You Deserve to Know

While the novel focuses on its female characters, Scott Crowder and Anton Khoury represent two distinct models of masculinity. Compare and contrast these two husbands, analyzing how their respective secrets, one of past violence and the other of professional fraud, contribute to the unraveling of Nassau Court’s idyllic facade.

How does the novel depict the challenges of maintaining emotional and physical intimacy in long-term relationships (especially while raising children)? How do the characters who engage in infidelity justify it to themselves and to others?

Discuss the role of animals in the narrative. What do the presence of Sababa the dog and Cathy’s kittens contribute to tone, theme, and symbolism?

Analyze the character of Noa. Why is she an important figure in the novel and how does she contrast with the adult characters?

Discuss how different occupations are used as devices for characterization. What does a job as a life coach, an author, a landscaper, etc. convey about a character?

How does Lisa use her body and sexuality to get what she wants? How do other female characters respond to Lisa’s confidence and attractiveness?

The present-day plot unfolds over less than a week. How did the rapid pace of the action affect the tone and mood of the novel? How does it generate suspense?

Analyze the role of Anton’s plagiarized first novel in the text. What is the significance of its plot and themes? Is it important that Anton adopts a woman’s perspective (which later turns out to have been uncredited)?