Every Secret Thing is a gripping psychological thriller novel written by bestselling author Laura Lippman. Published in 2003, the book delves deep into the complex world of crime, secrets, and human emotions.
The story follows two young girls, both convicted of a terrible crime, who are released and reintegrated into society.
However, their past continues to haunt them as they become entangled in a new mystery. In 2014, a film adaptation of the book was released, directed by Amy Berg.
This article will provide a comprehensive book summary and analysis of Every Secret Thing, as well as an overview of the film adaptation.
We’ll also explore various aspects of the book and film, including a parent guide, the timeline and setting, film locations, character breakdowns, memorable quotes, and more.
So, let’s dive into the world of Every Secret Thing and unlock the mystery.
Book Summary and Analysis
Every Secret Thing begins with the story of two 11-year-old girls, Alice Manning and Ronnie Fuller. Both girls have a troubled past and are outcasts in their community.
One fateful day, they stumble upon a baby in an unattended stroller, and in a moment of desperation, they kidnap the baby, leading to her tragic death.
The girls are convicted of the crime and sent to a juvenile detention center. Seven years later, they are released and try to rebuild their lives.
However, they are haunted by their past, and the community still views them with suspicion and disdain. Soon after their release, a string of kidnappings and murders involving young children rocks the community.
The police suspect that Alice and Ronnie may be involved, and the girls are once again thrust into the center of a horrifying mystery.
As the story unfolds, we witness the complexities of human emotions, the power of secrets, and the lasting impact of a single decision. Laura Lippman masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, leaving readers guessing until the very end.
The novel delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil, as well as exploring the impact of childhood trauma on a person’s adult life.
Movie Summary and Analysis
The film adaptation of Every Secret Thing, released in 2014, was directed by Amy Berg and starred Dakota Fanning as Ronnie, Danielle Macdonald as Alice, and Diane Lane as Helen Manning, Alice’s mother.
The movie follows the same basic plot as the novel, with the girls’ release from juvenile detention and the subsequent kidnappings and murders that occur in their community.
While the movie stays true to the novel’s themes and overall storyline, there are some differences and adaptations for the screen.
Some characters’ roles are expanded or altered, and certain plot points are changed or omitted to fit the medium of film. Overall, the movie captures the suspenseful and psychologically complex nature of the novel, with strong performances from the cast.
Parent Guide for Every Secret Thing
Every Secret Thing deals with heavy themes such as child abduction, murder, and the consequences of one’s actions. The book and film contain dark subject matter and may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive readers and viewers.
Parents are advised to review the content of the book and film before sharing with their children, especially those under 16 years of age.
The film is rated R for language and disturbing content involving the abduction and murder of children.
The Timeline and Setting: When and Where Every Secret Thing Takes Place
Every Secret Thing is primarily set in a small suburban town in Maryland, USA. The story takes place over two separate time periods: the girls’ initial crime and conviction when they are 11 years old, and seven years later upon their release from juvenile detention.
The timeline shifts between past and present, with the novel exploring the events leading up to the girls’ crime, as well as the repercussions of their actions as they reenter society.
Film Locations and Travel Guide
The film adaptation of Every Secret Thing was primarily shot on location in various towns in New York, including Nyack, Tappan, and Staten Island.
These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the small-town setting of the story, with their quiet suburban neighborhoods, local shops, and picturesque streets.
Fans of the book and film may be interested in visiting these locations to get a sense of the atmosphere and setting of Every Secret Thing.
Who’s Who: Character Breakdown and Analysis
Every Secret Thing features a cast of complex and multifaceted characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.
The main characters include:
- Alice Manning: A troubled young woman with a difficult relationship with her mother, Helen. She struggles with her weight and is often the target of bullying. Alice is intelligent and manipulative, with a dark secret that ultimately unravels the story’s mystery.
- Ronnie Fuller: Alice’s friend and fellow outcast, Ronnie is a deeply scarred individual with a history of self-harm. She has a tough exterior but is ultimately driven by a need for acceptance and love.
- Helen Manning: Alice’s cold and detached mother, who has a strained relationship with her daughter. She harbors her own secrets and plays a significant role in the story’s ultimate resolution.
- Detective Nancy Porter: The lead detective investigating the kidnappings and murders, she becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the truth behind the crimes and uncovering the girls’ secrets.
Memorable Quotes from Every Secret Thing
Every Secret Thing is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story and its characters.
Some standout quotes include:
- “Forgiveness is a powerful thing, but it’s also a dangerous thing.” – Alice Manning
- “In the end, we are all just prisoners of our own secrets.” – Ronnie Fuller
- “Sometimes the truth is the hardest thing to see, even when it’s right in front of your eyes.” – Detective Nancy Porter
- “Every secret thing has a price. We all have to pay for the things we’ve done, one way or another.” – Helen Manning
The Soundtrack by Robin Coudert
The film adaptation of Every Secret Thing features a haunting and atmospheric score composed by French musician Robin Coudert, also known as Rob.
The soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s dark and suspenseful tone, with its eerie melodies and unsettling soundscapes.
Highlights from the soundtrack include the tracks “Every Secret Thing” and “Mysteries Unfold.”
