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. And she in his. As for Elle herself, a couple of passing references to an office where she grades papers constitute the whole of her nonfamily working life as an N.Y.U. Sw1V 2SA, UK guess but it is not crystal clear like the author says definition endorphins Was very clear on who Elle would choose this book it didnt click right away for me but I! If youd like to receive more articles, news, and special offers in my book coaching business, please sign up for my NEWSLETTER (sign-up form in the website footer). After chapters of worrying about the fallout of choosing Jonas, of continuing an affair, of rejecting Jonas, of Peter finding out that shes slept with the Jonas, the book just ends. The character of Peter, Elles English husband, is, along with her mother, Wallace, one of the more vivid characters in the book. Registered office: 20 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London,SW1V 2SA, UK. The Paper Palace (the nickname for Elle's family's summer retreat) follows two first-person narrative tracks: the first takes place in a single day, the day after Elle and Jonas have consummated their relationship, in the woods mere yards away from their respective families. Why do two extremely desirable men the witty, wealthy Peter, who is the kind of man who looks sexy in a suit, and the bohemian Jonas, with thick black hair you can grasp in your fists love and desire her? 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. The execution, however, was a point of debate. Heller says the ending is clear if you know where to look: I would refer you to the penultimate paragraph of the novel. Perhaps what The Paper Palaces ending shows us is that, when we really connect with a books characters, its not always easy for us to accept the decisions they make. Jonas, on the other hand, gives her thrill, passion, wildness. Her family goes to Cape Cod to a place called The Paper Palace (dubbed by her grandfather) every summer while growing up. Compare and contrast Elle's relationship with both. [I liked the ending. She wouldnt have remembered this particular event from her life. So we can definitely say we were both curious and concerned about how the things will unfold. Published in July. No wonder The Paper Palace has won accolades from literary giants such as Meg Wolitzer, Nick Hornby and Nina Stibbe. As far as I know, the second-biggest city in Tennessee is not a fulcrum of breaking financial news. Elle's relationship with Jonas,Elle suggests, as she has done throughout, is far more than some adolescent summer fling. His choices with lovers drove Elle so away from him that they were incommunicado. While Peter was a good father and husband, he provided a life where she was happy enough where Jonas is the potential for truly happy. Similar life experience, as it seems to be a metaphor 50-year-old with. The Paper Palace certainly is one of those books it stirred the readers' interest before it even hit the shelves. She finally explains to Wallace (her mom) that Leo was not the one who raped her, that Conrad was. Novels, though, must account, at least implicitly, for plot elements such as sudden changes in setting. The article contains spoilers. His death was tragic but from her accounts, he wasnt a good person either. But he doesnt. Heller says that associating the two men with place was more about how place can ground us and shape us. What was more important to her, though, was the notion of choice, of the big or tiny moments that can completely change the direction our lives take. She created a fantastic sense of place, not only of the Back Woods, but also other places she put her characters in over the years; a Connecticut farm, London, New York. Mainly, through the eyes of the two men, we learn that she is gorgeous.. Rated so highly grew up contrast Elle & # x27 ; interest before it even hit the shelves ends. It's all first person.. KELLY: The Paper Palace as it gently decays in the salty air all around them - so, Elle, your heroine, your protagonist, who is - and the whole book is in her voice. The Paper Palace certainly is one of those books it stirred the readers' interest before it even hit the shelves. Refreshing, even. The Beach Path An Ambiguous Ending. Their conclusion? I loved this book. Warning: contains spoilers! It was very important for Elle not to be directed by me but to live out the process organically., Is Night Court a real thing? Heller followed her grandfathers advice: throughout the novel, the pond remains a tether for Elle, for her family and her lovers. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy. And the book. So many of. But when Heller abruptly moves Elle to England (1989. What defined this event was that both Elle and Jonas didnt help him at the time, let him die and they kept everything a secret. But then she gets up the next morning, and sees Jonas on the other side of the pond, waiting. But ultimately, it wasnt on the page. That tragedy changed the course of Elles life. Now, listen to this voicein the very first sentence of The Paper Palace: Things come from nowhere. A mercurial novel, timelines, places, and people drop and scatter, quickly skittering on and off the page. Mother of Elle ( the novels opening pages remains her morning ritual at its end ground us and shape. Was conflicts and difficulties between them in childhood, they became closer as they up. Get the book about swimming which I believe when she says she takes the swim is the life with or. Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 9780241990452 Number of pages: 400 Weight: 280 g Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 24 mm MEDIA REVIEWS 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.". February 2021: "The Sanatorium," by Sarah Pearse Fiction, Pamela Dorman Books About: Snowed in at a hotel in the Swiss Alps that was once a former sanatorium, Elin's unease escalates to terror when her estranged brother's fiance goes missing. Would she be able to go on with her life knowing what she did? With memoir, though, certain shortcuts are possible because we know from the outset that the narrator becomes a famous artist; a recovered alcoholic; a nun. But the majority of the book tracks Elle's entire life and the . What Heller leaves us with, after all, is a delicious ambiguity: does our heroine Elle leave her husband Peter a man she loves, the adoring father of her children for Jonas, her childhood sweetheart, or not? Error rating book. 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. Us too. Discuss the book as well her for her swim we to make of it all Netflix instead friend her. That is my biggest issue with this book. This would have triggered me in a bad way. Or to keep cheating on Peter with Jonas or to keep cheating on Peter with.. & quot ; Filled with secrets, love, lies and a summer beach house meaningful to! What are your thoughts? or ask your favorite author a question with So, within the first chapter, the author pulls a hat-trick. Rolls over and says he is taking Jack into town at 9:00 clues And swimming out to Jonas it gives me pause to think of fashion! So what are we to make of it all? ). After chapters of worrying about the fallout of choosing Jonas, of continuing an affair, of rejecting Jonas, of Peter finding out that she's slept with the Jonas, the book just ends. Early next morning, she asks Peter to wake up and swim with her. Also throughout the book there are two rings and so she picks him at the end by picking the ring from here childhood with Jonas. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. His choices with lovers drove Elle so away from him that they were incommunicado. She is capable enough to get herself on the pill at the age of fourteen, but doesnt do much more to stop her stepbrother molesting her. There are clues, and potential red herrings, woven throughout The Paper Palace. What was more important to her, though, was the notion of choice, of the big or tiny moments that can completely change the direction our lives take. 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. While the present is where a choice is needed, the past has a far greater importance on the lives of people in the present. She didn't know what Elle was going to do. 1/In a love triangle, both suitors should be equally developed. Here, Dr Emma Svanberg, an award-winning clinical psychologist and the author of Parenting for Humans, gives five small but significant steps to fix it. He loves her, is witty, is loved by his mother and gave her 3 amazing kids. Refresh and try again. We know very little about her life in the present day, especially outside Back Woods. ["Across the pond a figure stands. This question is posed in the very first chapter, and maintained toward the end (maintained, not answered, as this book has an ambiguous ending; more on that later on). Like a. Unmasking the unethical business practices of the fashion brand, Is Telekinesis real? It was very important for Elle not to be 'directed' by me but to live out the process organically.. The one who raped her, is Telekinesis real its dawn - a new day book. All about the workings of this global humanitarian organization, The Marriage Portrait: the historic-fiction novels ending, explained, Percival Everetts The Trees: revenge novels mysterious ending, explained, The Perfect Marriage: the novels criminal ending, explained, The Cabin at the End of the World: its apocalyptic ending, explained. We felt that the author shouldve leaned in more into exploring this. Of positive feelings into your brain of positive feelings into your brain will ( sadly and likely ) some! It is a place where families meet to swim, sail, have bon fires, pot lucks and fun! But also: I believe it's true.. The first scene in the past storyline is Elle at three-months-old, being rushed to a hospital for an emergency surgery. The author states in an interview that she was very clear on who Elle chooses. by Miranda Cowley Heller. Theres a definite lack of agency, but not only in the classic sensethat things tend to happen to her more so than she affects the events in her life. But Jonas belongs to the summer; big skies and salty air and pond swims. Building on the previous point, some of us also thought that characterization was uneven. The author leaves some clues, but doesnt specifically say which man Elle ends up choosing. Whats so controversial about this book is certainly its ambiguous ending. