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The Interestings summary
Brief summary
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer is a captivating novel that follows a group of friends who meet at an arts camp in the 1970s. It delves into their complex relationships and explores themes of talent, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.
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The Interestings
Summary of key ideas
The Beginnings of The Interestings
In The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer, we are introduced to a group of teenagers who meet at a summer camp for the arts. They call themselves 'The Interestings' and form a bond that they believe will last a lifetime. Jules Jacobson, a girl from a middle-class family, is the protagonist and the story is told from her perspective. Jules is in awe of her wealthy and talented friends, particularly Ash and Ethan, a brother and sister duo who are incredibly gifted in acting and art, respectively.
Despite her insecurities, Jules is welcomed into their group and forms a close friendship with Ash, who is beautiful, confident, and rebellious. Jules also develops romantic feelings for Ethan, who reciprocates her affection. The summer camp becomes a turning point in their lives and they promise to remain 'interesting', to live extraordinary lives, and to always stay in touch.
Transition to Adulthood
As they transition into adulthood, the group experiences the harsh realities of life. Jules, who dreams of becoming an actress, is faced with the harsh truth of her limited talent. She attends a mediocre college and eventually ends up in a stable but unfulfilling marriage with Dennis, a kind-hearted but unambitious man. Ash, on the other hand, becomes a successful director, while Ethan, a talented artist, struggles to find his footing in the art world.
Despite the stark differences in their lives, the group remains connected. They share their successes, failures, and heartbreaks, and continue to meet annually at a summer house owned by Ash and Ethan's parents. Jules, however, is plagued by a sense of inadequacy and envy towards her friends, particularly Ash, who seems to have it all.
Life's Complexities and Struggles
As the years pass, the group faces various challenges. Ethan's marriage to Ash falls apart when he confesses to having an affair, and Ash struggles to balance her professional success with her personal life. Jules, who becomes a therapist, battles with infertility and the growing distance in her marriage. Despite their struggles, the group remains a source of comfort and support for each other.
However, an unexpected tragedy strikes, altering the dynamics of their friendship. Ethan is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and the group rallies around him. His illness forces them to confront their mortality and the fragility of their relationships. Ethan's eventual death leaves a profound impact on all of them, leading to a period of introspection and self-discovery.
Accepting Imperfections and Finding Contentment
As they approach middle age, the group comes to terms with their imperfect lives. Jules, who had always felt like an outsider, learns to accept her limitations and find contentment in her ordinary life. Ash, despite her professional success, realizes that her life is not as perfect as it seems. She grapples with loneliness and the regret of not having children.
Meanwhile, Jules' husband Dennis, who had always been supportive of her, reveals a long-hidden secret that further complicates their relationship. Throughout these trials, the group's bond remains unbroken, and they continue to find solace in their shared history and enduring friendship.
The End of The Interestings
In The Interestings, Meg Wolitzer paints a poignant picture of friendship, envy, talent, and the complexities of life. The novel ends with the group, now in their fifties, coming together for a final summer house reunion. They reflect on their shared past, the dreams they had as teenagers, and the realities of their present lives. Despite the disappointments and unfulfilled aspirations, they acknowledge that they are, in their own ways, 'interesting' and that their bond will endure, even as they continue to navigate the uncertainties of the future.
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What is The Interestings about?
The Interestings follows a group of friends who meet at an arts camp in the 1970s and explores how their lives and relationships evolve over the next few decades. Meg Wolitzer delves into themes of talent, ambition, and the complexities of friendship, creating a rich and thought-provoking novel that delves into the highs and lows of artistic pursuit and the passage of time.
The Interestings Review
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (2013) follows a group of friends who meet at a summer camp for artistic teenagers and explores how their lives unfold over the years. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Delving into the intricacies of friendship dynamics and the complexities of growing up, it provides a deep and relatable portrayal of human relationships.
- The novel tackles themes of ambition and envy, showing how these emotions can shape individuals' paths in unexpected ways.
- Through its engaging character development and nuanced exploration of success and failure, the book offers a fresh perspective on the journey of self-discovery.
Who should read The Interestings?
Readers who enjoy character-driven novels with richly developed relationships
Individuals who are interested in exploring themes of creativity, ambition, and the passage of time
Those who appreciate a narrative that spans several decades, offering a deep dive into the characters' lives
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The Interestings FAQs
What is the main message of The Interestings?
The main message of The Interestings revolves around friendship, creativity, and the complexities of growing up.
How long does it take to read The Interestings?
The estimated reading time for The Interestings is moderate. The Blinkist summary can be read much quicker.
Is The Interestings a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Interestings is worth reading for its rich character development and exploration of life's twists and turns.
Who is the author of The Interestings?
The author of The Interestings is Meg Wolitzer.
What to read after The Interestings?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Interestings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz