The Interestings' First Gathering

In the summer of 1974, a group of teenagers at a Massachusetts arts camp form a clique called "The Interestings." Julie Jacobson, an outsider, is invited by Ash Wolf, a charismatic New Yorker. The group includes Ash's brother Goodman, animator Ethan Figman, musician Jonah Bay, and dancer Cathy Kiplinger. They gather in a teepee, sharing dreams and ambitions, unaware of how this summer will shape their lives.

Julie's Transformation to Jules

Julie, feeling out of place, is transformed by her new friends' acceptance. She adopts the name Jules, shedding her suburban identity. The camp's artistic environment and camaraderie give her a sense of belonging and confidence. Jules becomes close to Ethan, who harbors a crush on her, but she is more drawn to the enigmatic Goodman.

Summer Camp Bonds and Rivalries

As summer progresses, the bonds between the friends deepen, but tensions arise. Jules is drawn to Goodman, despite his arrogance. Ethan's unrequited love for Jules creates tension. Cathy and Goodman begin a tumultuous relationship. The camp becomes a microcosm of their lives, filled with creativity, desire, and the complexities of growing up.

The Unraveling of Goodman Wolf

After camp, Goodman struggles with the pressures of his privileged life. His relationship with Cathy ends badly, leaving him bitter. He turns to alcohol and drugs, and his behavior becomes erratic. His sister Ash and their friends are concerned but unsure how to help. Goodman's charm masks deep-seated insecurity and fear of failure.

A New Year's Eve Disaster

On New Year's Eve, the group gathers at the Wolf family's apartment. The night turns dark when Goodman and Cathy sneak into a party. An altercation occurs, and Cathy accuses Goodman of rape. The accusation shocks their circle of friends and sets off a chain of events that will test their loyalties and change their lives forever.

The Aftermath and Allegations

The accusation against Goodman divides the group. Ash and her family are devastated, struggling to believe Goodman could be guilty. Jules, caught between loyalty to Ash and empathy for Cathy, is torn. Ethan tries to mediate, maintaining contact with Cathy, which strains his relationship with Ash. The once-close group is fractured by doubt and mistrust.

Goodman Vanishes, Leaving Chaos

Goodman, accused of a serious crime, vanishes, leaving his family and friends in turmoil. His disappearance shocks everyone, and the Wolf family grapples with the legal and emotional fallout. Ash feels the loss deeply. The absence of Goodman creates a void, leading to events that test the bonds of friendship and family.

Ash and Jules' Diverging Paths

As years pass, Ash and Jules find their lives taking different directions. Ash, supported by her family's wealth, pursues theater, while Jules struggles with financial constraints. Their friendship remains strong, but differences in their circumstances become more pronounced. Despite these differences, their bond endures, providing comfort and support.

Ethan's Rise to Fame and Fortune

Ethan Figman rises to fame with his successful show, Figland. His newfound wealth changes the dynamics of his relationships, particularly with Jules and Dennis, who feel the growing disparity. Despite his success, Ethan remains grounded, but the pressures of fame create new challenges. His relationship with Ash is tested as they navigate their evolving lives.

Jules and Dennis' Struggles

Jules and Dennis grapple with financial difficulties and personal challenges, including Dennis's depression. Their marriage is tested as they try to maintain stability. Jules, a social worker, finds fulfillment in her work but is overwhelmed by personal demands. Their friendship with Ash and Ethan provides solace, but differences in circumstances are a constant reminder of their struggles.

Goodman's Return and Ash's Revelation

Goodman reappears, seeking refuge and a fresh start. His presence forces Ash to confront the secrets she's kept from Ethan, leading to a confrontation that strains their marriage. Ash's loyalty to her brother and the burden of her family's secrets weigh heavily on her, creating tension in her relationship with Ethan. The revelation challenges the couple's trust and forces them to reevaluate their priorities.

Ethan's Illness and Final Days

Ethan is diagnosed with melanoma, forcing him to confront his mortality. As his health deteriorates, he reflects on his life, relationships, and legacy. The illness brings Ash and Ethan closer, as they navigate the challenges of treatment and uncertainty. Ethan's final days are marked by introspection and a desire to make amends, prompting those around him to reevaluate their own lives and connections.

