Reality and Perception

The central theme of the novel is Reality and Perception and whether it is possible to separate the two. All of the information given to the reader (except, notably, the “Yvonne” chapters) is filtered through the perspective of one or more of the novel’s characters, making it impossible for the reader to confidently determine who is telling the truth. For example, Gabor’s accounts are limited because they are letters sent to his parents, meaning that he would be unwilling to reveal any information that might reflect badly on him or to discuss personal matters such as his feelings for Suzanne and Lily. Lionel’s accounts are another example of the gap between reality and perception. His books are intended to depict the life of a virile American writer in Paris and, as such, leave out any elements of Lionel’s time in...