Content Warning: This section of the guide includes descriptions of addiction and emotional abuse.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay argues that happiness depends in large part on a person’s willingness to recognize their unjust acts and to seek forgiveness from those they have wronged. The novel itself is framed as a memoir in which Annie confesses the wrongs she believes she has done and allows others to explain the impact of her behavior in their own words. Essentially, Annie’s entire memoir is an attempt to own and make up for her mistakes. Although she is nervous about exposing the truth in this way, Annie believes that she will be a happier person once she has admitted to everything she has done.

Sidney’s role in the memoir’s origin is ironic, given her antagonistic nature throughout the narrative. In the novel’s Foreword, Annie explains that the package from Sidney Collins sets in motion Annie’s decision to write her memoir. Although this package contains a note claiming that Sidney is interested in “righting past wrongs” (1), it is later revealed that Sidney is the only main character who has not interest in owning her mistakes or trying to make amends.