Meg Wolitzer is incredibly easy to read – and in fact The Interestings is responsible for so many late nights in the last week. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that all books with pacy and punchy narration are slim on content. The Interestings is an insightful study of a group of friends who meet at a summer camp for young artistic types – and their changing relationships over the course of their lives.
Jules is on scholarship, and feels largely like an imposter at the camp. But when she is invited to join the cool crowd in TeePee 3, she finally finds a niche that will last a lifetime. She begins acting in comedic roles, a passion that lasts into early adulthood. Ash and Goodman are wealthy twins, and Ash soon becomes Jules best friend and fellow actor. Goodman is troubled and dangerous – and ends up disappearing from their lives after crossing boundaries that should not be crossed. Jonah is the son of a legendary folk singer, hiding secret trauma. And Ethan… awkward overweight Ethan is the most talented of them all and his adolescent animation Figland is destined to become one of the most popular television shows of all time.
Over the years they dynamic of the relationships change and grow and sometimes warp. Family and money cause fractures but also heal. Some truths are hidden but still all are bonded by those summers, and by friendships that saw them through the most difficult of times.
A wonderful read, with no dull moments. Just perplexing, beautiful and complex stories of love and friendship.
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