Interestings

Spanning four decades, this novel traces the evolving bonds of a group of teenagers who meet at a 1980s performing arts camp. At its center is Jules Epstein, whose exceptional dance talent sets her apart from her peers and anchors a complex web of friendships that will stretch into adulthood. As the characters navigate college, careers, marriage, and parenthood, Wolitzer examines how early artistic promise intersects with ordinary life. The narrative explores the quiet tensions between ambition and contentment, privilege and circumstance, while questioning what it means to be considered remarkable. Through sharply observed dialogue and psychological depth, the book investigates how childhood connections endure, fracture, or transform over time. Wolitzer’s signature focus on social dynamics and intimate relationships grounds the story in a realistic portrayal of growing up, making choices, and reconciling youthful ideals with adult realities. The work stands as a thoughtful meditation on memory, loyalty, and the enduring impact of formative years.