Liars: A Novel by Sarah Manguso

Liars is an eviscerating novel from the author of Very Cold People and 300 Arguments, exploring the painful intersection of marriage, motherhood, and artistic ambition. Hailed as “painful and brilliant” by Elif Batuman and praised as a “bracing story of a woman on the verge” by Kirkus Reviews, this novel offers a searing critique of the sacrifices women often make for family and art.

The story follows Jane, an aspiring writer who dreams of love, creative success, and happiness. When she meets filmmaker John Bridges, their shared aspirations seem like a perfect match. As they marry and Jane embraces the joys and challenges of motherhood, she believes she has found everything she ever wanted. Yet, the ideal quickly unravels as Jane becomes overshadowed by John's ambitions, whims, and ego.

Despite her career achievements, Jane's marriage deteriorates under the weight of family responsibilities and John's self-centeredness. Her efforts to keep everything together prove futile as John eventually leaves her. The novel captures the devastating collapse of their relationship with sharp wit and raw emotion.

Liars is a powerful exploration of how marriage can consume and distort one's identity, particularly for women artists. It’s a blistering account of a woman’s journey through the ruins of her marriage and her emergence from its ashes, revealing the resilience and strength required to reclaim her own life and artistic voice. ❤️📚❤️