Liars: A Novel

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Jane’s journey explores the sacrifices women often make in marriage and motherhood. Have you ever felt the need to compromise your personal ambitions for family or relationships? How did you navigate that balance?

2. The theme of self-deception is central to Jane’s narrative. Can you relate to moments where you ignored red flags or rationalized behavior in a relationship? How did those experiences shape your perspective?

3. Jane’s relationship with her child brings her both challenges and a sense of fulfillment. How does her experience as a mother compare to your own experiences with parenting or being parented?

4. Jane finds strength and clarity after her divorce. Have you experienced a moment of personal transformation following a major life change? What lessons or insights did you gain from that process?

5. The book emphasizes the importance of friendships, like Jane’s bond with Hannah. Have you had friendships that provided critical support during difficult times? How did those relationships help you navigate challenges?

6. Manguso portrays Jane’s emotional abuse subtly but powerfully. Did any scenes evoke strong emotions or resonate with your own experiences of being dismissed or undermined?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Liars critiques societal expectations surrounding marriage and motherhood. How do you think cultural norms about gender roles have evolved in recent years? Do you see any parallels between the societal pressures Jane faces and those experienced by women today?

2. The novel highlights the societal tendency to dismiss women’s emotions by labeling them as “angry” or “crazy.” How does this reflect broader cultural dynamics? Can you think of examples from medial, history, or personal experiences where similar dismissals occurred?

3. Liars explores how the imbalance of domestic and emotional labor in relationships reflects systemic inequalities. How do you think modern conversations about unpaid labor and caregiving are addressing these issues. Are there any changes you’ve observed in your own life or community.

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does the novel’s episodic structure impact the pacing and emotional resonance of the story? Do the fragmented vignettes enhance or hinder the development of Jane and John’s relationship?

2. Jane often uses metaphors and storytelling to process her emotions and explain complex ideas to her child. What role do these literary devices play in the novel’s thematic depth? Can you identify a metaphor that particularly stood out to you?

3. Discuss how the setting of Liars, from Athens to Los Angeles to Calgary, contributes to the tone and progression of the story. How do the different locations reflect shifts in Jane and John’s relationship?

4. Examine the symbolism of recurring elements, such as the Akadimia Prize, tranquilizers, or cats. How do these symbols deepen the reader’s understanding of Jane’s emotional state and the novel’s broader themes?

5. How does the novel’s tone, blending dark humor with raw introspection, affect the reader’s engagement with Jane’s experiences. Does the humor serve as a coping mechanism for Jane, or does it reflect a broader commentary on societal expectations.