THE PAPER PALACE

MIRANDA COWLEY HELLER VIKING, RRP $33

With a big tick from actor Reese Witherspoon, expect to catch this stunning debut novel on a screen of some sort. Elle Bishop faces an emotion-charged choice – between the childhood love she has never really gotten over and the devoted husband who’s been the backbone of her life. The book’s title refers to a beachside compound where Elle’s family has holidayed for yonks and where she first encounters Jonas, when he’s 8 and she just 10. They become inseparable, having each other’s backs until tragedy changes their relationship forever. Fast-forward several decades and they return with their spouses - and some unfinished business – before their relationship takes another momentous twist. Miranda Cowley Heller cleverly tracks 24 hours in Elle’s life, along with the packed previous 50 years. Expect multiple divorces, death, betrayal, shame, secrets and lies, making it perfect movie fodder. But there’s also warmth in this tale, alongside two special love stories. You’ll be hooked from the opening chapter.

VERDICT: Read it in one sitting