FICTION

The Paper Palace

Riverhead. Jul. 2021. 400p. ISBN 9780593329825. $27. F
COPY ISBN
DEBUT Elle and her oldest friend, Jonas, share a devastating secret from their childhood that binds them together but also tore them apart. As an adult, Elle is happily married to Peter, with whom she has three children, but unresolved issues from her youth still haunt her. As a child, she would summer at her family’s cabin in the woods—a beloved tradition that she continues in adulthood. Her childhood was fraught with uncertainty—divorce, remarriage, blended families, and her sister Anna being sent away to boarding school. The summer tradition was Elle’s anchor, and Jonas, who also summered in the woods, her first love. When Elle’s new stepbrother came to live with the family, he was a traumatized child of divorce who made Elle the victim of his abusive acting out; Jonas assisted Elle in ending the abuse and thus their secret began. When they come together as adults and find that their bond is still strong, they are confronted by the realization that the lives they’ve built as adults are not as complete as they believed.
VERDICT This psychologically resonant and sometimes dark debut novel adds gravitas to the summer read as its vivid sense of place transports the reader. Will win Heller many fans, especially among those who enjoy Liane Moriarty and B. A. Paris.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?