The characters in Emily St. John Mandel's "Last Night in Montreal" grapple with a pervasive sense of disillusionment and uncertainty about reality. They entertain the idea that their experiences have been manipulated or are simply illusions, reflecting a deeper existential crisis. This skepticism shapes their interactions and decisions, as they navigate a world where the lines between truth and deception are blurred.

The quote, ...they shared a suspicion that the world might prove, in the end, to have been either a mirage or a particularly elaborate hoax, encapsulates this sentiment. It highlights their vulnerability and the fragile nature of their understanding, suggesting that life may not be as concrete as it seems. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, influencing the characters' journeys and their attempts to find meaning amid chaos.