Tiny white lies by Fiona Palmer

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Hachette, 2020. ISBN: 9780733641626.
Adult contemporary fiction. Fiona Palmer's Tiny white lies falls into the human relationships genre due to its revolving around two families that have been friends for years, with both families experiencing relationship issues. It is told from the view points of the two women who have the friendship, and is about their troubles, their families and their lies. Ashley, mother to Emily, recently lost her husband. Nikki, mother to Chloe and Josh, wife to Chris, is best friends with Ashley. After Ashley discovers Emily is being bullied online, she realises they've grown apart since her husband's death, partly because of Ashley keeping things from Emily. Nikki can't get her kids off social media and gaming platforms, and has noticed an increase in messages husband, Chris, is receiving. Together the friends decide to go on a holiday to a remote farm in WA, where there is no phone reception, and time away from everything online - and maybe their problems.
Descriptively written, this Australian contemporary novel details the scenes throughout the story as well as the characters. Swapping from Ashley's view point to Nikki's in alternate chapters, readers become acquainted with members of the two families, including those no longer present. The depiction of online bullying from a parent's point of view is lightly touched on, with not much done to expand it. Character choices are occasionally hard to understand, but the characters are relatable. I would describe this book as a 'light read', something to read when you are in between heavy/serious books, as there is minimal excitement, but it has a nice feel (and maybe somewhat predictable storyline).
Themes: Relationships, Bullying, Betrayal, Self-image, Secrets.
Melanie Phillips

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