Curiosities and Behind-the-Scenes Facts
- The film adaptation of Every Secret Thing was initially announced in 2010, with a different director (Francesca Gregorini) and cast (including Elizabeth Banks as Detective Nancy Porter) attached. However, due to scheduling conflicts and production delays, the project was put on hold until Amy Berg took over as director in 2013.
- Laura Lippman, the author of Every Secret Thing, made a cameo appearance in the film adaptation. She can be seen as a reporter in one of the news segments featured in the film.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing Like the Characters
Dressing up as the characters from Every Secret Thing can be an exciting and creative way to pay tribute to the book and film.
Here are some tips for creating a costume inspired by the characters:
- Alice Manning: To dress like Alice, choose clothing that is slightly oversized and plain, such as a loose-fitting blouse and skirt. For her signature hairstyle, opt for a messy bun or a simple ponytail. To complete the look, add a pair of glasses and carry a book or a notebook.
- Ronnie Fuller: Ronnie’s style is more punk-inspired, with dark clothing and a leather jacket. Add some ripped jeans, combat boots, and temporary tattoos to capture her rebellious spirit. Finish the look with a short, choppy wig or style your hair in a messy, unkempt manner.
Laura Lippman: Biography and Notable Works
Laura Lippman is an American author of crime fiction, best known for her popular Tess Monaghan series, which follows the adventures of a former newspaper reporter turned private investigator in Baltimore.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Lippman began her career as a journalist before turning to fiction writing. She has published over 20 novels and numerous short stories, with many of her works receiving critical acclaim and prestigious awards.
In addition to Every Secret Thing, some of her notable works include:
- Baltimore Blues (1997): The first novel in the Tess Monaghan series
- The Most Dangerous Thing (2011): A standalone novel about a group of childhood friends whose secrets come back to haunt them
- Sunburn (2018): A psychological thriller about two strangers with dark pasts who become entangled in a dangerous game
The Ending Explained: Unraveling the Mystery
Without giving away any spoilers, the ending of Every Secret Thing provides a shocking and unexpected twist that leaves readers questioning everything they thought they knew about the characters and the story.
As the truth about the kidnappings and murders is revealed, we see the devastating consequences of secrets, lies, and the choices we make.
The novel’s conclusion serves as a powerful reminder that the line between good and evil is often blurred, and that the human capacity for both redemption and destruction is boundless.
Possibilities for a Remake, Sequel, or Spin-Off
While there have been no official announcements regarding a remake or sequel to the film adaptation of Every Secret Thing, the story’s complex characters and intriguing plot leave plenty of room for further exploration.
A sequel or spin-off could delve deeper into the lives of the characters after the events of the novel, or explore new mysteries within the same universe.
Fans of the book and film will undoubtedly be eager to see more stories from the world of Every Secret Thing.
Other Media by Amy Berg: Exploring her Filmography
Amy Berg is an accomplished director and producer, known for her work in both documentary and narrative films.
Her filmography includes:
- Deliver Us from Evil (2006): A documentary about the Catholic Church’s cover-up of sexual abuse by priests
- West of Memphis (2012): A documentary about the wrongful conviction of three teenagers accused of murder in Arkansas
- Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015): A documentary about the life and career of rock singer Janis Joplin
Similar Media to Every Secret Thing: Books, Movies, and TV Shows
If you enjoyed Every Secret Thing, you might also like the following books, movies, and TV shows that explore similar themes and subject matter:
- Books: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
- Movies: Mystic River (2003), Prisoners (2013), Gone Girl (2014), and The Girl on the Train (2016)
- TV Shows: Broadchurch, The Killing, Top of the Lake, and Big Little Lies
Other Notable Works by Laura Lippman
In addition to Every Secret Thing, Laura Lippman has written numerous other novels and short stories that are well worth exploring.
Some of her other standout works include:
- What the Dead Know (2007): A standalone mystery novel about a woman who claims to be one of two sisters who disappeared 30 years earlier
- And When She Was Good (2012): A suburban housewife with a secret life must confront her past when a new threat emerges
- Wilde Lake (2016): A suspenseful novel about a Maryland state’s attorney who uncovers a family secret while investigating a murder case
Book Club Discussion Questions for Every Secret Thing
Every Secret Thing is a thought-provoking and engaging read that can spark lively discussions among book club members.
Here are some questions to consider during your book club meeting:
- How do the themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil play out in Every Secret Thing?
- How does the novel explore the impact of childhood trauma on a person’s adult life?
- What role do secrets play in the story, and how do they affect the characters and their relationships?
- How does the novel’s structure, with its shifting timeline and perspective, contribute to the suspense and intrigue of the story?
- Discuss the ending of Every Secret Thing. Were you surprised by the twist? How does the conclusion tie together the novel’s themes and character arcs?
Video Games Inspired by Every Secret Thing (if available)
While there are no video games specifically based on Every Secret Thing, fans of the book and film might enjoy playing games in the mystery and thriller genres.
Some popular titles include Heavy Rain, L.A. Noire, and the Sherlock Holmes series of games.
Conclusion
Every Secret Thing is a captivating and suspenseful story that keeps readers and viewers on the edge of their seats.
With its intricate plot, complex characters, and powerful themes, it’s no wonder the book and film have made such a lasting impact.
Whether you’re a fan of the novel, the movie adaptation, or both, this comprehensive guide offers a wealth of information and insight into the world of Every Secret Thing.
