63 pages • 2 hours read
The Paper Palace
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Cape Cod • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller centers on Elle Bishop, a 50-year-old mother of three, who spends a transformative summer at her family’s Cape Cod summer home, "The Paper Palace." Torn between her stable life with her husband Peter and her enduring love for childhood friend Jonas, Elle re-evaluates her choices after an illicit encounter. The novel intricately weaves through Elle's present and past, revealing the secrets and events that have shaped her life and relationships. It also explores complex and potentially distressing themes such as abuse.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
432,634 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Miranda Cowley Heller's debut novel, The Paper Palace, is lauded for its evocative prose and rich emotional depth, capturing the complexities of love and family. Set against a vividly depicted Cape Cod backdrop, the narrative skillfully intertwines past and present. Some critics note that the pacing can be uneven, and the protagonist's choices might frustrate readers. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of literary fiction.
Who Should Read The Paper Palace?
Fans of emotionally intricate, character-driven narratives will relish The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller. Readers who appreciate the deeply entwined familial themes found in titles like The Dutch House by Ann Patchett or the nostalgic storytelling of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens will find it compelling.
432,634 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Peter
Peter
Peter is Elle’s British journalist husband, offering her a steady and dependable love that contrasts with her turbulent past.
Jonas
Jonas
Jonas is Elle’s childhood friend and represents a significant connection to her past, including hidden secrets intertwined with her life's pivotal events.
Wallace Bishop
Wallace Bishop
Wallace Bishop is Elle’s mother, whose own complex history and worldview significantly influence Elle's perception of family dynamics and gender roles.
Anna Bishop
Anna Bishop
Anna Bishop is Elle’s older sister, characterized by her confrontational nature and independence, maintaining a close but complex relationship with Elle.
400
Novel • Fiction
Cape Cod • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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