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wally81481's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Incest, Grief, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Murder, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer and Drug use
natalieba's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Toxic relationship, Pedophilia, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, and Death
happiestwhenreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Paper Palace wasn’t on my radar initially, but I got it in the mail from my Bookshelf Subscription (not an ad or sponsorship, I pay for this service with my own money!) and then I started to see it all over #bookstagram due to Reese Witherspoon choosing it for her July book. The exposure definitely made me move it to the top of my list.
I went into this one completely blind; I didn’t read any reviews and I didn’t read the synopsis. Instead, the story slowly unfolded before me and I’m so glad I didn’t know what I was getting into. This is a very complicated, dark story that explores themes of unrequited love, the damaging effects of secrets, and how certain events can change the course of one’s life.
The writing is beautiful; I’m surprised that this complex story was pulled off by a debut author. Cowley Heller wove two timelines – present day and the fifty years of Elle’s life – seamlessly and I was equally captured by both. As the secrets and darkness are revealed, the story became much more propulsive and compelling. This is not a light beach read; however, this is a great summer read due to the atmospheric setting of Cape Cod in the summer.
I would highly encourage sensitive readers to do some research before picking this one up, but if you can handle difficult topics, I’d recommend going in blind!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment, Cancer, and Grief
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