Liars: A Novel

Liars, by Sarah Manguso, published in 2024, is a contemporary novel in the genre of domestic realism, examining the dissolution of a marriage through the first-person perspective of narrator Jane. Manguso, an acclaimed author known for her works blending memoir and fiction, explores themes of self-deception, emotional abuse, societal expectation, and personal resilience. Set against the backdrop of American life, the novel dissects the intricate dynamics of a toxic relationship while offering an incisive critique of the pressures faced by women in marriage and motherhood. Longlisted for several literary awards, Liars stands as a poignant contribution to feminist literature, inviting readers to question cultural norms and consider the complexities of identity and personal growth.

This guide uses the eBook version of Liars published by Hogarth in 2024.

Content Warning: The source material contains depictions of suicidal ideation, emotional and physical abuse, sexual content, illness, death, mental illness, substance use, animal death, and gender discrimination.

Language Note: The protagonist’s husband, John, frequently uses offensive language regarding mental health—including the terms “mentally unstable” or “emotionally unstable” and “crazy”—in a deliberate effort to belittle and demean the protagonist, Jane. This language appears in the guide in quotation marks. 

Plot Summary

Sarah Manguso’s Liars is an introspective and emotionally charged exploration of a marriage’s dissolution, told through the perspective of Jane, a writer navigating the complexities of love, identity, and betrayal. With its episodic structure and often-conversational prose, the novel offers an intimate portrayal of a toxic relationship while critiquing societal expectations of marriage and motherhood.

The story begins with Jane reflecting on her troubled marriage to John, a filmmaker. They meet at a film festival, where John’s charm and artistic ambition captivate Jane. Although John insists on keeping their relationship private to avoid upsetting his ex-girlfriend Naomi, whom he describes as “emotionally unstable,” Jane becomes deeply involved in his life. Early signs of John’s controlling tendencies emerge as he prioritizes his past relationships over Jane’s feelings. Nevertheless, Jane rationalizes his behavior, attributing it to his insecurity and desire for stability. Their relationship deepens, and they move forward as a couple despite these warning signs.

Jane wins the prestigious Akadimia Prize, granting her a yearlong fellowship in Athens, Greece. While John appears supportive of her accomplishment, his behavior reveals a pattern of undermining her achievements. At the fellowship ceremony, John embarrasses Jane by sitting at the winners’ table, ignoring the protocol for non-recipient spouses. In Athens, Jane becomes increasingly aware of John’s flaws, including his self-centeredness and professional jealousy. Still, she continues to downplay her feelings in favor of supporting his ambitions.

After their time in Athens, Jane and John marry and begin building a life together. However, the dynamics of their relationship worsen as John’s selfishness and poor financial decisions take a toll on Jane. While John pursues his artistic endeavors and starts two companies, both of which fail, Jane takes on the bulk of domestic responsibilities, including organizing their finances and managing their household. Jane’s attempts to set boundaries and establish equality in their marriage often fall flat as John consistently prioritizes his own desires over their shared goals. This imbalance leaves Jane feeling increasingly isolated and undervalued.

Jane’s role as a mother adds another layer of complexity to her identity. When their son is born, Jane experiences a profound and transformative love for her child, contrasting sharply with her diminishing affection for John. Motherhood empowers Jane, giving her a renewed sense of purpose, yet it also highlights the inequities in her marriage. While Jane dedicates herself to raising their child, John remains emotionally and physically distant, continuing to prioritize his career and personal interests. This disparity deepens Jane’s frustration, as she struggles to reconcile her identity as a mother with her creative aspirations and the societal pressures of being a “good wife.”

John’s emotional abuse becomes more overt as their marriage progresses. He frequently criticizes Jane’s writing, undermining her confidence, and accuses her of being “angrier” and “crazier” as she begins to voice her dissatisfaction. These accusations echo John’s earlier descriptions of Naomi, suggesting a pattern in how he manipulates and discredits women. Jane increasingly internalizes John’s criticisms, further eroding her self-esteem. Despite these challenges, Jane tries to maintain the illusion of stability, prioritizing their child’s well-being above her own happiness.

As cracks in their marriage widen, John’s frequent trips to Calgary and his emotional detachment raise suspicions. Jane eventually discovers that John is having an affair with Victoria, a mutual acquaintance. This revelation shatters the fragile trust in their relationship, forcing Jane to confront the extent of John’s deception and her own self-deception in tolerating his behavior for so long. John’s betrayal serves as a turning point for Jane, who begins to acknowledge the emotional abuse and manipulation she endured throughout their marriage. When John requests a divorce, Jane embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She channels her grief and anger into cathartic acts, such as throwing bricks at a wall, and begins to reclaim her sense of agency. Jane receives support from her close friends, including Hannah and Eben, who help her navigate the complexities of divorce and single motherhood. Despite John’s attempts to control the narrative during the divorce proceedings—claiming that leaving Jane was an act of self-defense and accusing her of being an unfit parent—Jane remains steadfast in protecting her child and rebuilding her life.

The divorce process is fraught with emotional and physical challenges for Jane. She experiences severe stress-related symptoms, including hair loss and digestive issues, but remains resolute in prioritizing her child’s well-being. Jane also reflects on her marriage through the lens of societal expectations, recognizing how cultural norms contributed to her acceptance of a toxic relationship. At the same time, she grapples with the complex emotions surrounding her divorce, oscillating between anger, relief, and a newfound sense of freedom.

As Jane disentangles herself from John, she reflects on the ways he manipulated her and others in their lives, including Naomi and Victoria. She questions Victoria’s role in the affair, considering whether Victoria was a victim of John’s lies or complicit in his betrayal. Ultimately, Jane recognizes that John’s patterns of deceit and emotional abuse are rooted in his insecurities and inability to accept her success as a writer. The novel concludes with Jane embracing her independence and moving forward with her life. She finds empowerment in her role as a mother and regains her creative voice, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit. By the end of the story, Jane views her divorce not as a failure but as a necessary step toward self-discovery and personal growth. Through its candid and introspective narrative, Liars offers a poignant exploration of the complexities of marriage, identity, and the journey to reclaim oneself.