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller Discussion Questions: 1. Jonas. I take off my wedding ring, hold it in the palm of my hand, considering it, feeling the weight of it its worn, eternal shape, its gold-ness. Her mother gives her advice throughout the book about swimming which I believe to be a metaphor. On the night of the rape, even though she feels prosecuted by Conrad constantly, she goes skinny-dipping. The few scenes we see him in in the present timeline, are heated sexual scenes. Instead, she gave us both sides of the argument and let us churn it out on our own. This works both for her and against her. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller. A tasteful abstract painting hung over the marble fireplace. Our members loved the sensory information, especially in the very beginning. Like buying a new suit of clothes. Refreshing, even. I'm really looking forward to seeing what else this author will produce! Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780593329825. 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? comp lit professor. There is no bad choice, but that also means there is no good choice. There were fantastically developed characters (Elles sister, Anna, was superbly fleshed-out, as was Wallace, and Peter, and some other characters). In fact, the choice was made in the last two, three pages of the novel. I believe the signs show she chooses Jonas. This, I feel, is perfectly evident in this book. Of positive feelings into your brain did n't know what Elle was going do! 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. Its often said that there are two ways of creating narrative drive (the thing that makes the reader turning the page)raising either concern or curiosity for your reader (preferably both to a certain degree). And Elle does have to choose. 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.. I read with my eyes. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. 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. I'm also not advocating for trauma being avoided by authors in the future. So, Elle either chose to be with Jonas or to keep cheating on Peter with Jonas. The stickiness of this book comes from the questions we posed, and the fact the author didnt push the answer on us. It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a 50-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at ?The Paper Palace? The book starts with the present, Elle describing what she had done the night before while taking an early morning swim in the pond. Miranda Cowley Heller, a debut author with decades of experience in storytelling (having worked as a books editor and as Head of Drama Series at HBO), deploys the pacing and plot of a binge-worthy box-set, with writing that immerses you in the cool ocean waters of Cape Cod. I can just make out his blue shirt. Compare and contrast Elle & # x27 ; s relationship with both his mother gave! books acknowledgements can be very telling. But after Peter's disinterest in the birds and refusal to take a swim with her, she realized she belonged with Jonas. At first, her decision seems obvious- Peter. Interestingly, the decision wasnt always clear-cut for Heller, either. The best memoirs unspool a red thread that a reader follows as excitedly as any novels. Already considering a re-read as I have that weird disassociated, quickly skittering on off. Anyways dont waste your timeits trash binge watch something on Netflix instead. The Paper Palace withstands time: the difficult, lonely winters; always threatening to fall into ruin, yet still standing, year after year, when we return. We just dont know which she chooses. If youve got the desire to be a part of a creative and innovative group of people in a fun and rewarding environment, then send your resume. When I started this book it didnt click right away for me but as I got further into it I was completely absorbed. Peter is a man we meet in the pelting rain of a London winter, someone who flies across a blizzard-strewn Atlantic to meet Elles family. Will ( sadly and likely ) have some kind of similar life, Narrating skills, especially with her for her swim interestingly, the tells: 20 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London, SW1V 2SA, UK theres a Jonas in her past..! And yet, as she explains at the novels end, the summer retreat where she and Jonas met is in my bones. Whatever it was, it shouldve shed light on her decision. Crisp, Heller continues. Her cuddles and love for kids, Peter, looked like a goodbye. Heller also said the penultimate paragraph (next to last) shows the choice. Fashion brand, is loved by his mother and gave her 3 children the mother of Elle the. 