Society of Lies Summary, Characters and Themes

“Society of Lies” by Lauren Ling Brown is a gripping, layered mystery about betrayal, secrets, and the pursuit of belonging. 

The story follows Maya, who returns to Princeton for a reunion and to attend her younger sister Naomi’s graduation. But tragedy strikes when Naomi is found dead under suspicious circumstances, and Maya’s search for answers leads her to a dark, hidden world at the heart of Princeton. As Maya uncovers her sister’s ties to a dangerous social club, she is forced to confront her own past, unraveling deadly truths and buried secrets about those she once trusted.

Summary

Maya returns to Princeton for her 10-year reunion and is excited to see her sister Naomi graduate. However, this joyous occasion quickly turns into a nightmare when Naomi is found dead, with the police labeling it an accident. 

Maya suspects something darker is at play and embarks on a mission to uncover the truth. 

As Maya digs deeper, she learns how much Naomi hid from her, especially about her involvement in Sterling Club, an exclusive social group at Princeton. 

Naomi’s actions echo Maya’s own past, where she too was a member of this club and secretly inducted into Greystone, an even more secretive society within Sterling.

The story alternates between Maya’s perspective, which spans her time at Princeton in 2011-2012 and the aftermath of Naomi’s death a decade later, and Naomi’s perspective during her junior year (2022-2023). 

Maya had joined Sterling under the influence of her friend Daisy, who convinced her to apply. Once accepted, Maya also found herself drawn into Greystone, a shadowy society with deep ties to corruption. 

Lila Jones, a member of Greystone, tried to warn Maya to stay away, but Maya ignored her advice.

While working with Lila, Maya uncovered a series of financial crimes involving Greystone, including money laundering through its philanthropic Legacy Foundation. The society’s alumni used their influence to get their children admitted to Princeton under false pretenses. 

To cover up these shady activities, Maya becomes involved in ethically questionable actions, such as taking an SAT for another student and writing their Princeton application essay in exchange for money and a prestigious internship at Goldman Sachs. 

Maya is soon drawn deeper into this underworld, where her moral compass becomes increasingly compromised.

The situation becomes even more dangerous as Lila and her friend Austin Levy, editor-in-chief of Princeton’s The Daily Princetonian, attempt to expose Greystone’s criminal activities. 

When Lila is found dead under mysterious circumstances after a failed scheme to capture evidence of sexual assault by a professor, Matthew DuPont, Maya realizes how much she is entangled in a web of lies and murder. 

Maya’s suspicions about Greystone and the people around her grow as she is confronted with more secrets from her past.

As Maya tries to protect Naomi from the same dark forces that claimed Lila’s life, Naomi, too, falls under the sway of Sterling and Greystone. 

She befriends Amy, an ambitious aspiring journalist working at The New York Times who is investigating Greystone’s crimes. 

Naomi helps Amy, unaware that her sister’s past involvement with the club could jeopardize everything. Naomi uncovers a chilling truth: the connection between Greystone’s power and Lila’s death.

In a tragic twist, Cecily, a key figure in both Greystone and Sterling, unintentionally kills Naomi to silence her after Naomi discovers a video of Lila’s murder. Cecily and the others, including the manipulative DuPont, attempt to cover up Naomi’s death. 

But Maya’s relentless pursuit of justice exposes the horrifying reality of the club’s twisted legacy. 

The book culminates in a final confrontation where Maya must navigate the dangers posed by Cecily, Marta, and others who are determined to bury the truth.

Maya’s investigation into her sister’s death brings her face to face with the horrific consequences of the lies that define Princeton’s elite social circles. As Maya uncovers the sinister forces that led to Naomi’s death, she confronts her own demons and the haunting secrets of her past.

Characters

Maya

Maya is one of the central characters in Society of Lies. A decade older than her sister Naomi, she navigates life with a complex web of guilt, secrets, and fear.

