My Husband

The narrative structure of the novel involves a lengthy flashback after a tense opening. How does the reverse timeline add to the suspense and thrill in the plot? What other literary techniques does the author use to sustain narrative momentum?

Ariane calls herself “a bad mother” (202) on one occasion, and admits that she would rather not have had her children on another. How does the novel explore the complexities of modern motherhood? How does motherhood tie into the wider exploration of gender roles and expectations?

Ariane goes to great lengths to craft a certain persona, one that is often at odds with her authentic inner self. How does the novel explore the various ways in which characters’ self-presentation may or may not be exactly as it seems?

As the plot progresses, it is hinted that Ariane’s husband is engaging in manipulative behavior of his own. How is emotional abuse depicted in the novel?

The novel is considered a work in the domestic noir sub-genre, comparable to books like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. In what ways does My Husband conform to some of the common tropes of the genre, and in what ways does it diverge from them?

What role do gender and class play in establishing the power dynamics in Ariane’s marriage to her husband? Illustrate your answer with examples from the novel.

Examine Maud Ventura’s use of satire and irony in the novel to critique contemporary life. What elements of modern life does she satirize? What do her critiques suggest about the potential flaws in contemporary society?

What is the wider significance of the Epilogue in the text? How does it help to illustrate some of the novel’s key themes and ideas?