Characters

Julie "Jules" Jacobson

Jules is initially an awkward, self-conscious teenager from a suburban background. Her transformation at camp into the more confident "Jules" marks her journey toward self-discovery. She is drawn to Goodman but remains loyal to her friends, particularly Ash. Jules' empathy and humor make her a central figure in the group, though she struggles with feelings of inadequacy.

Ash Wolf

Ash is the beautiful, talented daughter of a wealthy New York family. She is the glue that holds the group together, offering warmth and acceptance to Jules. Ash's relationship with her brother Goodman is complex, marked by both admiration and frustration. Her loyalty to her family is tested by the events surrounding Goodman, revealing her inner strength and vulnerability.

Goodman Wolf

Goodman is Ash's older brother, whose charm and good looks mask a deep-seated insecurity. His reckless behavior and substance abuse lead to a downward spiral, culminating in a serious accusation that threatens to destroy his life. Goodman's struggles with identity and expectation highlight the pressures of privilege and the consequences of unchecked behavior.

Ethan Figman

Ethan is a gifted animator with a deep, unrequited love for Jules. His humor and creativity make him a beloved member of the group, though he often feels overshadowed by his more charismatic friends. Ethan's loyalty and integrity are tested as he tries to mediate between his friends, maintaining contact with Cathy despite the tension it causes.

Cathy Kiplinger

Cathy is a talented dancer whose relationship with Goodman is marked by passion and conflict. Her accusation against Goodman fractures the group, leaving her isolated and struggling with the aftermath. Cathy's emotional intensity and vulnerability make her a complex figure, caught between her past friendships and her need for justice.

Jonah Bay

Jonah is the son of a famous folksinger, whose beauty and talent make him a magnetic presence. He is introspective and reserved, often caught between his friends' conflicts. Jonah's past experiences with manipulation and betrayal make him wary of intimacy, yet he remains a loyal friend, seeking solace in music and creativity.

Dennis Boyd

Dennis, Jules's husband, struggles with depression and the challenges of finding stability in his life. His relationship with Jules is tested by their financial difficulties and his mental health issues. Despite these challenges, Dennis remains a supportive partner, navigating the complexities of his life with resilience.

Plot Devices

Summer Camp as a Microcosm

The summer camp serves as a microcosm for the characters' lives, a place where they can explore their identities and form deep bonds. It is a space of creativity and freedom, contrasting with the pressures and expectations of their real lives. The camp's idyllic setting highlights the innocence and intensity of youth, setting the stage for the complexities of adulthood.

The Accusation

The accusation against Goodman is a pivotal plot device that tests the group's loyalties and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths. It serves as a catalyst for change, shattering the illusion of their perfect summer and propelling them into the harsh realities of adulthood. The accusation challenges their perceptions of friendship, justice, and morality.

Goodman's Disappearance

Goodman's disappearance is a pivotal plot device that tests the group's loyalties and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths. It serves as a catalyst for change, shattering the illusion of their perfect lives and propelling them into the harsh realities of adulthood. The disappearance challenges their perceptions of friendship, justice, and morality.

Secrets and Revelations

The secrets kept by the characters serve as a catalyst for conflict and change, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate their relationships. The revelations surrounding Goodman's return and Ethan's illness challenge the characters' perceptions of loyalty, trust, and morality, prompting moments of introspection and growth.

Illness and Mortality

Ethan's illness serves as a powerful plot device, forcing the characters to confront their mortality and the legacy they will leave behind. The illness prompts moments of reflection and reconciliation, as the characters navigate the challenges of treatment and the uncertainty of the future. Ethan's journey serves as a catalyst for change, prompting those around him to reevaluate their own lives and the connections they hold dear.

Analysis

"The Interestings" by Meg Wolitzer delves into the complexities of friendship, identity, and the impact of success on personal relationships. Through the lens of a group of friends who meet at a summer camp, the novel explores the fluidity of identity and the challenges of maintaining connections amidst life's changes. The story highlights the tension between aspiration and reality, as characters navigate the pressures of privilege, the burden of secrets, and the inevitability of change. Wolitzer's narrative underscores the universal struggle for self-discovery and acceptance, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

Last updated: February 23, 2025