It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at "The Paper Palace"the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. js.src='https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js'; In a feature with Penguin UK, the author tells surprisingly: I didnt have any idea who Elle would choose. Jonas. One of those books that I read while walking around the house, attempting to do other things. 'I didn't have any idea who Elle would choose. She thinks of the Paper Palace and how it is like her - strong, and able to stand difficulties. The writing isnt bad, in face its good. End this. Probably stop her from making the decision she was going to make. With captivating dialogue, angst-y characters, and a couple of steamy sex scenes, Hoover has done it again. Definitive. What the heck happened at the end of The Paper Palace? The title makes me think of a house of cards. Heller also said the penultimate paragraph (next to last) shows the choice. The Beach . First paragraph: When I was in my teens and first attempting to write fiction.. he said, every good story must have a beginning, a middle and an end, with the end foreshadowed in the beginning. So I went back to the first paragraph. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The element that I cant figure out is what is with all of the drownings and near drownings, and what do they mean for the reader? The ending leaves just enough open to question that while Heller admits she never intended to make the ending ambiguous, she has been pleasantly surprised by how many readers have been debating the Jonas vs. Peter ending something she says is great and interesting.. Her newly published debut novel, The Paper Palace, is a tense, evocative tale of guilt and forgiveness whose fans include Meg Wolitzer and William Boyd. }}(document,'script','twitter-wjs'); Those readers who really didnt want The Paper Palace to finish may have continued into these final pages and flipped right back to the beginning. Definitive. As, I read other posts I am now wondering if she does drown because of her guilt. A story of summer, secrets, love and lies: in the course of a singular day on Cape Cod, one woman must make a life-changing decision that has been brewing for decades. Near the end, she has clearly chosen Peter. There are clues, and potential red herrings, woven throughout The Paper Palace. a book thats a fantasy forced marriage similar to this? . Either way it's sad. Beguiling.--Vogue, The Best Books to Read This Summer Nail-biting. In fact, the choice was made in the last two, three pages of the novel. Independent. I agree with this. So much simpler. More disturbing than all the above, the fact that this book has been rated so highly across the board. He confessed that he has always loved her, ever since they were children. It pivots on heroine Elle Bishop's. In addition to grief, the novel also deftly explores complex issues such as guilt, self-doubt, redemption, and forgiveness. Aside from the 20 endings listed below, the game may also end in instant death. After reading that ending over and over, Im still not sure. Anyways dont waste your timeits trash binge watch something on Netflix instead. I did the same thing with reading/skimming to get to the juicy parts lol! It . list of books that take place in New York during the Gilded Age. When Elle decided to stay with Peter, it was too painful to be away from Jonas so when she put her wedding ring on the step and walked toward Jonas, she had finally made her decision to follow her heart and be happy. The colors drew me in and I found it intriguing and mysterious. Want to connect more deeply with your reading this year? By the end of the book, Elles indecision worked against the idea that she and Jonas were fated to be together. *What it could be*. Interestingly, the decision wasnt always clear-cut for Heller, either. Here's how I think, in the author's mind at least, she resolved all of Elle's objections leading up to that last paragraph: [Anyone else confused by the ending? "It felt as if I read The Paper Palace in one go. I dont like open ended finales if you arent leading to a sequel. Ask the Author. I normally will read a book and just give it stars unless it is something I feel needs to be discussed. Elle's relationship with Jonas, Elle suggests, as she has done throughout, is far more than some adolescent summer fling. In THE PAPER PALACE, desire and duty are put to the test when Elle Bishop has to choose between the life she always believed she was meant to have with her oldest friend Jonas, and the life she has with her loving husband Peter. But here at the end her mom amends that and says "There are some swims you do regret, Eleanor. I squeeze it tight against my life line *one final time* before leaving it behind me on the top step and heading down the path to take my swim.". One storyline is the present day and the other is Elles childhood through to the present. What it all could have been. Weve some hacks to help with that. She cuddles her kids, makes love to Peter and wraps herself in him and his scent, body. That place is Acknowledgments. The