What is Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty about?

Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty follows the Kettle triplets—Cat, Lyn, and Gemma—as they navigate their turbulent thirty-fourth year. The novel opens with a dramatic birthday dinner where Cat throws a fork at pregnant Gemma, then works backward to reveal what led to this explosive moment. The story explores sibling rivalry, marriage struggles, infertility, adultery, and the complex bonds between sisters who are fiercely close yet constantly combative.

Who should read Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty?

Three Wishes is ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven family dramas with quirky humor and emotional depth. Fans of Liane Moriarty's later works will appreciate seeing her debut novel, though it's less polished than her subsequent books. This book particularly resonates with readers interested in sibling dynamics, women's fiction exploring relationship complexities, and stories about navigating life transitions in your thirties.

Is Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty worth reading?

Three Wishes is worth reading for Liane Moriarty completists and fans of sisterhood stories, though most reviewers agree it's her weakest novel. The book showcases Moriarty's signature wit and insight into human behavior but lacks the tight plotting and suspense of her later works. Readers appreciate the unique narrative structure featuring stranger perspectives and the authentic portrayal of complicated sisterhood, despite finding the ending anticlimactic.

How does Liane Moriarty develop the triplets' personalities in Three Wishes?

Liane Moriarty distinguishes the Kettle triplets through distinct personalities and life choices. Cat is intense, competitive, and consumed by her husband's betrayal; Lyn is the perfectionist overachiever who meticulously plans everything but suffers panic attacks; and Gemma is the fraternal triplet who drifts through jobs and relationships with no clear direction. Moriarty cleverly uses stranger observations at each chapter's beginning to show how the beautiful triplets appear to outsiders versus their internal struggles.

What is the fork-throwing incident in Three Wishes?

The fork-throwing incident occurs during the triplets' thirty-fourth birthday dinner at a Sydney seafood restaurant. Cat accuses her sisters of ruining her life and throws a fondue fork that lodges in pregnant Gemma's abdomen, causing chaos and hospitalizations. This dramatic opening anchors the narrative, which then rewinds to explain the events—including Cat's husband's affair, Gemma's relationship complications, and mounting family tensions—that led to this explosive confrontation.

What are the main themes in Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty?

Three Wishes explores: * **Multiple-birth identity** and how triplets navigate individuality within their intense bond * **Marriage and infidelity** through Cat's crumbling relationship and Lyn's affair backstory * **Family dynamics**, **sibling rivalry**, and the balance between supporting versus manipulating each other Additional themes include **motherhood and infertility**, learning when to hold on versus let go, and finding direction during life's transitional thirties.

How does Three Wishes compare to Liane Moriarty's other books?

Three Wishes is Liane Moriarty's debut novel from 2003, and readers consistently rank it below her later works like Big Little Lies and The Husband's Secret. The book lacks the suspenseful plotting and serious themes (murders, drownings) of her subsequent novels. However, it showcases her signature conversational writing style, dark undertones, and insight into relationships. Moriarty's character development and thematic depth matured significantly after this first effort.

What is unique about the narrative structure in Three Wishes?

Three Wishes employs a distinctive: * **Reverse chronology structure**, opening with the dramatic fork-throwing incident then working backward to explain what led there. * Each chapter begins with **stranger perspectives**—memories and observations from people who encountered the triplets over the years. This dual narrative approach provides both insider family dynamics and outsider impressions, creating a multidimensional portrait of how the beautiful triplets navigate the world versus their private struggles.

Three Wishes Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Three Wishes

Liane Moriarty

Fiction

Relationship

Personal development

Self-growth

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Three identical triplets, one chaotic restaurant scene, countless secrets. Liane Moriarty's debut novel - her master's thesis turned NYT bestseller - delivers her trademark blend of humor and family drama that would later define her blockbuster career. Less polished but possibly her funniest work.

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary8min

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive42min

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card10 insights

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun18min

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Explore Your Way of Learning

Three Wishes isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Fiction. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary

Three Wishes Summary in 8 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Three Wishes into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 10 Insights from Three Wishes in a Nutshell

Distill Three Wishes into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

Three Wishes Lessons Told Through 18-Min Stories

Experience Three Wishes through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

00:00

Personalize

Experience Three Wishes in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

Download This Summary

Get the Three Wishes summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

Three Wishes

Liane Moriarty

Fiction

Relationship

Personal development

Self-growth

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary8min

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive42min

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card10 insights

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun18min

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

More Like This

23 sources

The Usual Rules: Rebuilding After Loss

Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got

3 sources

Three Books, One Blueprint: Business Success Secrets

Key Takeaways

When Three Wishes Collide: The Spectacular Restaurant Incident

00:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to share your birthday, your looks, and your entire childhood with two other people? For the Kettle triplets-Cat, Lyn, and Gemma-this reality erupted into public spectacle one cold June night at Portofino's, an upscale Sydney restaurant. What began as their thirty-fourth birthday celebration ended with one sister wielding a fondue fork like a weapon before hurling it across the table at her pregnant sister, where it became embedded-with surgical precision-in her stomach. As crimson blood seeped through cream silk, the attacker fainted, hitting her chin with a crack on a mahogany chair. Meanwhile, the third sister displayed an almost surreal calm, calling an ambulance while simultaneously ordering ice water from a stunned waiter. Within hours, versions of this dramatic scene were being described across the city-in homes, offices, and coffee shops-each telling slightly different from the last. But to understand how three successful professional women ended up in such a situation, we need to go back to the beginning.

The Unraveling of Perfect Lives

Three Sisters, Three Paths

Secrets and Christmas Surprises

Loss and Unexpected Pregnancy

The Healing Power of Sisterhood

New Horizons and Second Chances

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary

Three Wishes Summary in 8 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Three Wishes into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 10 Insights from Three Wishes in a Nutshell

Distill Three Wishes into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

Three Wishes Lessons Told Through 18-Min Stories

Experience Three Wishes through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

00:00

Personalize

Experience Three Wishes in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

Download This Summary

Get the Three Wishes summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty Summary

Overview of Three Wishes

Similar books to Three Wishes

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Three Wishes Summary in 8 Minutes

Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from Three Wishes in a Nutshell

Fun Mode - Three Wishes Lessons Told Through 18-Min Stories

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Three Wishes Summary in 0 Minutes

Download Three Wishes PDF

Download Three Wishes EPUB

Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty Summary

Overview of Three Wishes

Similar books to Three Wishes

More Like This

Key Takeaways

When Three Wishes Collide: The Spectacular Restaurant Incident

The Unraveling of Perfect Lives

Three Sisters, Three Paths

Secrets and Christmas Surprises

Loss and Unexpected Pregnancy

The Healing Power of Sisterhood

New Horizons and Second Chances

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Three Wishes Summary in 8 Minutes

Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from Three Wishes in a Nutshell

Fun Mode - Three Wishes Lessons Told Through 18-Min Stories

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Three Wishes Summary in 0 Minutes

Download Three Wishes PDF

Download Three Wishes EPUB

More Like This

Key Takeaways

When Three Wishes Collide: The Spectacular Restaurant Incident

The Unraveling of Perfect Lives

Three Sisters, Three Paths

Secrets and Christmas Surprises

Loss and Unexpected Pregnancy

The Healing Power of Sisterhood

New Horizons and Second Chances