Big Lies in a Small Town: A Novel

Anna meets some of Edenton’s civic leaders to discuss the mural. When Anna suggests the Edenton Tea Party as a possible topic for the piece, the conversation quickly turns into a debate: whether to focus on the past or celebrate the present. The town industrialists argue that the Tea Party is old news and assert that the citizens would prefer a mural that reflects a contemporary Edenton, something that shows “[t]he things that keep Edenton going and growing” (45). When some of the men lament the fact that Martin Drapple, the local artist, was passed over for the commission, Anna tries to win them over by placating all sides. When she mentions that she will have to paint the mural in New Jersey, the mayor arranges for living and working space in Edenton, and she impulsively agrees to stay for the duration of the painting process.

Apart from the wear and tear of time, the mural includes a bizarrely out-of-place element: the front end of a motorcycle protruding from the skirts of the Tea Party women. In addition, the mural is in such bad condition that Morgan fears it is beyond repair, but she assures Lisa that she can complete the project by the assigned deadline.