A review by jade_0222
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

challenging emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.75

I discovered this book at my local library, attracted by its summery cover and knowing very little about its plot (I intentionally avoid reading synopses for 90% of the books I read so that I can approach them with an unbiased attitude). I anticipated a light, possibly romantic, summertime read, but I was completely mistaken. The novel centers around a family's vacation home called the "Paper Palace," which serves as a retreat during summer and holidays. Numerous events, ranging from heartbreaking to heartwarming, are interwoven throughout the vacation getaway. While I found some of the nature writing to be beautiful and immersive, the writing that focused on the main character was occasionally jarring and perplexing. The story takes place over 24 hours with flashbacks to the main character's childhood and young adulthood, I found these to be distracting. The characters in the book are difficult to like, and I struggled to relate to the main character. <**SPOILERS**The story follows Elle as she visits her family's summer home with her spouse and children. While there, she reconnects with her childhood friend, Jonas, who she has been in love with since she was younger. They have a brief fling, which causes Elle to question the "What ifs" she has always had about Jonas. The plot revolves around her struggle to choose between staying in her happy marriage or pursuing a new life with Jonas, along with traumatic experiences she endured in her youth and how that affects her currently. Despite Elle's infidelity, the book could be considered a lighthearted romance if you can overlook that fact. It is implied that she chooses Jonas over her husband, but the ending is not entirely clear. However, the heavy trauma that has affected both Elle and Jonas's relationship makes the book an emotionally heavy read. Jonas is the most interesting character in the story, but even he seems somewhat one-dimensional. Overall, it's challenging to find a character to truly like in this book. **SPOILERS**>
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