Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Humorous, Romantic, Sweet
- Read it if
- You love quirky, character-driven romantic comedies with a unique premise and plenty of humor.
- Skip it if
- You dislike romance novels where the main characters don't interact directly for a significant portion of the story, or find the 'secret admirer' trope problematic.
Attachments Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
New Job, New Rules
Lincoln O'Neill starts his new job at the *Omaha World-Herald* as an 'Internet Security Officer.' His main task is reading employee emails flagged for inappropriate content. He expected to be a cybersecurity expert, but instead, he monitors emails. His supervisor, Doris, gives him flagged emails to review, stressing the company's strict policy against personal use. Lincoln quickly finds the job boring, sifting through endless forwards and small rule breaks. He feels uncomfortable and conflicted about invading his colleagues' privacy, even though it is company policy and a condition of their employment. This initial phase establishes Lincoln's internal struggle with the true nature of his job.
Beth and Jennifer's Correspondence Begins
Beth Fremont, a film reviewer, and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder, a features writer, begin their long email exchange. They do not know their messages are being read. Their emails cover everything from Jennifer's marital problems with her husband, Mike, and her wish for a baby, to Beth's complicated relationship with her long-term boyfriend, Chris, who is studying in New York. They discuss their work, frustrations, and dreams, using email as a private, unfiltered space. Their witty talks and honest discussions quickly get Lincoln's attention when their emails are flagged, giving him an unauthorized look into their lives.
Lincoln Becomes an Unwilling Participant
As Lincoln continues monitoring emails, Beth and Jennifer's correspondence becomes a daily highlight. He finds himself entertained and emotionally invested in their lives, especially Beth's. He learns about her quirky personality, her love for movies, and her worries about her relationship with Chris. Company policy requires him to report excessive personal email use, but Lincoln avoids doing so for Beth and Jennifer. He creates a growing stack of unfiled reports. He tells himself their emails are not 'harmful,' but he is becoming attached to their story, blurring the lines between his job and his personal feelings.
Jennifer's Marital Troubles Intensify
Jennifer's emails to Beth focus on her growing marital problems with Mike, mainly her strong desire to have a baby. Mike, a lawyer, resists the idea, always finding excuses and delaying their attempts to conceive. Jennifer tells Beth about her deep frustration, sadness, and anger, feeling unsupported by her husband. Lincoln, reading these private details, sees Jennifer's emotional distress. He feels a strange empathy for her, even though he is a stranger. He becomes aware of the raw struggles of her marriage, further showing how invasive his job is.
Beth's Relationship with Chris
Beth's emails often describe her complicated, on-again-off-again relationship with Chris, her boyfriend studying music in New York. She expresses her insecurities, her longing for him, and her frustration with his emotional distance and lack of commitment. Lincoln observes Beth's vulnerability and her attempts to understand a relationship that seems to be going nowhere. He notices her self-deprecating humor and her deep capacity for love, which deepens his growing feelings for her. He learns about her passion for movies and her quiet strength, all through her honest email exchanges with Jennifer.
Lincoln's Growing Affection
As weeks turn into months, Lincoln finds himself falling in love with Beth, based only on her email persona. He learns her favorite movies, her dislikes, her dreams, and her deepest fears. He starts to look forward to her emails and feels disappointed on days when they do not write. This creates a huge ethical problem for him: he is in love with someone he has never met, whose privacy he has been violating, and who does not know he exists. He struggles with the impossible situation, knowing that revealing his identity and his connection to her emails would be a huge breach of trust.
The Christmas Party Confrontation
The *Omaha World-Herald* Christmas party arrives, and Lincoln sees it as his chance to finally meet Beth and Jennifer. He carefully plans his outfit and arrival, hoping for a casual meeting. He spots Jennifer first, noticing her lively personality, but struggles to approach her. He then sees Beth across the room and is immediately drawn to her, recognizing her from her email descriptions. He tries to gather the courage to talk to her, but his shyness and the overwhelming awkwardness of his secret knowledge stop him. He leaves the party without speaking to either of them, feeling a deep sense of failure and regret.
Jennifer's Decision
Jennifer's emails show a major change in her marriage. After much thought, frustration, and a particularly painful anniversary, she decides to separate from Mike. She tells Beth via email, explaining her decision to pursue her dream of having a baby on her own, even if it means leaving her husband. This move shows Jennifer's strength and resolve. Lincoln, reading this moment, feels both sadness for her struggle and admiration for her strength. This confirms her character arc as someone who chooses her own happiness and goals.
