The Interestings Summary & Key Insights

Meg Wolitzer's "The Interestings" follows a group of intensely creative and intellectually precocious teenagers who meet at a summer camp for the arts in 1970s upstate New York. The novel spans decades, charting their intertwined lives, successes, failures, and ultimately, their complex relationships. The narrative centers around Jules Jacobsen, a seemingly ordinary girl who finds herself inexplicably drawn into this vibrant, eccentric group.

The "Interestings," as they dub themselves, are a fascinatingly diverse bunch. There's the charismatic and wildly talented artist, Ethan Figman, whose mercurial nature and self-destructive tendencies define his trajectory. His girlfriend, the beautiful and fiercely independent aspiring actress, Ash Wolf, struggles with fame and the compromises it demands. Then there's Leo Stuyvesant, a talented writer haunted by a family tragedy, and the enigmatic and secretive, somewhat sinister, Bohdi Sanders. Each member possesses a unique talent and a burning desire for greatness, but their paths diverge significantly over the years.

Jules, initially feeling like an outsider, becomes deeply entangled with the group, navigating their intense friendships, rivalries, and romantic entanglements. She develops a complicated, sometimes fraught, relationship with Ethan, her feelings forever marked by his unpredictable nature and the shadow of his genius. Their interactions illustrate the messy reality of passion and ambition, often at odds with genuine connection.

The novel explores the allure and pitfalls of pursuing one's artistic dreams, highlighting the sacrifices made and the compromises accepted in the name of creativity. It examines the shifting sands of ambition, exploring how the initial passion and promise of youth can be eroded by time, disappointment, and the realities of adult life. The weight of expectation, both self-imposed and externally imposed, significantly impacts the lives of each character.

As the decades unfold, the Interestings face betrayals, artistic triumphs and failures, marriages, divorces, and personal tragedies. Their individual stories intersect and diverge, reflecting the complexities of life and the enduring power of both friendship and rivalry. The book grapples with themes of self-discovery, the search for meaning, and the elusive nature of happiness. It ultimately questions the meaning of success and fulfillment, prompting the reader to consider the true value of art, relationships, and the choices we make along the way. The ending is poignant, highlighting the lasting impact of the summer camp experience and the enduring, albeit sometimes complicated, bonds formed among the group.