Why might Audrain have chosen to create an affair between Whitney and Ben rather than Whitney and Aiden? Is it related to Whitney’s relationship with Blair? Perhaps it relates more to Ben’s character and marriage to Rebecca? Why throw readers off the scent, encouraging us to think Aiden is Whitney’s lover?

Analyze the obstacles to female friendship in the novel. What enables real friendships and what obstructs them?

Analyze the four marriages in the book. Not one seems truly successful. Why not? What messages does the book present about marriage?