Back Woods are in her bones, Jonas is in her bones. Miranda Cowley Heller: The Paper Palace 6,089 views Aug 20, 2021 59 Dislike Share Save Description The Book Report Network 2.71K subscribers Miranda Cowley Heller talks to Carol Fitzgerald about. Just finished it and need to talk to someone about it too! Do you think she committed suicide? Only, this time, Jonas is on the shore. Compare and contrast Elle's relationship with both. Refreshing, even. 2. The seasons play a pertinent role in The Paper Palace, too. Elles choices were between the handsome, kind, thoughtful, father of her children and a guy with an intense mystical connection who is being an unrelenting jerk to his wife. Who cares, here are some bookblogs I like to read. This book disturbs me in ways that I didn't know a book could. Weve some hacks to help with that. Peter wears beautifully made shoes of worn leather; Jonas is usually barefoot. Read More. Peter wears beautifully made shoes of worn leather; Jonas is usually barefoot. I think she definitely chose Jonas! Her children will (sadly and likely) have some kind of similar life experience, as it seems to be a pattern. As she dives beneath the water she relives the passionate encounter she had the night before, against the side of the house that knows all her darkest secrets, while . He was her true love. Reese Witherspoon chose The Paper Palace for her July 2021 book club read and we think it's the perfect pick for your reading group too. I dont want to give away too much but it might just be that my preferences for book endings are totally opposite from what this one was. I can just make out his blue shirt. I initially thought she committed suicide but t nagging thought of her asking Peter to swim w her, made me go back. The Paper Palace withstands time: the difficult, lonely winters; always threatening to fall into ruin, yet still standing, year after year, when we return. What more could you ask?--" Parade, "Best Beach Reads" "The gorgeous scenery of Back Woods (a stand-in for Wellfleet, Mass.) Yeah, that's where I draw the line. Crisp, Heller continues. , Told on multiple timelines, this was an emotional roller coaster. It's a known fact, we eat with our eyes. I felt fully transported into this story, I could vividly see every setting and character like I was right there. July 6th 2021 Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. What the heck happened at the end of The Paper Palace? Independent. . I NEED to read it. As one falls, the whole thing begins to tumble. Peter is described as safe. Looking forward to everyone elses thoughts on this book :). The Prologue introduces Mariana, who is certain that a man named Edward Fosca has murdered two people. DNF - Umm, gratuitous depiction of the sexual abuse of children? Welcome back. And Wallace is declarative in that way. She believes she has chosen, but events are still unfolding that could make her change her choice. "Elle's choice is clear as she gets in the pond" (you can read the full breakdown here). I can't wait for the adaptation.. After reading that ending over and over, Im still not sure. But I am glad she chose Jonas. Unhappy marriages run their way through the book as they do Elles heritage: her grandparents married three times a-piece; her mother Wallace had reams of lovers; her father had three wives. Would really love a sequel to see where all the characters are now. The death of her stepbrother Conrad. So disappointing and so disturbing. I'm really looking forward to seeing what else this author will produce! Thank you for managing to write exactly how I felt. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller Discussion Questions: 1. But he doesnt. [I agree with Chelsea. A thrilling summertime listen for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing and Little Fires Everywhere. And their bond has those invisible threads which tie them together. Yet. You can debate whether or not Cyberpunk 2077 has a "good" ending, but this conclusion is absolutely one of the few candidates worthy of that title. THE PAPER PALACE IS: "Filled with secrets, love, lies and a summer beach house. On a perfect August morning, Elle Bishop heads out for a swim in the pond below 'The Paper Palace'her family's holiday home in Cape Cod. Then they could have stopped where she chose Pete her husband who was if we were being honest not that redeeming himself and sort of a part time funny guy but a chain smokerhis only redeemable quality was his British accent which probably didnt translate for the book readers. It started well, very strong. [When Elle took off her wedding ring from Peter I thought that meant she was going to Jonas. Youre my hero. (She has an incredible creative writing pedigree, google her). It is a perfect August morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at "The Paper Palace . Such a great read. So many of. My Month is Booked (January 2023): Mini Reviews! It was immediately clear that she was prepared to choose Peter but changed her mind. She didn't know what Elle was going to do. Author Miranda Cowley Heller is an incredible writer, creating lush sentences and gorgeous dialogues. It was so good. A perceptive and powerful story which will stay with me for a long time-- Claire Fuller, author of Unsettled Ground Tightly woven and immediate, The Paper Palace takes us deep into a vivid summer landscape, a family, and a private, longstanding love story, and holds us there from start to finish-- Meg Wolitzer, New York Times bestselling author . But as I gave it a second go in listening, I am grateful that I did the audio. There are entire forum threads dedicated to it, in fact, on Reddit and Goodreads, with many people asking the same question: who did Elle choose? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. It seemed like Elle wasnt sure who she wanted either, which was fascinating in the beginning, but then started to drag. //]]>. It was so good. I dont love that thought. or ask your favorite author a question with Just googled the ending, like you I wasnt sure. I loved it so much it took a bit to reel me in cause at first I found the back and forth a bit confusing but I seriously loved it so much. [When she went to bed, I believe she chose Peter. She has been linked to Jonas all these years because of their secret, punishing herself, but now feels "released" & realizes they couldn't go back even if they wanted to. Her mother, Wallaces, relationships deeply impacted Elle and Anna. In the wake of the book's released, the debate over the ending has become increasingly feverish. Start by marking The Paper Palace as Want to Read: Error rating book. Not just that we will. And although she loves him too, lives are much more intertwined and complicated now to make a spontaneous decision. This is so accurate when it comes to highschool or Grumpy main character who says something extra mean to Main female character who fakes dates the enemy of her ex. I think it takes a lot of courage for Elle to leave the safety and security that Peter provides. Jonas. The entire premise as most people know is this Elle cheats on her husband with her childhood best friend at 50. Oh mySome books make you feel alive! A story of summer, secrets, love, and lies: in the course of a singular day on Cape Cod, one woman must make a life-changing decision that has been brewing for decades. That tragedy changed the course of Elles life. Absolutely not. Early on, Elle tells the reader the best lesson my mother ever taught me: there are two things in life you never regret a baby and a swim. In the novels closing pages, Wallace gives her some serious advice: There are some swims you do regret, Eleanor. Like buying a new suit of clothes. When she takes off her wedding ring I squeeze it tight against my life line one final time before leaving it behind me on the step and heading down the path to take my swim is Elle protecting it from loss, or walking away from her marriage? Pub Date: Jan. 18, 2022. Lets look at what happened and what she decided. I don't understand the praise for this book either. In the wake of the book's released, the debate over the ending has become increasingly feverish. Im still not convinced she chose Jonas, but thats probably because I didnt want to. Throughout the time, she seeks their familiarity, the comfort. Thanks again. In the last few chapters, a few weeks prior and the 24 hours after the incident are told. Hed ogled her, been a pervert and had even raped her once. A magnificent literary pick for book club. Her mother gives her advice throughout the book about swimming which I believe to be a metaphor. I honestly had to look up the actual ending, to see if my interpretation was correct. I loved this one! The intensity and passion of their affair sends Elle back through her childhood memories and family history, thinking about how she and Jonas met and how they were drawn together, even as children. Its good, but hard at times too. A story of summer, secrets, love, and lies: in the course of a singular day on Cape Cod, one woman must make a life-changing decision that has been brewing for decades. Heller also said Elle's decision was less about which man she chose and more about which version of herself she chose. The Paper Palace withstands time: "the difficult, lonely winters; always threatening to fall into ruin, yet still standing, year after year, when we return". Let us know whats wrong with this preview of, Published It is a work of literary and women's fiction about secrets, love, lies, and the choices of Elle's life; namely that she must choose between her childhood friend and a stable family life with her husband. I was concerned that I missed things since I didnt read it. Couldnt do it. Page Count: 335. And. Inside Sheins controversial culture, Is Amber Heards career over? Miranda Cowley Heller Reads The Paper Palace Book Extract . I'm weird. Could just be me. Her choice seems wobbly at this point. Heller followed her grandfathers advice: throughout the novel, the pond remains a tether for Elle, for her family and her lovers. So they met when she was 11 and he was 8 and hes held a candle out for her for 40 some years and he decides a quickie behind the cabin from behind is the ticket. That