The Interestings summary

The Beginning of an Unlikely Friendship

In The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer, we are introduced to six teenagers who meet at a summer camp for the arts. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they form an unlikely friendship, dubbing themselves 'The Interestings'. The group consists of Jules, a self-conscious and aspiring actress; Ethan, a talented animator from a wealthy family; Ash, his beautiful and confident girlfriend; Jonah, a musical prodigy; Goodman, a kind-hearted and overweight boy; and Cathy, a girl with a talent for drawing.

The story takes off when Jules, who has always felt out of place among her more talented and affluent friends, is invited to live with Ethan and Ash in New York City after high school. The trio shares a small apartment, and despite the financial disparity, Jules feels like she finally belongs somewhere. She becomes romantically involved with Jonah, and they all begin their journey into adulthood with high hopes and dreams.

The Unraveling of Dreams

As time passes, the once close-knit group starts to drift apart. Ethan, who was expected to be the most successful, struggles with his animation career, while Ash, who was seen as the least talented, becomes a famous actress. Jonah, who was once a musical prodigy, now works as an engineer, and Jules, who had dreams of becoming an actress, becomes a therapist. The only one who seems to have stayed true to his teenage self is Goodman, who becomes a doctor and marries Cathy.

The book delves into the theme of envy and how it can corrode even the strongest of friendships. Jules, who had always felt like the least interesting one, becomes consumed by jealousy as she watches her friends achieve the success they once dreamed of. She is especially envious of Ethan, who has become a successful animator and married to Ash. Jules' feelings of inadequacy grow, and she starts to distance herself from her old friends.

Mid-Life Crisis and Reunion

As the characters enter their middle age, they all face different challenges. Ethan and Ash struggle with their marriage, Jonah grapples with the death of his wife, and Jules deals with her feelings of unfulfilled potential. The once bright and promising future they envisioned for themselves as teenagers seems to have dimmed, leaving them feeling disillusioned and dissatisfied.

Despite their differences and the passage of time, the group reunites at Goodman and Cathy's home to celebrate his success as a doctor. During the reunion, old tensions resurface, and they are forced to confront the reality of their lives and the choices they have made. The reunion serves as a catalyst for them to reflect on their past, their friendship, and the paths they have taken.

Acceptance and Moving On

As the novel draws to a close, the characters come to terms with their lives and the fact that they may not have achieved the success they once imagined. They realize that life is not always fair and that success is not solely determined by talent. The ending is bittersweet, with the characters accepting their realities and finding a sense of closure.

In conclusion, The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer is a poignant exploration of friendship, envy, and the complexities of life. It beautifully captures the evolution of relationships over time and the harsh reality that not all dreams come true. The characters' journey from adolescence to middle age is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and success is not always what it seems.