The Paper Palace

The Paper Palace cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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Technical
  • ID: 4734
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780241470725
  • Publisher: Viking
  • Published: 2021-06-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Paper Palace is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the power of memory. The story unfolds over a single summer at a family's beach house, where the protagonist, Elle, grapples with her past and present. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the choices that define us, all while painting a vivid picture of a family navigating the intricacies of their bonds. Author Miranda Cowley Heller masterfully weaves together multiple timelines, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. The novel is praised for its lyrical prose and the authentic portrayal of its characters, making it a compelling read that resonates long after the last page.

Reviews
Book Lovers Sanctuary · 2022-08-06
excellent 4.50

The reviewer praises the author's ability to create vivid and realistic characters, particularly Elle, who is portrayed as more than just a privileged and entitled woman. They appreciate the novel's exploration of complex emotions and relationships.

The reviewer is impressed by the author's ability to create vivid and realistic characters, particularly Elle, who is portrayed as more than just a privileged and entitled woman. They appreciate the novel's exploration of complex emotions and relationships, highlighting the author's skill in delving into the intricacies of human nature. The reviewer finds the story engaging and emotionally resonant, praising the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps the reader invested.


Quick quotes

    The wonderful ease with which Heller creates vivid and realistic characters.

    Elle, who was so much more than the privileged entitled woman she is often portrayed as.

    The novel's exploration of complex emotions and relationships is both compelling and emotionally resonant.

The 40 Weeks · 2022-06-02
great 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of complex emotions and relationships, highlighting its tender yet devastating portrayal of love and family dynamics. They find the narrative compelling and emotionally resonant.

The reviewer is drawn to the novel's tender yet devastating exploration of love and family dynamics. They appreciate the way the story delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly the tensions between desire and dignity. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and emotionally resonant, highlighting the author's ability to create vivid and realistic characters. They also note the novel's exploration of the legacies of abuse and the crimes and misdemeanors of families, which adds depth to the story.


Quick quotes

    Fundamentally The Paper Palace is a story about a love triangle.

    It's about a middle-aged woman looking back at her life and wondering if she made the right choices.

    The novel's exploration of the legacies of abuse and the crimes and misdemeanors of families adds depth to the story.

The Guardian · 2022-04-24
brilliant 4.75

The reviewer is captivated by the novel's prose and emotional insight, highlighting the author's ability to create a vivid and arresting story about the complexity and frailty of love. They appreciate the novel's exploration of complex emotions and relationships.

The reviewer is captivated by the novel's prose and emotional insight, highlighting the author's ability to create a vivid and arresting story about the complexity and frailty of love. They appreciate the novel's exploration of complex emotions and relationships, praising the author's skill in delving into the intricacies of human nature. The reviewer finds the story compelling and emotionally resonant, highlighting the author's ability to create a narrative that keeps the reader invested.


Quick quotes

    In captivating prose and with deep emotional insight, Heller creates a vivid and arresting novel.

    The novel's exploration of the complexity and frailty of love is both compelling and emotionally resonant.

    The author's ability to delve into the intricacies of human nature is praiseworthy.