Discussion questions for The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
- In an interview for the B&N book club, Cowley Heller says that she has always been fascinated by the notions of choice, both the choices we make and the choices we inherit. What does she mean by “choices we inherit”? How does that theme play out in this book?
- In the same interview, Cowley Heller says that she’s always been intrigued by the John Lennon quote “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” She says she felt that Elle’s life with Peter was like her life even while she always thought she’d be with Jonas. Did that come through to you?
- Do you feel that Elle’s love for Jonas and for Peter were equal?
- In an interview with NPR, Cowley Heller says that Elle’s mom, Wallace, is probably her favorite character, because she’s so “rude and funny”. What did you think about Wallace?
- Cowley Heller is quite graphic in her descriptions of the various ways in which the Paper Palace is falling apart. Why do you think she chose to make it so dilapidated?
- London’s Evening Standard reviewer starts by saying that, “Elle Bishop, the narrator of Miranda Cowley Heller’s much hyped debut novel, does not give a good first impression. When we meet her, at her family’s Cape Cod holiday home, she appears reckless and selfish, following her desires without a second thought for anyone else.” What were your first impressions of Elle? Did your feelings about Elle change over the course of the novel?
- The Evening Standard‘s reviewer also says that, “The relationship between Wallace and her daughter forms a far more convincing heart of the story than that between Elle and Jonas.” Do you agree with that? Did you find Wallace and Elle’s relationship believable? What about Elle’s relationship with Jonas?
- Do you think Wallace would have reacted differently if she knew that Conrad was Elle’s abuser, rather than assuming it was Leo?
For more questions, check out the publisher’s resources.