Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Audiobook Review
Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, Big Little Lies, is brought to life in a captivating full-cast audiobook that skillfully catches the twists and turns of the story. Narrator Caroline Lee masterfully embodies all the different characters, immersing listeners in the complex and unstable world of the mothers called the “Monterey Five” over more than 13 hours of narrative.
From the nuanced Southern tones of Madeline to the blunt directness of Bonnie, Lee morphs effortlessly in between each lead character, drawing out their hidden depths and vulnerabilities. Subtle inflections convey growing stress, competitions and unknown tricks lurking underneath the coastal California façade. Flashbacks to key occasions are richly dramatised through masterful shifts in Lee’s repertoire.
Careful pacing and sound style magnify every chilling hint and mounting suspicion. Climatic backgrounds place listeners firmly within the tight-knit yet treacherous environment of Monterey school halls, beaches, and PTA meetings. Lee’s dramatised dialogue leaks with caustic wit and barely consists of hysteria, matched by Moriarty’s propulsive daytime drama plotting.
Lee proves an exceptionally understanding tour guide to each complex mom struggling under facades of perfectionism and harmful masculinity. Her proficiency elevates Moriarty’s vivid character explorations and social reviews to emotionally compelling new heights. An ensemble of cameos brought to life through vocal nuance alone even more enhances the listening experience.
In short, Caroline Lee uses the conclusive audio lens to immerse within Moriarty’s pleasantly melodramatic yet poignant evaluation of motherhood, marital relationships and neighbourhood politics gone awry. Her virtuoso performance guarantees Big Little Lies keeps all its binge-worthy home entertainment value through listeners’ ears, just as through their eyes on the printed page. It will thrill both faithful readers and new audiences alike.
