Performance and Authenticity

The central theme of the novel is performance and authenticity and the way each of the three main characters adopt a persona in their interactions with other people, rather than authentically expressing their inner thoughts, values, and desires.

The most straightforward act of performance in the novel is the work that Inez engages in through responding to ads on Craigslist. In each case, the men whom Inez meets through this work want someone to perform a stereotypical version of femininity: Martin wants a woman to pretend to be vulnerable and a victim; Carlos wants a woman to pretend to be a hyper-emotional, hysterical, gold-digger; and another client wants a woman to perform the act of conforming to normative female beauty standards. Inez’s motivations for pursuing this work are never made clear although it is suggested that the heart of the matter lies in...