One of Us Is Dead

“I know almost every inch of their bodies. But I also know their demons—their deepest, darkest secrets. The things we try to bury beneath the surface so as not to show the world the doppelgänger lurking within us.”

At the beginning of the novel, Jenny asserts that she knows both the surface of her clients and their innermost recesses, but her assertion that “we try to bury […] the doppelgänger lurking within us” links her with them. At the end of the novel, we learn that Jenny shot Olivia—that the keeper of other people’s secrets also has secrets of her own.

“Olivia had a true talent for complimenting herself before she complimented others. She was the same with kind words and insults. I coined the term “kinsults” thanks to her. It was like she had created a cruel language all her own. You wouldn’t even realize she was insulting you, because they were wrapped up like a present, complete with a nice bow.”

Olivia’s “cruel language” alienates words from their superficial meanings. This mode of speaking is kind on the surface but insulting underneath, which is in keeping with other aspects of Buckhead’s social life. Olivia’s remarks, while outwardly benign, often contain an undercurrent of disparagement—a tactic designed to set the person off balance as well as undercut them.

“I knew there was more going on here than Olivia and Shannon’s history that was causing Olivia to be upset. It was obvious. Shannon wasn’t much older than Olivia and her husband traded her in for a newer model. Her hatred toward her was laced with insecurity and fear. Olivia was clearly trying to ostracize Shannon because she feared becoming her. Fear makes people crazy. Insecurity makes them crazier.”

Karen’s observation touches on the insecurity of this group of women who completely identify with their position as wives. It also illustrates the mentality of the group, which is shaken by Shannon’s divorce. They are primed to reevaluate their own fragile roles, setting up the theme of Identity Crisis and Image Revision.