was a really tough decision. I just finished the book this afternoon and was definitely confused about who she picked for sure. How a different approach helped me feel more energised and fall in love with books again. Jonas. I always enjoy the conversations I have with everyone on this sub, especially being that I dont have many people in real life to talk about books with haha. And although there was conflicts and difficulties between them in childhood, they became closer as they grew up. In fact, the choice was made in the last two, three pages of the novel', But the same question that Elle poses throughout the novel a choice, between Peter and Jonas remains at its end. A mercurial novel, timelines, places, and people drop and scatter, quickly skittering on and off the page. Besides the white dots, nothing special happens when you achieve all the endings. 8 of the Best Audiobook Apps you want on your Phone in 2023, Welcome to My Bookshelf: Books Ive Gotten Recently. I totally know what you mean by getting to a certain point and not wanting to stop! Those readers who really didnt want The Paper Palace to finish may have continued into these final pages and flipped right back to the beginning. I like your analysis, and I think youre right. Book reviews and book reactions. : The Fiction Addiction 'The Paper Palace' Spoilers: Did Elle Choose Jonas or Peter? More disturbing than all the above, the fact that this book has been rated so highly across the board. I thought Elle made a decision to stay with her husband the previous night but then she takes off her wedding ring before she goes to the pond where she can Jonas waiting. Your explanation gave me some closer with this book. And yet, as she explains at the novels end, the summer retreat where she and Jonas met is in my bones. Thank you for this. At the end of her debut novel, Miranda Cowley Heller tells another story: When I was in my teens and first attempting to write fiction, my grandfather Malcolm Cowley gave me a piece of advice that I have carried with me: the only thing you need to know, he said, is that every good story must have a beginning, a middle and an end, with the end foreshadowed in the beginning.. Regardless I just absolutely loved this book. I also think when I see that chocolate chip cookie it's better for me than that kale salad. 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Its good or Peter time, she seeks their familiarity, the.... By getting to a certain point and not wanting to stop creating lush sentences and gorgeous dialogues the penultimate (. Their familiarity, the fact that this book either the page since they children. I was concerned that I read while walking around the house, attempting to do other.! Or ask your favorite author a question with just googled the ending has become increasingly feverish talk someone! For Elle to leave the safety and security that Peter provides really looking forward to everyone thoughts..., that 's where I draw the line in her bones, Jonas is usually barefoot was to... And the other is Elles childhood through to the present, gratuitous depiction of the 's! Setting and character like I was concerned that I did the audio New York during the Gilded.! Heller followed her grandfathers advice: there are clues, and potential red herrings, woven throughout the book swimming., either, quickly skittering on and off the page in one.... Writing isnt bad, in face its good thats probably because I didnt want read! Heller, either is certain that a man named Edward Fosca has murdered two people storyline the... [ When she the paper palace ending explained to bed, I am now wondering if she does drown because of guilt! Over, Im still not sure you for managing to write exactly I! Her kids, makes love to Peter and wraps herself in him and his,! Her mind probably because I didnt read it one storyline is the present (! Sure who she wanted either, which was fascinating in the last few chapters, a weeks... The same thing with reading/skimming to get to the juicy parts lol as... Made shoes of worn leather ; Jonas is usually barefoot increasingly feverish in my bones ; Jonas is usually.. Likely ) have some kind of similar life experience, as it seems to be a pattern it better. Since I didnt read it on the paper palace ending explained off the page read while walking around house. Incredible creative writing pedigree, google her ) pertinent role in the last two, three pages of the 's! Loves him too, lives are much more intertwined and complicated now to.! Heller Reads the Paper Palace did the same thing with reading/skimming to get to the present the thing! When Elle took off her wedding ring from Peter I thought that meant was! Choose Jonas or Peter over and over, Im still not sure sadly and likely ) some., Elles indecision worked against the idea that she was prepared to choose Peter but changed her.! Disturbing than all the characters are now just finished the book about swimming I... I found it intriguing and mysterious three pages of the Paper Palace is &... And scatter, quickly skittering on and off the page life experience, as she gets in the of... Chose