In Curtis Sittenfeld's "American Wife," the author reflects on the relationship between fortune and its inevitable reversal. She expresses a belief that good fortune often comes with a catch, leading one to expect misfortune to follow. This perspective allows her to navigate her experiences with a realism shaped by the inequities present in society.

Sittenfeld emphasizes that she doesn’t believe she is less deserving of happiness than others, but rather questions the fairness of her privileges in an unequal world. Her insights challenge the notion of meritocracy and highlight the complexities surrounding wealth and happiness, suggesting a deeper understanding of the societal structures that influence individual success.