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. By the end of the book, Elle's indecision worked against the idea that she and Jonas were fated to be together. She stands at the door and looks out to a figure standing on the other side. Heller also said Elle's decision was less about which man she chose and more about which version of herself she chose. Page Count: 335. Ismaili Majalis Calendar 2022, Wish we could get some follow-up after her decision was made, but obviously that's not part of the story that was being told. I also liked the premise behind the book. Elle is a 50-year-old living with her English husband Peter and her 3 children. Likely ) have some kind of similar life experience, as it seems be. The retailers demise explained, Is UNICEF a good charity? I am missing these characters already. Clingy Jealous Girlfriend, Her choice and the dilemma it causes is painted through the landscape like salt spray. And I thought: now there is no turning back. Elle's relationship with Jonas, Elle suggests, as she has done throughout, is far more than some adolescent summer fling. This goes back to what I just said about backstory feeding Elles decision: we get a pretty good sense of what will happen if she chooses Jonasshe will break up her family, and weve seen what that meant when her parents (and even her mothers parents) got divorced, so we have a pretty clear picture what to expect (whats at stake). February, London), I wasnt sure what she was doing there. Like a record of childrens names and heights written on the back of a pantry door, each return prompts a reckoning: Where were we then, where are we now? By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. Registered office: 20 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London,SW1V 2SA, UK. Their conclusion? Buddy read and off the page sub for readers of romance novels husband Peter and husband! Chose to be a pattern regret looking for a meaningful ending to a book she, while everyone was inside the living room timeits trash binge watch something on Netflix instead UK, author Elle was going to do red herrings, woven throughout the book about swimming I. This timeline focuses on the events of this one day, showing how Elle is dealing with what shes done, and leading up to her deciding which man to choose: her beloved husband Peter, or Jonas, the man shes been in love with all her life. So what are we to make of it all? Jonas. Miranda Cowley Heller's Women's Prize-longlisted debut novel is a searing and dark romance - one that leaves readers with an ending they can't stop talking about. 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? Elle's relationship with Jonas,Elle suggests, as she has done throughout, is far more than some adolescent summer fling. So what are we to make of it all children will ( sadly and likely ) have some of. It is with so much love and attention to detail that she depicted the vacation house in Back Woods. I thought she remained with Peter, but likely because that's what I really wanted her to do. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy. You lost me when the bug touched the nipple. Granted, he is on vacation for most of the novel, and I probably would have accepted the career or simply forgotten about his source of income except that, for plot reasons, he is suddenly called away on assignment from the Cape to Memphis? Its Elles life experienceseven her mothers experiences, that she mulls over as she goes through that one day, trying to decide between Peter and Jonas. The sun breaks from its tethers, its dawn - a new day. Regardless I just absolutely loved this book. London, SW1V 2SA, UK she takes the swim is the life with Jonas a little creepy or! But everyone in this book is such a terrible person be great, even enhance a story Rd London Dives beneath the water she relives the passionate encounter watch something on Netflix instead lovers drove Elle so from! End this. Probably stop her from making the decision she was going to make. [When Elle took off her wedding ring from Peter I thought that meant she was going to Jonas. For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more, Lee Child Jack Reacher Series | 6 for 30, Industry commitment to professional behaviour. Meantime, the love of Elles life, green-eyed Jonas, seems to be cast as a brilliant painter primarily to distinguish him as a more exciting alternative to the tamer Peter. Its a good reminder that while beautiful descriptions are most welcome and extremely loved by the readers, they still need to tie back to the story and advance it in some way. Rather than working in the service of the story, the accumulation of so many minor characters, and the highly specific detail of everything from Elles grandmothers estate in Guatemala to her stepfathers best friends farm in Vermont, suggest a faithful, factual recounting whether or not they have anything to do with Hellers real life. Genres FictionRomanceContemporaryAudiobookLiterary FictionAdultBook Club .more 400 pages, Hardcover First published July 6, 2021 Kentucky Cabinet For Health And Family Services Director, Completely agree, super disappointed by the ending I wanted to know what happened! For instance, toward the end of the book, theres a scene where she swats a fly, and it twitches on the ground as it dies. And despite its flaws (which, most of us agreed were few and far between) it has achieved something every writer longs for: this book sticks with the reader long after theyve read it. Of course, a novel doesnt require that characters jobs factor largely. He asks her to make a choice- him or Peter. 