Strangers

The author comes from an extraordinarily privileged background. Despite her privilege, did you feel that you could relate to her story?

This is a memoir, but at times reads almost like a thriller. How did the author set the stakes and make you invested in what came next?

Did you note any influence of Belle's training as an attorney in her writing? What did you think of her writing style in this, her debut book?

In many ways, Burden's story is almost a cliché: wife gives up career to stay home, husband has an affair and leaves. What elevates this book above cliché? What did you learn or take away from this memoir?

How does the timing of Burden's marriage's implosion - coinciding with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic - amplify the effects of her husband's disappearance?

Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who "flipped the switch" in a manner similar to Burden's husband? How did you react? Were you able to move on quickly, or, like Belle, did you feel compelled to understand "why"?

Burden has an exceptional educational pedigree, including Harvard Law, and met her husband at a law firm where they were both attorneys. Despite this, she found herself giving up her career to stay home with her children in a traditional female role with barely any discussion. Why do you think this was the case? What does it say about our society?

Were you surprised by how thoroughly "James" wanted out of the marriage, to the point of giving up all custody of their children?

The author is ruthlessly honest in airing her own shortcomings and her role in her marriage. Do you think you'd ever be able to publish something that exposed you so personally? What purpose do you think the writing - and airing - of her story served for Burden?

Many people close to Burden urged her to avoid "revenge" and take "the high road." Do you think revenge was a motivator for Burden? Why do you think so many people around her wanted to effectively let her husband off the hook? What lessons had Belle herself internalized about how a woman should behave in her circumstances, and how was she able to overcome them?

We never get Burden's husband's version of the story. Would you want to hear it? Do you think there's anything he could possibly say that would change your opinion of him?

Would you say that every marriage is a mystery? Are all spouses ultimately somewhat strangers to each other?

Gwyneth Paltrow is set to star in a Netflix adaptation of this memoir. What do you think of the casting?

Would you have made James the sandwich?