Beth's Breakup and New Chapter
Following Jennifer's example and her own growing unhappiness, Beth ends her long, stagnant relationship with Chris. Her emails to Jennifer express relief, sadness, and a sense of freedom. She starts to pursue new interests, like learning guitar, and thinks about a future free from Chris's emotional baggage. Lincoln observes this change, seeing Beth become stronger and more independent. He feels a surge of hope, realizing that Beth is now truly available, but also the heavy weight of his secret, which still keeps him from approaching her honestly.
The Email Program Ends
The *Omaha World-Herald* suddenly announces the end of the email monitoring program, citing budget cuts and new company priorities. Lincoln's job is eliminated. This news is both good and bad for him. On one hand, he is relieved to be free from the ethical burden of his work. On the other hand, it means his daily connection to Beth and Jennifer is broken, and his secret window into Beth's life is closed. The end of the program forces Lincoln to face his feelings and consider how he might move forward without their emails.
Lincoln's Bold Move
After the email monitoring program ends, Lincoln struggles with how to approach Beth. He knows he cannot just pretend to meet her casually, given everything he knows. He writes several letters, trying to explain his situation without sounding like a stalker. He decides on an honest approach, writing a letter that explains his former job, his accidental involvement in her and Jennifer's lives, and his genuine feelings for her. He hand-delivers the letter to Beth's desk, fully aware of the huge risk he is taking and the potential for complete rejection.
Beth's Reaction and the First Date
Beth is at first shocked and upset by Lincoln's letter, feeling a deep invasion of privacy. She discusses it with Jennifer, who is equally appalled. However, as they reread the letter, they see Lincoln's sincerity and the genuine affection he expresses. Beth is torn between anger and curiosity. After much thought and encouragement from Jennifer, Beth decides to reply to Lincoln, agreeing to meet him for coffee. Their first date is awkward but honest, as Lincoln tries to explain himself and Beth tries to understand the man in front of her who knows all her secrets. This marks the true beginning of their relationship, built on an unusual, ethically challenged connection.
Principal Figures
Lincoln O'Neill
Protagonist
A shy, ethical 'Internet Security Officer' who falls in love with an email he monitors.
Lincoln is a quiet, thoughtful, and somewhat socially awkward man in his late twenties. He's a self-proclaimed 'nerd' who lives with his mother and struggles with self-doubt. His new job, monitoring employee emails, creates a profound ethical dilemma for him, as he finds himself increasingly invested in the lives of Beth and Jennifer. He possesses a strong sense of right and wrong, which clashes with the nature of his work, leading to internal conflict. Despite his shyness, he eventually shows courage by confessing his secret to Beth.
Relationships: Beth Fremont (Falls in love with her through her emails; eventually becomes her boyfriend.); Jennifer Scribner-Snyder (Observes her life through emails; develops a platonic appreciation for her.); Doris (His supervisor, who enforces the email monitoring policy.); His Mother (Lives with her and has a close, if somewhat co-dependent, relationship.)
Beth Fremont
Protagonist
A witty film reviewer whose candid emails become the object of Lincoln's affection.
Beth is a clever, funny, and sometimes cynical film reviewer. She's fiercely loyal to her best friend, Jennifer, and uses their email exchanges to vent about her stagnant relationship with Chris and her general anxieties. She is thoughtful and observant, with a dry sense of humor. Despite her outward confidence, she struggles with self-doubt and a longing for a more fulfilling life and relationship. She's initially appalled by Lincoln's revelation but eventually sees his sincerity.
Relationships: Lincoln O'Neill (Object of his secret affection; eventually becomes his girlfriend.); Jennifer Scribner-Snyder (Her best friend and confidante.); Chris (Her long-term, emotionally distant boyfriend whom she eventually breaks up with.)
Jennifer Scribner-Snyder
Supporting
Beth's best friend, a features writer struggling with her marriage and desire for a baby.
Jennifer is outgoing, passionate, and fiercely determined. She's Beth's best friend and email confidante, sharing intimate details about her life, particularly her struggles to conceive a child and her deteriorating marriage to Mike. She is a strong, independent woman who isn't afraid to make difficult decisions for her own happiness. Her emails often provide comedic relief but also reveal deep emotional vulnerability and resilience as she navigates significant life changes.
Relationships: Beth Fremont (Her best friend and primary email recipient.); Mike (Her husband, with whom she has a strained relationship and eventually divorces.)
Chris
Supporting
Beth's long-term, emotionally distant boyfriend.
Chris is Beth's boyfriend for much of the story, studying music in New York. He is largely absent from Beth's physical life and emotionally unavailable. His character is primarily revealed through Beth's frustrations and complaints in her emails to Jennifer. He represents Beth's reluctance to move on and her fear of being alone, highlighting her internal struggles with commitment and self-worth. He never physically appears in the narrative, existing solely through Beth's perception.
Relationships: Beth Fremont (Her long-term, unfulfilling boyfriend.)
Mike
Supporting
Jennifer's husband, who is resistant to having a baby.
Mike is Jennifer's husband, a lawyer who is hesitant about starting a family, causing significant strain in their marriage. Like Chris, he is primarily characterized through Jennifer's emails, where she expresses her frustration with his excuses and lack of enthusiasm for having children. He represents the conflict in Jennifer's life, pushing her to confront her desires and make difficult choices. His resistance ultimately leads to their separation.
Relationships: Jennifer Scribner-Snyder (Her husband, from whom she eventually separates and divorces.)
Doris
Supporting
Lincoln's supervisor in the Internet Security department.
Doris is Lincoln's no-nonsense supervisor. She is the embodiment of the company's strict email policy, giving Lincoln his assignments and reminding him of the rules. She is pragmatic and focused on protocol, showing little empathy for the personal aspects of the job. She serves as a reminder of the official, impersonal nature of Lincoln's role and the potential consequences of his failure to report infractions.
Relationships: Lincoln O'Neill (His supervisor.)
Themes & Insights
Privacy vs. Connection
The novel explores the tension between privacy and the desire for real connection. Lincoln's job is a clear privacy violation, yet it leads him to a close, though one-sided, connection with Beth. The emails, meant to be private talks between friends, become the way this unexpected bond forms. The story questions surveillance ethics while showing how shared vulnerability, even when unknown, can create deep understanding and love. This is clear when Beth and Jennifer discuss the company's email policy, jokingly dismissing it, while Lincoln secretly reads their every word.
“Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you...”
The Nature of Love and Intimacy
Attachments looks at how love can grow in unusual ways. Lincoln falls in love with Beth not through usual interactions, but through her unfiltered thoughts and feelings in her emails. This raises questions about what truly makes intimacy—is it shared experiences, or a deep understanding of another person's inner world? The emails allow Lincoln to know Beth's true self before ever meeting her, creating a unique base for their relationship. This theme is central to the entire plot, from Lincoln's first interest to Beth's eventual acceptance of his unusual confession.
“He knew her, in a way, better than anyone. He knew her jokes, her fears, her petty annoyances. He knew her heart.”
Modern Communication and Relationships
The novel uses email as its main storytelling tool, showing how modern technology shapes relationships. Beth and Jennifer's emails are their main way of communicating and supporting each other, demonstrating the ease and closeness of digital talks. However, the story also shows the problems when such communication is intercepted, highlighting the vulnerability of our digital lives. The emails act as both a barrier (stopping Lincoln from direct interaction) and a bridge (allowing him to connect with Beth's essence), showing technology's complex role in forming and keeping relationships in the 21st century. The entire plot depends on this medium.
“It was like reading a really good book, except the characters were real and he was editing their lives.”
Finding Your Voice and Agency
Beth and Jennifer both experience significant personal growth, finding their voices and taking control of their lives. Jennifer, initially stuck in an unhappy marriage, bravely decides to leave Mike and pursue motherhood on her own. Beth, similarly, breaks free from her stagnant relationship with Chris, realizing she deserves more. Lincoln also finds his voice by finally telling Beth his truth, overcoming his shyness and the ethical conflict of his job. This theme is clear in the characters' email discussions, where they encourage each other to be brave and take charge of their futures, leading to their life changes.
“I just want to be happy. Is that so wrong?”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Epistolary Format (Emails)
The story is primarily told through a series of emails between Beth and Jennifer.
The novel extensively uses an epistolary format, presenting the bulk of the narrative through the email exchanges between Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder. These emails serve multiple functions: they reveal character, advance the plot, provide comedic relief, and build the emotional core of the story. For Lincoln, they are his sole source of information about Beth, creating an intimate, voyeuristic perspective. This device not only drives the plot but also cleverly highlights the themes of privacy, modern communication, and the nature of intimacy in the digital age. The emails are presented in their raw, unedited form, enhancing the sense of authenticity.
Third-Person Limited Point of View (Lincoln)
The narrative perspective is primarily from Lincoln's internal thoughts and observations.