Maya is a graduate of Princeton, where she was a member of the prestigious Sterling Club and the secret society, Greystone, which played a significant role in her college years. Despite the seeming success in her life post-college, including her marriage to Nate Banks and her daughter Dani, Maya harbors deep trauma from her time at Princeton.

The guilt she feels about her involvement in the death of Lila Jones and her awareness of the corruption within Greystone haunt her throughout the novel. When Naomi dies under mysterious circumstances, Maya is pushed to confront her own past, the role she played in the events surrounding Lila’s death, and the dark secrets that were buried during her time at Princeton.

Naomi

Naomi, Maya’s younger sister, is a key character whose journey is intricately tied to Maya’s past. Although Maya tries to protect Naomi, the younger sister follows in Maya’s footsteps, joining both Sterling and Greystone, despite Maya’s warnings.

Naomi, much like her sister, comes from a working-class background and is accepted into Princeton based on her intellectual capabilities and the drive to succeed. Naomi’s story alternates between her junior year at Princeton, where she uncovers some of the darkest aspects of Greystone, and the tragic events leading to her death.

Naomi is a strong-willed character, pursuing the truth even when it puts her in danger. Her friendship with Amy, her investigation into Greystone, and her eventual discovery of Maya’s role in Lila’s death mark the turning points of her life.

Naomi’s determination to expose the truth leads her to tragic consequences when Cecily, a member of Greystone, inadvertently kills her.

Maya’s Friends: Daisy, Kai, Cecily, and Lila

Daisy

Daisy plays a supportive role in Maya’s life, both during their college years and in the aftermath of Naomi’s death. As one of Maya’s closest friends, Daisy encourages Maya to join the Sterling Club and later becomes a confidante in the investigation of Naomi’s death.

Daisy provides emotional support for Maya as she uncovers the horrific truths surrounding their past, including the financial crimes and corruption within Greystone. Her loyalty to Maya is evident, and she is one of the few people who genuinely seem to care about Maya’s well-being.

Kai

Kai is another of Maya’s college friends who, like Daisy, becomes involved in the investigation surrounding Naomi’s death. Kai provides a sense of loyalty and friendship but is also part of the larger social circle of wealthy and influential students at Princeton.

His role is crucial when Maya and her friends decide to take action against DuPont. While Kai’s actions aren’t as prominent as others, his presence underscores the theme of privilege and the complexity of relationships at Princeton.

Cecily

Cecily is one of the most complex characters in Society of Lies. Initially introduced as a wealthy and privileged member of Sterling Club, Cecily is revealed to be deeply involved in the club’s corrupt practices, including her romantic and professional ties to Matthew DuPont.

Cecily is a character who balances ambition and betrayal, as she attempts to protect her own secrets while manipulating others for her personal gain. Her betrayal is most evident when she inadvertently kills Naomi in an effort to silence her.

Cecily’s character embodies the dark side of privilege and the willingness to go to extreme lengths to protect oneself from the consequences of one’s actions.

Lila

Lila is an important figure from Maya’s past who plays a critical role in the events that lead to Naomi’s death. As a member of Greystone, Lila represents both the allure and the dangers of the secretive society.

Lila’s death, which appears to be a tragic accident, is tied to Maya’s past and marks the beginning of the unraveling of the truth behind Greystone’s corruption. Lila is portrayed as a character who, like Maya, was deeply affected by the power and influence of Greystone, and her death becomes a key motivator for Maya’s quest to uncover the truth about what happened.

Matthew DuPont

Professor Matthew DuPont is a central antagonist in the story. A popular and well-known economics professor at Princeton, DuPont uses his power and influence to manipulate students and colleagues alike.

His relationship with Cecily is one of control and exploitation, and he is also involved in the abusive dynamics of Greystone. DuPont plays a significant role in both the deaths of Lila and Naomi, and his actions represent the dark side of academia and power at Princeton.

He is manipulative, controlling, and willing to go to any lengths to protect his reputation and cover up the criminal activities of Greystone. His role in the novel is pivotal, as he serves as a symbol of corruption and abuse within elite institutions.

