.

**Martin Drapple**  
A local portrait artist initially friendly towards Anna but later reveals complex motives and behaviors that influence the mural project’s outcome.

**Miss Myrtle**  
Anna’s landlady in Edenton, who offers both traditional Southern hospitality and unexpectedly progressive views, providing Anna with much-needed support during her time in the town.

**Peter Thomas**  
A student volunteer with a strong work ethic, who later becomes instrumental in ensuring the safety of those involved in the events surrounding Anna’s mural.

Diane Chamberlain

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Big Lies in a Small Town reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Big Lies in a Small Town | SuperSummary

title

content

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

chapter

chapterType

section

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

character

Character Analysis

Big Lies in a Small Town Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Big Lies in a Small Town Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Big Lies in a Small Town Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Big Lies in a Small Town Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Big Lies in a Small Town Essay Topics

Big Lies in a Small Town: A Novel

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Big Lies in a Small Town?

Reading Age

Book Details