The "Real Self" The novel asks the fundamental question of what constitutes the "real self" when so much of our behavior is dictated by the roles we slide in and out of. The unnamed narrator's constant self-awareness and internal monologues underscore the idea that all of us are, to some extent, performing for others and even ourselves.

The protagonist, an accomplished stage actress, constantly blurs the lines between her professional life on the stage and her personal life.

The book uses an unnamed actress protagonist and a unique two-part structure to examine the performance of everyday life and the fragile nature of personal truth.