Durvasula begins the book by sharing a personal anecdote from her childhood to illustrate the long-term effects of psychological invisibility and the impact of narcissistic influences on self-perception. This narrative sets the tone for the book, which aims to address and heal the invisible wounds inflicted by narcissistic relationships.

The story begins with an eight-year-old girl attending a school performance by a circus troupe in a New England elementary school during the 1970s. The girl, characterized by her foreign-sounding name, brown skin, and braided hair, experiences a sense of invisibility and fear of exposure that prevents her from participating fully in the event. When a circus costume—a purple, sequined dress—is offered to her, she declines. Despite her desire for the dress, she assumes a role that keeps her hidden.

This encapsulates several key themes relevant to understanding the effects of narcissistic behavior: the internalization of unworthiness, the suppression of desires, and the fear of visibility. These are common in individuals who have been affected by narcissists, as they often learn to sideline their own needs to avoid criticism or to blend into the background.

Durvasula uses personal memory to reflect on broader implications.