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Denise asked this question about The Paper Palace:
Anyone finished who wants to discuss the ending? I am still not sure how I feel about it, am ruminating.
Charlotte I think the sad truth is that Elle will never truly make up her mind. She'll probably stay with Peter without full-heartedly choosing him. A number of…moreI think the sad truth is that Elle will never truly make up her mind. She'll probably stay with Peter without full-heartedly choosing him. A number of factors are at play for this stagnancy, but the main reason being she doesn't want to end up like her mother.

Elle grew up seeing how her grand/mother were unhappy more than anything else after leaving their partner. It didn't do much good for the happiness of the women and it left traumatizing scars on the children.

Elle is paralyzed by the thought of taking a huge leap like leaving Peter and this stability for Jonas.
It's how affairs essentially work: you're under the illusion of an amazing possibility, but you'll never know if it will actually work unless you take the jump. This uncertainty is what keeps Elle from going for it, because she can't be sure about the consequences.

She probably heard this story about old lovers who grew apart, got married with other partners, lived a full life, and then meet again when they're old and widowed - hoping it will be like that for her too (without the guilt of choosing for Jonas now).(less)
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The Paper Palace
by Miranda Cowley Heller
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