Both Ariane and her husband can be described as unreliable narrators. What compromises their credibility as storytellers? How do their differing perspectives affect the narration and its key themes?

The narrative structure of the novel involves a lengthy flashback after a tense opening. How does the reverse timeline add to the suspense and thrill in the plot? What other literary techniques does the author use to sustain narrative momentum?

Ariane calls herself “a bad mother” (202) on one occasion, and admits that she would rather not have had her children on another. How does the novel explore the complexities of modern motherhood? How does motherhood tie into the wider exploration of gender roles and expectations?