Our rating: 4.2 / 5

How this book made us feel:  🤯 🫨

Themes: generational trauma, setting boundaries, relationships

True to the cliché "Do not judge a book by its cover", there is more to Miranda Cowley Heller's "The Paper Palace" than its serene exterior. The book's deceptively warm and bucolic cover belies the depth of intensity that lies within its pages, a literary journey that proves to be anything but ordinary and one that leaves most of us shaken.

The story unfolds over the course of a warm summer day on Cape Cod but spans a lifetime of secrets, desires, and betrayals. It revolves around Elle Bishop, a middle-aged woman torn between two worlds: her stable, seemingly perfect marriage to Peter and a passionate, decades-long connection with her childhood friend, Jonas.

As Elle's family gathers at the Paper Palace, a beloved summer retreat, for a day of celebration, an unexpected event shakes the foundations of her life. Faced with a momentous decision, Elle is forced to confront the choices she made in her youth and the impact they have had on her relationships and sense of self. The novel delves into Elle's memories, revealing the complexities of her friendships, romantic entanglements, and the secrets she has kept hidden for years.

"The Paper Palace" delves deep into the intricate web of human connections, unveiling the complexities of setting boundaries, confronting generational trauma, and navigating the intricacies of opposite-sex relationships (can men and women really only just be friends?).

Does letting go mean losing everything you have, or does it mean gaining everything you never had?

MIRANDA COWLEY HELLER, The Paper Palace

Heller's writing is raw and visceral, laced with unexpected twists and "shock values" that kept us hanging on every word. Her background as a TV series writer shines through as she skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, leaving readers constantly teetering on the edge of anticipation.

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the book is the exploration of boundaries, especially within opposite-sex friendships. Through one of the peripheral characters in the book, Gina, Jonas's wife, Heller raises crucial questions about intimacy and closeness in platonic relationships. Can married couples truly maintain a deep connection with best friends of the opposite sex? Where is the line drawn, and how fragile or resilient are these boundaries in the face of emotional entanglements?

Furthermore, "The Paper Palace" masterfully tackles the theme of generational trauma, illustrating how past wounds echo through the years, shaping the destinies of the characters involved. The novel serves as a poignant reminder that our actions reverberate through generations, emphasizing the importance of healing and breaking the cycle of pain.

In a world where relationships are often complex and multifaceted, Heller's narrative forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about love, loyalty, and the intricacies of the human heart. As you immerse yourself in the lives of the characters, you cannot help but reflect on your own experiences, pondering the boundaries you've set and the generational patterns you might be unwittingly perpetuating.

"The Paper Palace" is more than just a story; it's a mirror reflecting the complex dimensions of the human soul. It challenges readers to reevaluate their beliefs about relationships and invites them to consider the impact of their choices on those around them. In the wake of this powerful narrative, one can't help but wonder: How well do we truly understand the boundaries we've set in our own lives? Are they resilient enough to withstand the test of time and emotion?