Attachments Summary & Key Insights

Rainbow Rowell's "Attachments" tells the intertwined stories of Lincoln, a jaded, recently-divorced police officer working in the IT department of a newspaper, and Beth, a young, bright, and somewhat neurotic reporter, both of whom are unexpectedly connected through email. The novel unfolds primarily through the emails Beth exchanges with her boyfriend, which Lincoln, tasked with monitoring employee emails for potential security breaches, accidentally stumbles upon. He begins reading them, initially out of a sense of duty, but quickly becomes captivated by Beth's vibrant personality and her evolving relationship with her boyfriend, whom he only knows as "Ethan."

Lincoln, a self-described loner struggling to process his divorce and find meaning in his life, finds a strange solace in observing Beth's relationship. He becomes an unwitting, voyeuristic participant in her life, experiencing her joys, anxieties, and insecurities vicariously through her words. He’s not just reading emails; he's witnessing a romance unfold, offering silent, often insightful commentary in the margins of his own life. He even begins to anticipate her emails, forming a connection with her without ever interacting directly.

Beth, meanwhile, is navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship, battling self-doubt and insecurity, and attempting to forge a career as a journalist. Her emails to Ethan reveal a woman fiercely independent yet deeply vulnerable, constantly grappling with questions of self-worth and love. The reader sees both the excitement and the challenges in her relationship, witnessing the gradual erosion of trust and communication as the narrative progresses.

The overarching theme revolves around the nature of connection and the unexpected ways we find it. Lincoln’s initially voyeuristic observation slowly transforms into a deep, albeit indirect, connection with Beth. He feels a responsibility towards her, wanting to protect her from the pain he witnesses in her emails. He sees her strengths and her vulnerabilities and, in a way, feels a kinship with her struggles. This unexpected connection fosters a kind of silent empathy, highlighting the power of observation and the capacity for human connection even in the absence of direct interaction.

The novel further explores themes of privacy versus intrusion, the ethics of reading someone's private communications, and the blurry lines between observation and participation. Lincoln grapples with his guilt, and the reader is forced to contemplate the complexities of his actions and their potential consequences. Ultimately, "Attachments" is a poignant and witty exploration of love, loss, and the surprising ways we find connection in the most unexpected places, even through the seemingly impersonal medium of email. The story subtly unfolds, leaving the reader with a warm and satisfying feeling about the possibilities of human connection, however unconventional they may be.