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Lynn asked this question about The Paper Palace:
Anyone else confused by the ending? I thought Elle made a decision to stay with her husband the previous night but then she takes off her wedding ring before she goes to the pond where she can Jonas waiting. What are your thoughts?
Maya Penas JONAS IT IS!
I have listened to every single interview out there with the author, and it is clear that Elle chose Jonas. What surprised me is that the …moreJONAS IT IS!
I have listened to every single interview out there with the author, and it is clear that Elle chose Jonas. What surprised me is that the author did not think the ending ambiguous, and rather thought she was leaving clear cues to her readers. She also mentioned not knowing herself what Elle's choice would be right up 'til the end... and I feel this reflects in the book. Elle is desperately clinging to her life with Peter, to the safety he represents (he is mineral, her rock). Jonas IS the Back Woods (feral, a creature of the woods, skin burnished by sap and pine) - and right at the end, she gives in. The Back Woods are in her bones, Jonas is in her bones. And she in his.

The author also refers to the cues that lead us to this conclusion (the last conversation with Wallace, the feather and.... she also stated that Elle NEVER takes her jewellery out... and she said this with a big smile on her face) :) ... Speaking of cues!

Elle does not take "her wedding ring off one last time" - like some reviews suggest - insinuating she is taking her ring off one final time to be with Jonas, before picking Peter.
The book says - "I take off my wedding ring, hold it in the palm of my hand (...). I squeeze it tight against my life line one final time before leaving it behind me (...)". - This is a very different story. She is taking it off and parting from it, touching it and squeezing it one final time.

Personally, I'm thrilled. I fell in love with all these characters and their complexities. Elle is a beautiful, tormented, real woman. Her choice is heartbreaking. Her choice is exciting. Her choice IS LIFE.(less)
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The Paper Palace
by Miranda Cowley Heller
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