Marta

Marta is a seemingly minor character who plays a significant role in the final events of the story. She works as the housekeeper at Sterling Club and becomes a key player in the scheme to expose the truth about Greystone.

Marta is more than just an observer; she is a silent witness to many of the characters’ actions. Her role becomes more prominent as she decides to turn against Cecily after discovering the extent of the corruption and violence surrounding the club.

Marta’s actions in the final scenes of the novel represent a form of retribution, as she helps Maya by sabotaging Cecily’s plans and ensuring that the truth will eventually come to light.

Amy

Amy is a strong and determined character who plays a significant role in investigating the corrupt activities of Greystone and its alumni. She is a working-class student at Princeton who supports herself by working as a camgirl, a fact that becomes a point of contention when her explicit videos are used to humiliate her.

Despite the danger and humiliation she faces, Amy’s determination to expose the truth about Greystone remains steadfast. Her friendship with Naomi provides crucial insights into the corrupt practices within the club, and she plays a significant role in the investigation that ultimately leads to Naomi’s tragic death.

Amy’s character represents resilience in the face of exploitation, as she attempts to bring justice to those harmed by the corrupt system.

John and Margaret

John and Margaret, the couple who become Naomi’s legal guardians after her parents’ death, represent a different facet of privilege. With their wealth and status, they offer Naomi a comfortable and protected life in affluent Greenwich, Connecticut.

However, their financial support comes with strings attached. Margaret, in particular, plays a pivotal role in protecting Maya and her family from DuPont’s threats, ultimately taking extreme measures to ensure their safety.

While initially appearing as distant guardians, Margaret’s protective instincts reflect a deeper love and concern for Naomi’s well-being, even after her death. Their role in the story underscores the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones and ensure their safety, even at great personal cost.

Themes

The Consequences of Seeking Power and Status at All Costs

A dominant theme in Society of Lies is the destructive pursuit of power and status, particularly within elite circles like Princeton’s Sterling Club and Greystone Society. Throughout the story, the characters—particularly Maya and Naomi—are seduced by the allure of belonging to these exclusive organizations, which are portrayed as both prestigious and morally corrupt.

Maya, initially hesitant, succumbs to the pressure of joining Sterling, and eventually, Greystone, which leads her down a dark path. Naomi follows suit, unaware of the dangerous consequences that await her.

Both sisters’ fates become intertwined with these clubs, highlighting the extreme lengths individuals will go to gain acceptance and success, even at the cost of their personal values and well-being. The novel critiques the obsession with power and status, showing that the pursuit of these ideals can lead to moral compromises, betrayal, and ultimately, death.

The Dangers of Hidden Secrets and the Long-Lasting Effects of Suppressed Trauma

Another prominent theme in the novel is the impact of buried secrets and suppressed trauma. Maya carries the weight of the dark events from her college years, particularly the death of Lila and her involvement in it.

She has concealed her role in Lila’s demise, which causes immense psychological strain and guilt. Similarly, Naomi uncovers secrets related to both Maya’s past and the corrupt operations of Greystone, leading her to discover unsettling truths about her sister.

The narrative weaves together past and present to emphasize how the consequences of repressed trauma and secrets linger, sometimes taking years to surface and disrupting lives when least expected. These hidden truths ultimately catch up to the characters, shattering the illusion of safety and revealing that no one can truly escape their past.

The Exploitation of Vulnerability for Personal Gain and the Complexities of Power Dynamics

The exploitation of vulnerability is a recurring theme in Society of Lies, particularly as it pertains to the abuse of power and control in relationships. Lila’s relationship with Professor DuPont is one of the most notable examples of this dynamic.

DuPont, a well-established figure in academia, exploits Lila’s vulnerabilities, both emotional and professional, as a means to maintain his position of power over her. Similarly, Cecily’s involvement with DuPont further complicates the theme, as she uses her influence to manipulate situations to her advantage.

