Liars: A Novel By Sarah Manguso

Liars is a searing and incisive novel from the author of Very Cold People and 300 Arguments, offering a poignant exploration of the intersection between marriage, motherhood, and artistic ambition. Lauded as “painful and brilliant” by Elif Batuman, this novel delves into the disintegration of a marriage and the complex dynamics that ensue.

Jane, an aspiring writer, meets and falls in love with filmmaker John Bridges. Both are driven by dreams of love, creative success, and happiness. Their marriage initially seems to fulfill all their aspirations, and Jane eagerly embraces the role of a wife and mother. However, as John’s career and ego dominate their lives, Jane finds herself increasingly overshadowed and diminished by his ambitions.

As Jane's own career begins to flourish, the cracks in their marriage widen, culminating in a dramatic breakdown. Jane struggles to keep her life from unraveling amidst the chaos of family and professional demands, until John leaves her, leaving Jane to confront the shards of her shattered existence.

Liars is described as “a bracing story of a woman on the verge” by Kirkus Reviews and is praised for its wit and raw emotion. The novel masterfully captures the agonies of a crumbling marriage and the resilience of a woman who emerges from its ruins, reclaiming her identity and artistry. It is a powerful narrative of personal transformation and the cost of living in the shadow of another’s dreams. 📚❤️