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Riley's 'The Palm House': A Deep Dive into Friendship and Loss

4/2/2026

43 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Gwendoline Riley presents The Palm House, a novel about friendship and loss centered on Laura and Putnam.
Laura, now 40, reflects on a troubled relationship with her mother and her bond with Putnam.
Putnam grapples with his father's death, adding emotional tension to the vignette-driven narrative.
Riley's prose is precise and emotionally deep, showing tenderness amid despair in London life.

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Story summary

Gwendoline Riley presents The Palm House, a novel about friendship and loss centered on Laura and Putnam.
Laura, now 40, reflects on a troubled relationship with her mother and her bond with Putnam.
Putnam grapples with his father's death, adding emotional tension to the vignette-driven narrative.
Riley's prose is precise and emotionally deep, showing tenderness amid despair in London life.