While the emails provide the direct dialogue between Beth and Jennifer, the overarching narrative is told from Lincoln O'Neill's third-person limited point of view. This allows the reader to experience Lincoln's internal conflict, his growing affection for Beth, and his ethical struggles firsthand. We see the emails through his eyes, understand his reactions to them, and witness his attempts to reconcile his job with his burgeoning feelings. This perspective is crucial for building suspense around his secret and for establishing his character arc, as his thoughts and feelings guide the reader's understanding of the unusual love story.
Dramatic Irony
The audience knows Lincoln is reading the emails, but Beth and Jennifer do not.
A significant amount of dramatic irony is employed throughout the novel. The reader is privy to Lincoln's secret knowledge from the very beginning, knowing that he is monitoring Beth and Jennifer's emails, while the characters themselves remain blissfully unaware. This creates tension, humor, and a sense of foreboding. Every time Beth or Jennifer joke about the email policy or discuss highly personal matters, the reader is aware of Lincoln's presence, heightening the emotional impact and ethical implications of his actions. This device maintains engagement and builds anticipation for the inevitable reveal.
The 'Monitoring' Job
Lincoln's role as an Internet Security Officer is the central catalyst for the plot.
Lincoln's job as an 'Internet Security Officer' is the primary plot device that sets the entire story in motion. It's the mechanism that forces him into an intimate, yet one-sided, relationship with Beth. This job creates the ethical dilemma, the secret, and the unique conditions under which Lincoln falls in love. Without this specific role, the core premise of the novel would not exist. It's not just a job; it's the fundamental conflict and opportunity that drives Lincoln's actions and defines the boundaries of his initial connection with Beth.
Attachments Quotes
“It's a good thing you're an adult, because otherwise, I'd be asking for your ID.”
“It's like having a secret admirer, except the admirer is the company you work for.”
“I think I’m falling in love with a woman I’ve never met.”
“You can't just go around falling in love with people because of their emails.”
“Maybe it was always going to be like this, and I just needed to catch up.”
“I want to be the kind of person who can say, 'I'm in love with someone,' and actually mean it.”
“Sometimes you just have to go for it. Even if 'it' is completely insane.”
“He knew her, in a way that no one else did. Not even her best friend.”
“It was like falling in love with a ghost, a whisper, a collection of words.”
“You can't just fall in love with someone because they write good emails.”
“There are people you meet and you just know. You just know that they are meant to be in your life.”
“He felt like he'd been holding his breath for twenty-eight years, and now he could finally exhale.”
“Maybe love was a choice. A decision to keep showing up, even when it was hard.”
“It was the bravest thing he'd ever done, walking into that room, knowing she might hate him.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Lincoln O'Neill's job title at the newspaper?
- IT Manager
- Internet Security Officer
- Network Administrator
- Email Compliance Officer
Show answer
B. Internet Security Officer Lincoln's official title is Internet Security Officer, a role he finds less glamorous than anticipated as it primarily involves monitoring employee emails.
Question 2
What kind of publication do Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder work for?
- A fashion magazine
- A publishing house
- A newspaper
- A television station
Show answer
C. A newspaper The synopsis states that Beth and Jennifer work in a 'newsroom,' indicating their workplace is a newspaper.
Question 3
What is Lincoln's initial internal conflict regarding Beth and Jennifer's emails?
- He wants to join their email conversations.
- He worries they are exposing company secrets.
- He knows he should report them but is entertained by their content.
- He is trying to find a way to meet them in person without reading their emails.
Show answer
C. He knows he should report them but is entertained by their content. Lincoln's primary conflict is between his duty to report misuse of company email and his growing enjoyment and fascination with Beth and Jennifer's personal conversations.
Question 4
What is the primary medium through which Lincoln learns about Beth's life?
- Through office gossip
- By observing her in the newsroom
- By reading her private work emails to Jennifer
- He stalks her social media profiles
Show answer
C. By reading her private work emails to Jennifer The entire premise of the book revolves around Lincoln reading Beth's emails to Jennifer as part of his job, which is how he becomes captivated by her.
Question 5
What is the general tone of Beth and Jennifer's emails?
- Formal and professional
- Gossipy and malicious
- Endlessly hilarious and personal
- Strictly work-related but frequent
Show answer
C. Endlessly hilarious and personal The synopsis describes their emails as 'endless and endlessly hilarious,' indicating their informal and personal nature.
Question 6
Why does Lincoln feel it's 'too late' to introduce himself to Beth once he realizes he's falling for her?
