Society of Lies: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses depictions of sexism, racism, grooming, and emotional trauma present in the source text.

An unnamed young woman, later revealed to be Naomi, narrates the prologue. She attends Princeton, and she’s about to become a member of the Sterling Club, the most illustrious “eating club” at Princeton. She drinks and dances, and she notices an attractive man, Liam, looking at her. Suddenly, Liam vanishes. He reappears on the upstairs terrace, telling Naomi that she has been “tapped” (chosen) to join Greystone Society, an extremely secret club within Sterling. Liam gives her 30 seconds to decide. Naomi joins.

Maya, Naomi’s older sister, went to Princeton 10 years prior. She returns to see Naomi graduate. Around the same time, Princeton Reunions occur, so numerous other Princeton alumni reunite. Maya has a husband, Nate Banks, and a five-year-old daughter, Dani. Maya meets up with Daisy, a fellow alumna. Daisy is also married and has a daughter around Dani’s age. Maya tells her about a fight she had with Naomi: Maya wanted to spend time with Naomi on Friday, but Naomi had to work.

An alert appears on Maya’s phone.