Naomi’s story also mirrors this theme, with characters like Liam and Cecily attempting to exert control over her to protect their own interests. The novel examines how those in positions of power often prey on individuals’ vulnerabilities—whether emotional, financial, or professional—forcing them to compromise their integrity.

It also delves into the complex nature of power dynamics, showing how manipulation and exploitation can run deep in seemingly respectable environments like academia and elite social clubs.

The Dehumanizing Effects of Systemic Corruption and Institutionalized Inequality

The novel critiques the systemic corruption that underpins the elitist social structures at Princeton, where privilege and power are often granted to those who can exploit the system. Through the Greystone Society and its philanthropic Legacy Foundation, the story highlights the ways in which money, influence, and legacy are used to perpetuate inequality and maintain the status quo.

The members of these exclusive clubs, including Maya, use their wealth and connections to secure personal gain, sometimes at the expense of others’ well-being. Naomi, who comes from a working-class background, is depicted as a victim of this institutionalized inequality, struggling to navigate a system that is rigged against people like her.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that these societal structures not only reward the privileged but also enable criminal activities, such as the laundering of money and the manipulation of admissions processes. Society of Lies serves as a sharp commentary on how institutions, often seen as pillars of society, are complicit in perpetuating systemic corruption and fostering an environment where inequality thrives.

The Toxicity of Female Friendships and Rivalries in Patriarchal Societies

Female friendships and rivalries play a significant role in Society of Lies, revealing how women within patriarchal systems often operate in toxic ways due to the pressures placed on them. The relationship between Maya and Cecily, once close friends, deteriorates as their lives become entwined in competition and deceit.

Cecily, who initially seems like a trusted ally, ultimately becomes an antagonist, driven by a desire for power and control within the exclusive circles. Meanwhile, Maya’s loyalty to Cecily and other women in her life, such as Daisy, complicates her understanding of trust and betrayal.

The novel paints a picture of how women, particularly in highly competitive environments like Princeton, can engage in ruthless behavior toward one another in an effort to assert dominance or secure their place in the social hierarchy. The story critiques the way patriarchal structures create a hyper-competitive atmosphere among women, forcing them into alliances that are fragile and often fraught with manipulation and rivalry.

The Intersection of Identity, Race, and Class in Navigating Elite Spaces

The theme of identity, particularly race and class, is central to the characters’ experiences in Society of Lies. Both Maya and Naomi, who are Black Chinese Americans, face the challenges of navigating an elite institution like Princeton, where privilege and tradition often exclude those from marginalized backgrounds.

Maya, despite her initial reluctance to join the exclusive circles, finds herself drawn into the world of Sterling and Greystone, where racial and class dynamics play a crucial role in shaping her experiences. Naomi, who inherits a working-class background, is especially vulnerable in these spaces and faces discrimination and alienation as she tries to belong.

Her desire to prove herself and access the same opportunities as her privileged peers leads her to make decisions that ultimately put her life in danger. The novel underscores how race and class are deeply intertwined with the pursuit of power, success, and acceptance in elite circles, revealing the harsh realities that marginalized individuals face as they attempt to navigate these spaces.

It critiques the ways in which institutionalized racism and classism create barriers that limit opportunities and contribute to a cycle of exploitation and betrayal.

The Moral Ambiguity of Justice and Revenge in a Corrupt System

Finally, Society of Lies delves into the moral ambiguity of justice and revenge in the context of a corrupt system. The characters, particularly Maya, find themselves grappling with the question of what constitutes true justice when the systems they operate within are inherently flawed.

Maya’s investigation into Naomi’s death and her desire for revenge on those responsible for her sister’s murder lead her to make decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong. As Maya unravels the corruption surrounding Greystone and DuPont, she is forced to confront the extent to which she is willing to compromise her own morals in the pursuit of justice.

The story challenges the notion of justice within a society that is corrupt at its core, illustrating how the quest for revenge often leads to further moral decay. By the end of the novel, Maya’s actions raise difficult questions about whether true justice is ever achievable in a world where the systems themselves are built on lies, privilege, and exploitation.