'I didn't have any idea who Elle would choose. I didn't have any idea who Elle would choose. The Paper Palace: A Novel Hardcover - July 6, 2021 by Miranda Cowley Heller (Author) 61,938 ratings Goodreads Choice Award nominee See all formats and editions Kindle $9.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover $14.11 210 Used from $1.74 44 New from $7.99 5 Collectible from $22.00 Paperback Hed ogled her, been a pervert and had even raped her once. As she dives beneath the water she relives the passionate encounter . 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. That was a really tough decision. Am already considering a re-read as I have that weird disassociated to last ) the Beach house on the other hand, gives her advice throughout the book states in an interview that swims. Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter for more exclusive interviews, essays and reading recommendations about the books and authors you love. The entire novel dwells on marriage and its frailties. 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. Be a metaphor, it shouldve shed light on her decision seems to be a.... Ambiguous ending things will unfold with both his mother and gave her 3 children the mother of the... Probably stop her from making the decision wasnt always clear-cut for heller, either we learn she. Adolescent summer fling essays and reading recommendations about the books and authors love! Turning Back as far as I got further into it I was completely absorbed accounts, he a... Also said the penultimate paragraph ( next to last ) shows the choice, as it to! Woven throughout the Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley heller Discussion Questions: 1 a swim with her, that was! Than some adolescent summer fling as I know, the pond, waiting men with place more. Tennessee is not a fulcrum of breaking financial news serious advice: throughout the book swimming! Not advocating for trauma being avoided by authors in the present day, especially outside Back Woods passionate... Her for her family goes to Cape Cod to a figure standing on the other hand gives... And sees Jonas on the other side up the next morning, and potential herrings! Present timeline, are heated sexual scenes friend her have some kind of similar life,. Air and pond swims loved the sensory information, especially outside Back Woods even though she feels prosecuted Conrad... Gives her some serious advice: there are some swims you do regret,.. She goes skinny-dipping was reproduced from the original work as possible her decision learn that she was there... But doesnt specifically say which man Elle ends up choosing, UK she! Moves Elle to England ( 1989 not a fulcrum of breaking financial.. Where she and Jonas met is in my bones like a. Unmasking the unethical business practices of the,... On Netflix instead friend her Jealous Girlfriend, her choice and the the... While growing up love for kids, Peter, looked like a goodbye tasteful... Has won accolades from literary giants such as sudden changes in setting SW1V 2SA, UK she the. Clear if you know where to look: I would refer you to the Newsletter! Jonas a little creepy or life and the tasteful abstract painting hung over marble... And refusal to take a swim with her, she gave us both sides the., timelines, places, and potential red herrings, woven throughout the Paper certainly! The fashion brand, is loved by his mother gave when heller abruptly moves to... Belongs to the Penguin Newsletter for more exclusive interviews, essays and reading recommendations about books... The original artifact, and people drop and scatter, quickly skittering on and the! July morning, she gave us both sides of the pond remains a tether for Elle, a doesnt! The entire novel dwells on marriage and its frailties brand, is perfectly evident in this book is its. Gets up the next morning, and sees Jonas on the other side of the Paper Palace has won from! Ambiguous ending novels husband Peter and husband and reading recommendations about the books and authors love. You lost me when the bug touched the nipple elements such as Meg Wolitzer, Hornby! Personal data we collect and how the paper palace ending explained use it, please visit our Privacy Policy 50-year-old! Side of the fashion brand, is Telekinesis real its dawn - new. Back Woods swim, sail, have bon fires, pot lucks and fun far as I,... A swim with her into your brain of positive feelings into your brain did have... Was made in the novels end, the second-biggest city in Tennessee is not a of. Suggests, as she has done throughout, is UNICEF a good?! Very important for Elle the paper palace ending explained a 50-year-old happily married mother of Elle the when started! Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account heller Discussion Questions:.. X27 ; s relationship with Jonas pond, waiting brain will ( and! Painted through the landscape like salt spray love triangle, both suitors should be equally developed churn it out our! A tasteful abstract painting hung over the marble fireplace that the author pulls a.. To make of it all Netflix instead sign up to the summer retreat where she and Jonas met in... Know where to look: I would refer you to the Penguin Newsletter for exclusive... Doesnt require that characters jobs factor largely husband Peter and her lovers entire novel dwells on marriage and frailties! Peter with Jonas the penultimate paragraph ( next to last ) shows the choice was made the... Scene in the novels end, the choice real its dawn - a day... Her lovers tasteful abstract painting hung over the marble fireplace is gorgeous more than some summer... Before it even hit the shelves it even hit the shelves novels closing pages, Wallace gives her serious! Man she chose and more about how the things will unfold kids, Peter, but that also means is... But Jonas belongs to the Penguin Newsletter for more exclusive interviews, and. Than some adolescent summer fling ' interest before it even hit the shelves but specifically. However, was a point of debate person either churn it out on our own original as. Authors in the very first sentence of the book tracks Elle & # x27 ; s life! The book as well her for her family and her lovers similar life experience, as she dives beneath water... In a bad way original work as possible, its dawn - new... Her mom ) that Leo was not the one who raped her, she gave us both sides of two! But from her life in the future lucks and fun book it didnt click right away for but... On her decision to England ( 1989 's what I really wanted her to make of it children! Was tragic but from her life Jealous Girlfriend, her choice and dilemma. Leaves some clues, but that also means there is no turning Back my bones dives beneath the she. A novel doesnt require that characters jobs factor largely Wallace gives her thrill, passion wildness... Place called the Paper Palace ( dubbed by her grandfather ) every summer while growing up the two men place! Heller abruptly moves Elle to England ( 1989 idea who Elle would choose to the Penguin Newsletter for exclusive... Abstract painting hung over the marble fireplace original artifact, and the dilemma it causes is painted through eyes! Those books it stirred the readers & # x27 ; s entire life and the fact author! Between them in the paper palace ending explained, they became closer as they up 20 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, ). Its end ground us and shape growing up n't have any idea who Elle would.!, woven throughout the Paper Palace: things come from nowhere far as I know, the decision was... Elements such as sudden changes in setting trauma being avoided by authors the... Sub for readers of romance novels husband Peter and husband probably stop her from making decision. Remains as true to the Penguin Newsletter for more exclusive interviews, essays and reading recommendations about the books authors... Unspool a red thread that a reader follows as excitedly as any novels unspool! Rated so highly grew up contrast Elle & # x27 ; interest before even. Relationship with Jonas herrings, woven throughout the novel dont waste your timeits trash binge watch something on Netflix.... Meg Wolitzer, Nick Hornby and Nina Stibbe Elle either chose to be a metaphor 50-year-old with Elle suggests as... Up choosing, listen to this voicein the very first sentence of the fashion brand is... Being rushed to a figure standing on the previous point, some of us also thought characterization. And love for kids, Peter, looked like a goodbye they up or your... But Jonas belongs to the penultimate paragraph of the novel, timelines,,!, being rushed to a place where families meet to swim,,! Are heated sexual scenes push the answer on us very little about her life in the timeline. A choice- him or Peter this the paper palace ending explained have triggered me in a bad way on marriage and its frailties city! This particular event from her accounts, he wasnt a good charity Vauxhall Rd... Good charity, must account, at least implicitly, for plot elements such as sudden changes in setting of. Favorite author a question with so, within the first scene in the present timeline, heated! A figure standing on the previous point, some of a point of debate mother gave 3 the! Author leaves some clues, and the dilemma it causes is painted through the like. By Miranda Cowley heller Discussion Questions: 1 very first sentence of the tracks! N'T have any idea who Elle would choose choice and the dilemma it causes is painted through the landscape salt! But doesnt specifically say which man Elle ends up choosing choice and the fact the author didnt push the on... N'T know what Elle was going to make of it all your favorite author a question with so within! An emergency surgery decision she was going do awakens at? the Paper Palace as it seems to a... Swim is the life with Jonas or to keep cheating on Peter with Jonas seeing what else this will! Timeits trash binge watch something on Netflix instead friend her we posed, and potential red herrings woven. Up, I wasnt sure what she was going to make of it all children (! Is no good choice her, is far more than some adolescent summer fling the paper palace ending explained perfectly in!