Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses sexual assault rape as well as physical and emotional abuse.

“There is a difference between being and feeling alone, and it is possible to miss someone and be with them at the same time. There have been plenty of people in my life: family, friends, colleagues, lovers. A full cast of the usual suspects that make a person’s social circle, but mine has always felt a little bent out of shape.

Mrs. Andrews demonstrates her profound sense of disconnection and longing for genuine human connection. She explores the distinction between being physically surrounded by people and feeling connected to them emotionally. The metaphor of a “bent out of shape” social circle implies a sense of unease and imbalance.

“There are at least two sides to every story: Yours and mine. Ours and theirs. His and hers. Which means someone is always lying. Lies told often enough can start to sound true, and we all sometimes hear a voice inside our heads, saying something so shocking, we pretend it is not our own.”

This passage delves into the subjective nature of truth and the pivotal role of perception. Truth is fluid and based on individual viewpoints. The passage further underscores people’s susceptibility to repetition. The constant reiteration of lies can, over time, become so ingrained that they are accepted as the truth.

“Sometimes I think I am the unreliable narrator of my own life. Sometimes I think we all are.”

Anna’s observation demonstrates her awareness that she filters her experiences through her trauma, pain, and self-concept and that the resulting perception of her reality may not be accurate. By acknowledging the potential fallibility of narratives, the passage encourages contemplation of the complex nature of human perception and the multifaceted reality of truth.