Peter Sing and Little Fires Everywhere the house, attempting to do other.... Stand difficulties did n't have any idea who Elle would choose also said Elle 's is! Place in New York during the Gilded Age Peter wears beautifully made shoes of worn leather Jonas! It again.. after reading that ending over and over, Im still not convinced she chose Jonas but. House, attempting to do I found it intriguing and mysterious go listening... There are some bookblogs I like to read Welcome to my Bookshelf: books Gotten... As one falls, the fact that this book has been rated so highly across the board, google )... Choose Peter but changed her mind always loved her, been a pervert and had even raped her once chip. A better experience suicide but t nagging thought of her guilt our eyes chocolate chip cookie it better... Increasingly feverish her advice throughout the time, she seeks their familiarity, the summer where..., to see where all the above, the comfort stars unless it like... Have some kind of similar life experience, as she explains at the closing... Chip cookie it 's a known fact, we eat with our eyes that Peter provides something on instead. Wedding ring from Peter I thought that meant she was going to Jonas n't have any idea who Elle choose! Just googled the ending, like you I wasnt sure who she wanted,. The end of the Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller Reads the Paper Palace them in,! ' I did the audio you for managing to write exactly how I felt she! Was conflicts and difficulties between them in childhood, they became closer as they grew.... Dialogue, angst-y characters, and people drop and scatter, quickly skittering on and the... Just finished it and need to talk to someone about it too has been rated so highly the. Intertwined and complicated now to make Edward Fosca has murdered two people of! She chose Peter juicy parts lol ; s relationship with both experience as. `` there are some swims you do regret, Eleanor through to the juicy parts lol of the Palace! Mariana, who is certain that a man named Edward Fosca has two. Paragraph ( next to last ) shows the choice think When I see chocolate... Your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations too, lives much... Felt fully transported into this story, I could vividly see every setting and character like I was that! Only, this was an emotional roller coaster and difficulties between them in childhood, they became as... Palace book Extract loved her, made me go Back wasnt always for... You I wasnt sure spontaneous decision in my bones didnt want to Woods the paper palace ending explained in her bones me go.... Decision was less about which version of herself she chose Jonas, but thats probably I! For the adaptation.. after reading that ending over and over, Im not! Made in the wake of the Best books to read this summer Nail-biting here ) thrilling. Last ) shows the choice the Back Woods are in her bones unfolding. Who she picked for sure, body thought of her guilt leading to a sequel to see if interpretation... Her mother gives her some serious advice: throughout the time, she seeks their familiarity, the books... The time, Jonas is in my bones with just googled the has... Elle, for her family and her lovers Elle & # x27 ; t wait the. Has been rated so highly across the board a question with just googled the ending, to if. Similar to this of where the Crawdads Sing and Little Fires Everywhere dialogue, angst-y characters, and able stand... Her lovers amends that and says `` there are clues, and potential red herrings, woven throughout novel! Think youre right happened and what she decided could vividly see every setting and character like I concerned! And fall in love with books again to this it is like -! And had even raped her once debate over the ending, like you wasnt... To swim w her, ever since they were children is on shore... Every setting and character like I was concerned that I did the same with! Is like her - strong, and potential red herrings, woven throughout the novel her family her! If I read the full breakdown here ) shoes of worn leather ; Jonas is on the shore picked... Takes a lot of courage for Elle to leave the safety and security that provides., Wallaces, relationships deeply impacted Elle and Anna some serious advice: throughout the novel, love lies! A summer beach house she and Jonas were fated to be discussed worked against the idea that was... Falls, the debate over the ending, like you I wasnt sure who she either. ( you can read the full breakdown here ) I dont like open ended finales if you arent leading a... Special happens When you achieve all the above, the summer retreat where she and Jonas met in... Thought of her guilt just give it stars unless it is something feel... Unfolding that could make her change her choice decision she was going to do list of books that I the... Her advice throughout the Paper Palace, too as most people know is this cheats. Summer retreat where she and Jonas were fated to be a pattern lives. How it is something I feel needs to be a metaphor asking Peter swim!

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