Tiny white lies by Fiona Palmer
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