- He believes she is already in a committed relationship.
- He fears she would be angry or creeped out by his knowledge of her private life.
- He is too shy to approach anyone at work.
- He plans to leave his job soon.
Show answer
B. He fears she would be angry or creeped out by his knowledge of her private life. Lincoln's fear stems from the ethical dilemma of knowing so much about Beth through unauthorized means; he anticipates her negative reaction if she learned he had been reading her private emails.
Question 7
What is the central ethical conflict presented by Lincoln's job?
- The conflict between company profit and employee wages.
- The invasion of employee privacy versus company security policy.
- The balance between journalistic integrity and sensationalism.
- The struggle to maintain a work-life balance in a demanding job.
Show answer
B. The invasion of employee privacy versus company security policy. The core conflict is the company policy allowing Lincoln to read private employee emails for 'internet security,' directly clashing with the employees' expectation of privacy and Lincoln's own moral compass.
Question 8
How do Beth and Jennifer initially perceive the company's email monitoring policy?
- They are highly concerned and alter their communication.
- They take it seriously and only discuss work-related matters.
- They know about it but don't take it seriously enough to change their behavior.
- They are unaware of the policy.
Show answer
C. They know about it but don't take it seriously enough to change their behavior. The synopsis explicitly states, 'They know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail... But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously.'
Question 9
What is Lincoln's perception of his 'Internet Security Officer' role compared to his initial expectations?
- He finds it more challenging and rewarding than expected.
- He finds it less technical and more invasive than he had pictured.
- He enjoys the power and control he has over other employees' communications.
- He feels it perfectly aligns with his career aspirations.
Show answer
B. He finds it less technical and more invasive than he had pictured. Lincoln 'pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers—not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke,' indicating his disappointment with the reality of his job.
Question 10
The book's premise heavily relies on which common modern workplace policy?
- Strict dress code enforcement.
- Monitoring of employee communications on company devices.
- Mandatory team-building exercises.
- Performance reviews based on social media activity.
Show answer
B. Monitoring of employee communications on company devices. The entire plot is driven by the company's policy of monitoring employee emails, which is a common, though often controversial, workplace practice for security and compliance.
Attachments FAQ
What is the central premise of 'Attachments'?
The novel revolves around Lincoln O'Neill, an 'internet security officer' whose job is to monitor company emails. He becomes captivated by the personal correspondence between two colleagues, Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder, eventually falling in love with Beth despite never having met her.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The main characters are Lincoln O'Neill, the email monitor; Beth Fremont, a movie reviewer; and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder, a copywriter. Their lives intersect through the emails Beth and Jennifer exchange, which Lincoln secretly reads.
How do Beth and Jennifer communicate throughout the book?
Beth and Jennifer primarily communicate through their work email, which they use to discuss everything from their relationships and personal struggles to daily office gossip. These emails form the core narrative device through which Lincoln learns about their lives.
What is Lincoln's job and how does he feel about it?
Lincoln is an 'internet security officer' tasked with reading employee emails to ensure company policy compliance. He initially despises the job, finding it mundane and ethically questionable, as he had envisioned a more technical, cybersecurity role.
What is the primary conflict that Lincoln faces?
Lincoln's primary conflict is the ethical dilemma of reading Beth and Jennifer's private emails and developing feelings for Beth based on this illicit knowledge. He struggles with how to approach her without revealing his inappropriate behavior.
How does Lincoln's relationship with his mother evolve in the story?
Lincoln lives with his mother, who often tries to set him up with women and subtly pressures him about his life choices. Their relationship is a source of both comfort and mild exasperation for Lincoln, reflecting his struggle for independence.
What role does Beth's boyfriend, Chris, play in her character development?
Chris is Beth's long-term boyfriend, whose reluctance to commit and start a family is a major source of frustration and sadness for Beth. Her discussions about Chris in the emails reveal her deep desire for a stable future and highlight her emotional vulnerability.
Are there any subtle indications that Beth and Jennifer know their emails are being read?
While they are aware of the company policy, Beth and Jennifer initially don't take it seriously, assuming no one actually reads them. However, as the story progresses, there are subtle hints, like Jennifer's brief mention of the 'internet security officer' and Beth's growing feeling of being watched, that suggest an underlying subconscious awareness.
How does Lincoln's past relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Sam, influence his present actions?
Lincoln's previous relationship with Sam, which ended badly, left him with significant emotional baggage and a fear of commitment. This past experience contributes to his initial passivity and hesitation in pursuing a new relationship, even with Beth.
How does Lincoln's voyeuristic behavior impact his own self-perception?
Lincoln initially feels guilt and shame over reading the emails, viewing himself as a 'creep.' However, as he becomes emotionally invested in Beth and Jennifer's lives, his self-perception shifts, and he starts to see himself as someone who cares deeply, albeit from a distance, which complicates his moral compass.
Analyze Beth's internal conflict regarding her relationship with Chris.
Beth is torn between her love for Chris and her longing for marriage and children, which Chris seems unwilling to provide. This creates significant emotional turmoil, making her feel stuck and undervalued, and revealing her deep desire for a committed partnership.
How does Jennifer's friendship provide psychological support for Beth?
Jennifer acts as Beth's confidante and emotional anchor, offering advice, empathy, and humor through their email exchanges. This robust friendship provides Beth with a crucial outlet for processing her feelings and navigating her personal struggles, highlighting the importance of female camaraderie.
What is the psychological significance of Lincoln's 'crush' developing from reading emails rather than direct interaction?
Lincoln's crush on Beth, formed solely through her written words, highlights the power of authentic self-expression and the human desire for connection. It allows him to fall for her 'true self' without the biases of superficial appearances, but also raises questions about idealization and the ethics of non-consensual intimacy.
Is Lincoln's initial email monitoring justifiable under any circumstances?
From an ethical standpoint, Lincoln's prolonged, personal monitoring of Beth and Jennifer's emails, especially after developing feelings, is generally not justifiable. While company policy allows monitoring, his actions cross a line into privacy invasion and emotional manipulation, even if his intentions become benign.
How does the novel challenge or reinforce traditional notions of privacy in the digital age?
The novel directly challenges traditional notions of privacy by showing how easily personal boundaries can be breached in a corporate digital environment. It highlights the vulnerability of personal communication when exchanged through company systems, prompting reflection on digital ethics and surveillance.
Could Beth and Lincoln's relationship have developed authentically without the email monitoring?
It's debatable. While the emails provided Lincoln with an intimate understanding of Beth, their paths might never have crossed in a meaningful way otherwise. The monitoring, while unethical, served as an unusual catalyst, suggesting that sometimes extraordinary, unconventional circumstances are needed for certain connections to form.
What is the significance of the book's title, 'Attachments'?
The title 'Attachments' has multiple layers of meaning: it refers literally to email attachments, metaphorically to the emotional attachments Lincoln forms to Beth and Jennifer, and also to the attachments people have to their pasts, relationships, and expectations for the future.
How does the ending of the novel resolve the ethical dilemma of Lincoln's actions?
The ending doesn't fully 'resolve' the ethical dilemma in a way that absolves Lincoln, but it focuses on the emotional resolution. Beth eventually learns about the emails, leading to a confrontation that forces Lincoln to own his actions. Her decision to forgive him and pursue a relationship suggests that connection and understanding can sometimes transcend initial ethical breaches.
About the author
Rainbow Rowell is an American author known for her contemporary young adult and adult fiction. Her notable works include "Eleanor & Park," "Fangirl," "Carry On," "Attachments," "Landline," and "Wayward Son." Rowell's writing often explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of relationships.
Similar books
- The Rosie Project
Graeme Simsion
4.0 (447k) average on GoodreadsRomanceFocuses on an endearing, slightly awkward male protagonist navigating a unique romantic premise.
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Gail Honeyman
4.3 (708k) average on GoodreadsLiterary FictionFeatures a quirky, slightly socially awkward protagonist learning to connect with others.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
4.5 (7M) average on GoodreadsFantasyRescued from a miserable life under the stairs, an orphaned boy discovers he's a wizard destined for a magical school, where he uncovers a dangerous secret tied to the dark wizard who murdered his parents.
- The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
4.3 (6.4M) average on GoodreadsFantasyIn a future where children fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the arena, turning a death sentence into a fight for survival and a spark of rebellion.
- To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
4.3 (4.5M) average on GoodreadsHistorical FictionIn the 1930s Jim Crow South, Harper Lee writes about racial injustice, moral growth, and the quiet courage of a lawyer father, Atticus Finch, as seen through his young daughter's eyes.
- The Fault in Our Stars
John Green
4.2 (3.6M) average on GoodreadsYoung AdultA girl with a terminal illness finds her story rewritten when a charming boy with a similar past enters her life at a cancer support group, leading to a star-crossed romance.
Enjoyed the summary?
A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.
Find Attachments on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded