Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Humorous, Reflective, Charming
- Read it if
- You enjoy lighthearted YA romance with a unique premise, explore themes of self-discovery after heartbreak, and appreciate a touch of nostalgia.
- Skip it if
- You dislike predictable romance tropes or stories that heavily rely on a 'gimmick' (the vintage challenge).
Going Vintage Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Betrayal and the Vintage Pact
Mallory is heartbroken when she catches her long-term boyfriend, Jeremy, cheating with an online girlfriend. Disappointed with modern relationships, she looks for comfort in her grandmother's attic. There, she finds a list of goals her Grandma Charlie made in 1962, called 'How to Be a Classy Dame.' Inspired by what she sees as the past's simplicity, Mallory decides to try a vintage experiment. She vows to live without modern technology and follow her grandmother's list to 'de-Jeremy' her life. Her first step is to get rid of her smartphone and live a more traditional life, which confuses her sister, Ginnie, and her best friend, Chloe.
Pep Club and Unexpected Encounters
Following Grandma Charlie's first goal, 'Run for pep club secretary,' Mallory attends the first Pep Club meeting. She feels out of place in her vintage clothes but is determined to see it through. Here, she meets Oliver, the charming and slightly sarcastic president of the Pep Club. To her surprise, she soon learns that Oliver is Jeremy's cousin, which makes her vintage quest more complicated. Despite the initial awkwardness, Oliver is interested in Mallory's unusual behavior and her commitment to her retro style, setting up their growing connection.
The Dinner Party Disaster
Mallory tackles the second item on her grandmother's list: 'Host a fancy dinner party.' She carefully plans a menu from old cookbooks and invites her friends, Chloe and Oliver, along with her sister, Ginnie. However, her lack of modern appliances and cooking experience leads to several funny problems. The meal is far from perfect, with burnt dishes and unexpected kitchen challenges. Despite the cooking chaos, the evening helps Mallory and Oliver bond, as they laugh over the mistakes. The event shows Mallory's determination but also how impractical some vintage ideas are in a modern world.
Sewing for Homecoming
The third goal, 'Sew a dress for Homecoming,' is a big challenge for Mallory, who has no sewing experience. She buys an old pattern and fabric but quickly feels overwhelmed by how complex the task is. Her attempts result in tangled threads and frustration. Oliver, seeing her struggles, offers to help, showing a surprising talent for sewing that he learned from his mother. Their time together working on the dress brings them closer, building a sense of friendship and deepening their connection. This shared activity further blurs the lines between Mallory's vintage quest and her growing feelings for Oliver.
Discovering Grandma Charlie's Past
As Mallory gets deeper into her vintage project, she starts asking her Grandma Charlie more about her life in 1962. She notices differences between her grandmother's memories and the seemingly perfect image the list shows. Through old letters, yearbooks, and hints, Mallory begins to put together a more complex and sometimes conflicting picture of her grandmother's past. She discovers that Grandma Charlie's life was not as 'classy' as the list suggested, and that there were hidden struggles and choices that shaped her grandmother's journey. This makes Mallory question the true nature of 'simpler times.'
The 'Steady' Complication
The fourth item on the list, 'Find a steady,' becomes more complicated for Mallory as her feelings for Oliver grow. While she is still trying to get over the pain of Jeremy's betrayal, Oliver's kindness, humor, and shared interests make him an important person in her life. She struggles with whether pursuing a relationship with Oliver fits her vintage goals or if it is just a modern distraction. The idea of a 'steady' from the 1960s contrasts with the freedom of modern dating, adding internal conflict for Mallory as she deals with her growing emotions for Oliver.
The Truth About Jeremy's Cheating
A talk with Jeremy gives Mallory more details about his cheating, showing how deep his online relationship was. He admits that his online girlfriend, 'Melody,' was an important emotional connection for him, and that Mallory's increasing focus on her own life and less attention to him led him to seek connection elsewhere. While this does not excuse his actions, it makes Mallory face her own faults in their relationship and the complexities of modern connections. This painful truth helps her move past the initial shock and begin to heal, understanding that the problems were not just about technology.
Doing Something Dangerous
For the final goal, 'Do something dangerous,' Mallory first struggles with its meaning. She considers various literal ideas but eventually realizes that the most dangerous thing she can do is to be truly vulnerable and honest about her feelings and her past. This leads to a heartfelt talk with Oliver where she opens up about her heartbreak, her fears, and the real reasons behind her vintage experiment. This act of emotional bravery is the most dangerous and transformative step on her journey, allowing her to drop her protective vintage shell and embrace real connection.
Grandma Charlie's Confession
Pressured by Mallory's questions and seeing her granddaughter's journey, Grandma Charlie finally tells the full truth behind her 1962 list. She reveals that the list was not just about being a 'classy dame' but was a way she coped after a significant heartbreak and personal challenge in her own life. She shares how she used the list to regain control and redefine herself, much like Mallory is doing. This confession gives Mallory a deeper understanding of her grandmother's strength and the complex reality of her past, showing that even 'simpler times' had their own difficulties and heartbreaks.
Homecoming and the Modern Dance
Mallory attends Homecoming in the dress she and Oliver sewed together, a symbol of her journey. She realizes that while the vintage style brought her comfort and a new perspective, she does not need to completely reject modern life or love to heal. At the dance, she shares a meaningful moment with Oliver, strengthening their connection and acknowledging her feelings for him. She dances, not as a girl trying to escape the present, but as someone who has learned from the past and is ready for her future, combining lessons from vintage life with the realities of her modern life.
Embracing the Present
Mallory finds a healthy balance, bringing valuable lessons from her vintage experiment into her modern life. She does not completely abandon technology but uses it more thoughtfully. She appreciates the charm of vintage culture but understands that true happiness and connection come from being present and real. Her relationship with Oliver grows, built on honesty and mutual respect, rather than a forced adherence to a past era. She learns that while the past can offer guidance, it should not control one's entire life, and that true strength comes from navigating the complexities of the present.
Going Vintage Characters
Mallory
Protagonist
A heartbroken teenager who embarks on a vintage experiment to heal.
Mallory is initially presented as a modern teenager deeply affected by her boyfriend's betrayal. She is sensitive, prone to overthinking, and seeks comfort in the perceived simplicity of the past. Her vintage experiment is born out of a desire to escape her pain and find a more authentic way of living. Throughout the story, she is determined, if sometimes naive, in her pursuit of her grandmother's list, learning to sew, cook, and navigate social situations without modern conveniences. She is observant and eventually questions the idealized versions of the past.
Relationships: Jeremy (Ex-boyfriend, source of her heartbreak); Oliver (Love interest, supportive and understanding); Grandma Charlie (Inspiration for her vintage project, later a confidante); Ginnie (Sarcastic younger sister, often challenges Mallory's vintage choices); Chloe (Best friend, supportive but sometimes bewildered by Mallory's project)
Oliver
Love Interest
The charming Pep Club president and Jeremy's cousin, who is intrigued by Mallory.
Oliver is witty, kind, and observant, with a surprising depth of character. He is initially curious about Mallory's vintage lifestyle but quickly becomes a supportive and understanding presence in her life. He has a dry sense of humor and a practical outlook, often gently challenging Mallory's more extreme vintage ideas. His unexpected skill in sewing highlights his multifaceted personality. He respects Mallory's journey but encourages her to be true to herself rather than strictly adhering to a past ideal. He is patient and genuine in his affections.
Relationships: Mallory (Love interest, supportive and understanding); Jeremy (Cousin, but not close)
Grandma Charlie
Supporting
Mallory's grandmother, whose 1962 list inspires the vintage experiment.
Grandma Charlie is initially presented as a somewhat distant figure, busy with her own life, but she holds a hidden past that shapes Mallory's journey. She is the creator of the 'How to Be a Classy Dame' list, which Mallory discovers. As the story progresses, she becomes more involved, eventually revealing the true, more complex story behind her list and her own experiences in 1962. She is wise and resilient, having navigated her own heartbreaks and challenges in her youth, and her shared wisdom helps Mallory understand that 'simpler times' were not always simple.
Relationships: Mallory (Granddaughter, inspiration and source of revelation)
Ginnie
Supporting
Mallory's sarcastic and modern younger sister.
Ginnie is Mallory's younger sister, characterized by her modern sensibility, sarcasm, and blunt honesty. She often acts as a foil to Mallory's vintage endeavors, offering cynical commentary and practical critiques of her sister's choices. Despite her teasing, Ginnie cares deeply for Mallory and provides a dose of reality, reminding her that ignoring the present isn't a solution. She represents the contemporary world that Mallory is trying to escape, but also offers a grounded perspective.
Relationships: Mallory (Sister, often teasing but supportive)
Chloe
Supporting
Mallory's best friend, supportive but sometimes bewildered by the vintage project.
Chloe is Mallory's loyal best friend, who tries her best to support Mallory's vintage experiment, even if she doesn't fully understand it. She is a modern girl, comfortable with technology and current trends, which makes her perspective a contrast to Mallory's. Chloe is a good listener and provides emotional support, but also expresses concern when she feels Mallory is taking her vintage quest too far. She is a reliable and caring friend, always there for Mallory through her heartbreak and her journey of self-discovery.
Relationships: Mallory (Best friend, supportive confidante)
Jeremy
Mentioned
Mallory's ex-boyfriend whose betrayal sparks her vintage quest.
Jeremy is Mallory's ex-boyfriend, whose infidelity with an online girlfriend serves as the inciting incident for the entire plot. He is initially portrayed as the antagonist, the source of Mallory's pain and disillusionment with modern relationships. While he is not a central character, his actions drive Mallory's decision to embrace a vintage lifestyle. Later, he offers his perspective on their breakup, forcing Mallory to acknowledge her own part in their relationship's decline, adding complexity to his character beyond just being 'the cheater.'
Relationships: Mallory (Ex-boyfriend, source of initial heartbreak); Oliver (Cousin)
Going Vintage Themes
Escapism vs. Facing Reality
Mallory's vintage experiment begins as a way to escape, avoiding the pain of her modern heartbreak and the difficulties of current relationships. By trying to live in 1962, she hopes to find a 'simpler time' where such betrayals might not happen. However, as the story continues, she learns that the past had its own problems and that true healing comes not from escaping, but from facing her emotions and the realities of her present. This appears in her struggles with vintage tasks and her eventual realization that Grandma Charlie's past was not as simple as it seemed.
“Maybe the past wasn't simpler. Maybe we just remember it that way.”
The Nature of Authenticity and Self-Discovery
The novel explores what it means to be real, both to oneself and in relationships. Mallory's vintage project first feels real to her desire for purity, but she eventually discovers that true authenticity means embracing her true self, flaws and all, rather than taking on an idealized persona from the past. Her journey involves removing layers of societal expectations and personal insecurities to understand what truly makes her happy. This is clear in her struggle with the 'steady' and 'dangerous' goals, where she learns that being emotionally vulnerable is the most authentic and risky act.
“Being real, truly real, was the scariest thing of all.”
The Idealization and Reality of the Past
A main theme is the difference between an idealized view of the past and its real complexities. Mallory first sees 1962 as a time without modern problems, especially infidelity caused by technology. However, through her grandmother's stories and her own experiences, she discovers that the past had its own heartbreaks, social pressures, and personal struggles. Grandma Charlie's confession reveals that her 'classy dame' list was a coping mechanism, not a reflection of a perfect life. This theme encourages a nuanced understanding of history and personal stories.
“I was looking for a time when things were simple, but maybe simple was just a story we tell ourselves.”
Love, Trust, and Vulnerability
Mallory's journey is about healing from broken trust and learning to love again. Jeremy's betrayal shatters her belief in relationships, making her think that modern love is flawed. Her vintage experiment is an attempt to find a safer, more predictable form of love. However, through her growing relationship with Oliver, she learns that true love requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to take risks, regardless of the era. She realizes that trust is earned through consistent actions and open communication, not by following old rules.
“Falling in love wasn't about following rules. It was about taking a leap.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Vintage List (Grandma Charlie's 'How to Be a Classy Dame')
A list of five goals from 1962 that guides Mallory's vintage experiment.
The list serves as the central structural device, providing Mallory with concrete objectives for her vintage project. Each item ('Run for pep club secretary,' 'Host a fancy dinner party/soiree,' 'Sew a dress for Homecoming,' 'Find a steady,' 'Do something dangerous') propels the plot forward, creating specific challenges and opportunities for character development. It acts as a set of rules that Mallory tries to follow, but ultimately, her interpretation and deviation from these rules reveal her growth and understanding of authenticity. The list is initially a rigid guide, but becomes a catalyst for self-discovery.
First-Person Narrative
The story is told from Mallory's perspective, offering direct access to her thoughts and feelings.
The first-person narrative allows readers to intimately experience Mallory's heartbreak, her motivations for the vintage experiment, and her evolving internal struggles. This perspective emphasizes her emotional journey, making her relatable and her growth more impactful. It also highlights her sometimes naive understanding of the past and her gradual realization of its complexities, as we witness her internal dialogue and reflections on the differences between 1962 and the present.
Symbolism of Vintage Clothing and Objects
Vintage items represent Mallory's desire for simplicity, purity, and escape from modern pain.
Throughout the novel, Mallory's choice of vintage clothing, her use of analog items (like a rotary phone), and her immersion in retro culture symbolize her attempt to shed her modern identity and escape her heartbreak. The vintage dress she sews with Oliver, for example, becomes a symbol of their growing connection and her willingness to blend the past with the present. As her understanding of the past evolves, so does her relationship with these objects, moving from rigid adherence to a more integrated appreciation.
Flashbacks and Anecdotes (Grandma Charlie's Past)
Stories and revelations about Grandma Charlie's 1962 life parallel and inform Mallory's journey.
Grandma Charlie's recollections and the eventual full confession of her past serve as a parallel narrative that deepens the main plot. These insights into the 'real' 1962 challenge Mallory's idealized notions and provide context for her own experiences. The gradual unveiling of Grandma Charlie's heartbreak and resilience helps Mallory understand that 'simpler times' were not without their own challenges, offering guidance and a sense of shared experience across generations.
Going Vintage Quotes
“Sometimes the best way to get over someone is to get under a pile of vintage clothes.”
“Every dress tells a story. And I was about to go find out what mine was.”
“Maybe the point of going vintage wasn't just to find old things, but to find old parts of yourself.”
“Love isn't about finding the perfect person, it's about finding the person who makes you feel perfect.”
“The past isn't something to run from, it's something to learn from.”
“Sometimes you have to break a few rules to find your own.”
“Being yourself is the best vintage you can be.”
“You can't force a feeling, just like you can't force a zipper that's too small.”
“Real love doesn't make you feel small. It makes you feel like you can conquer the world.”
“Maybe the best way to move on is to realize you never really stopped moving at all.”
“Every stitch, every seam, every faded memory is part of the beauty.”
“It's not about being perfect, it's about being perfectly you.”
“A dress can change your day, but the right person can change your life.”
“Sometimes the greatest adventures are the ones you don't plan for.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the primary reason Mallory decides to 'de-modernize' her life?
- She wants to learn new skills like sewing and cooking.
- Her grandmother challenged her to live a vintage lifestyle.
- Her boyfriend cheated on her with an online girlfriend.
- She feels overwhelmed by social media and modern pressures.
Show answer
C. Her boyfriend cheated on her with an online girlfriend. Mallory decides to de-modernize her life and swear off technology after her boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, leading her to believe a simpler time would prevent such issues.
Question 2
Which item is NOT on the list of goals Mallory's grandmother made in 1962 that inspires Mallory?
- Run for pep club secretary
- Get a part-time job at a diner
- Sew a dress for Homecoming
- Find a steady
Show answer
B. Get a part-time job at a diner The list includes running for pep club secretary, hosting a fancy dinner party, sewing a dress for Homecoming, finding a steady, and doing something dangerous. Getting a part-time job at a diner is not one of the original goals.
Question 3
Who is Jeremy in relation to Mallory?
- Her best friend's brother
- Her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her
- Her current boyfriend at the start of the book
- The cute pep-club president
Show answer
B. Her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her Jeremy is Mallory's ex-boyfriend who cheated on her with an online girlfriend, which is the catalyst for her vintage experiment.
Question 4
What is the relationship between the cute pep-club president and Jeremy?
- They are best friends.
- They are brothers.
- They are cousins.
- They are rivals.
Show answer
C. They are cousins. The cute pep-club president, who becomes a love interest for Mallory, is described as her ex-boyfriend Jeremy's cousin.
Question 5
What does the goal 'Find a steady' from her grandmother's list imply in the context of the 1960s?
- Getting a stable job.
- Finding a consistent, reliable boyfriend.
- Establishing a strong friend group.
- Achieving emotional stability.
Show answer
B. Finding a consistent, reliable boyfriend. In the context of the 1960s and high school romance, 'finding a steady' meant finding a consistent and exclusive boyfriend.
Question 6
What is one of the 'crazy-complicated' aspects Mallory faces while trying to live a vintage life?
- Finding vintage clothes in her size.
- Dealing with her 'too-busy grandmother' and 'sassy sister'.
- Learning to drive a stick shift car.
- Hand-writing all her school assignments.
Show answer
B. Dealing with her 'too-busy grandmother' and 'sassy sister'. The synopsis explicitly states, 'Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president... and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far,' indicating these relationships complicate her vintage efforts.
Question 7
What skill does Mallory need to learn to complete one of her grandmother's goals for Homecoming?
- Baking a cake
- Dancing the Twist
- Sewing a dress
- Playing a musical instrument
Show answer
C. Sewing a dress One of her grandmother's goals is to 'Sew a dress for Homecoming,' which requires Mallory to learn or practice sewing.
Question 8
How does Mallory's experience living vintage affect her understanding of the past and present?
- She realizes the past was much simpler and less complicated than she imagined.
- She finds that the 'simple' past is actually 'crazy-complicated' and changes her present perspective.
- She becomes convinced that modern technology is inherently evil and should be avoided entirely.
- She learns that the past offers no valuable lessons for contemporary problems.
Show answer
B. She finds that the 'simple' past is actually 'crazy-complicated' and changes her present perspective. The synopsis states, 'But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present,' indicating her vintage experiment alters her perception of both eras.
Question 9
What does 'de-Jeremy her life' imply about Mallory's motivation?
- She wants to forgive Jeremy and move on.
- She wants to remove all traces and influences of Jeremy from her life.
- She wants to become more like Jeremy to understand him better.
- She wants to get revenge on Jeremy for cheating.
Show answer
B. She wants to remove all traces and influences of Jeremy from her life. To 'de-Jeremy her life' means to eliminate Jeremy's presence and influence, particularly his betrayal, from her life as a way to heal and move on.
Question 10
What is the overarching question Mallory begins to ask herself as her vintage experiment progresses?
- If she should move to a different town to escape her past.
- If she can ever truly forgive Jeremy for his actions.
- If going vintage is going too far.
- If her grandmother's list is actually achievable.
Show answer
C. If going vintage is going too far. The synopsis concludes with Mallory beginning 'to wonder if going vintage is going too far,' indicating this is a central internal conflict and question she faces.
Going Vintage FAQ
What prompts Mallory to embark on her 'going vintage' experiment?
Mallory decides to go vintage after her boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend. Feeling betrayed by modern technology and its complexities, she seeks to simplify her life and avoid similar heartbreak by emulating a past era where such digital infidelity wasn't possible.
What is 'The List' and how does it guide Mallory's actions?
'The List' is a set of five goals her grandmother made in 1962: run for pep club secretary, host a fancy dinner party/soiree, sew a dress for Homecoming, find a steady, and do something dangerous. Mallory adopts this list as her guide to de-modernize her life and experience a simpler time, believing it will help her move past Jeremy.
Who is Oliver and what is his initial connection to Mallory?
Oliver is the cute pep club president and, coincidentally, Jeremy's cousin. Mallory first encounters him through her efforts to join the pep club, a goal inspired by her grandmother's list. Their initial interactions are often a mix of playful banter and subtle tension.
How does Mallory's relationship with her sister, Ginnie, evolve throughout the book?
Initially, Ginnie often teases Mallory about her vintage pursuits, finding them odd. However, as Mallory faces challenges and moments of vulnerability, Ginnie becomes a more supportive and understanding confidante, occasionally even helping Mallory with her vintage endeavors.
What challenges does Mallory face in trying to live without modern technology?
Mallory struggles with everyday tasks like navigating without GPS, communicating without a cell phone, and researching without the internet. This forces her to rely on maps, payphones, and library books, highlighting the conveniences she previously took for granted and often leading to humorous mishaps.
What specific details from her grandmother's past are revealed, and how do they impact Mallory?
Mallory discovers that her grandmother had a secret admirer and faced her own romantic complications, including a difficult decision between two boys. These revelations help Mallory understand her grandmother as a complex individual, not just a historical figure, and provide context for her own romantic dilemmas.
Are there any subtle clues about Oliver's feelings for Mallory before they become explicit?
Oliver often goes out of his way to help Mallory with her vintage tasks, such as finding old records or understanding pep club traditions. His teasing is often affectionate, and he shows genuine concern when she struggles, hinting at his deeper feelings before their romance fully blossoms.
What is the significance of the 'dangerous' item on The List for Mallory and her grandmother?
For Mallory, 'doing something dangerous' initially means stepping outside her comfort zone in social situations or taking small risks. For her grandmother, it involved a more personal and emotional risk in a complex romantic situation. Both instances represent a challenge to personal boundaries and expectations.
How does Mallory's initial motivation for 'going vintage' reflect a common adolescent coping mechanism?
Mallory's decision to 'de-modernize' is a form of escapism, a common coping mechanism where individuals try to control their environment when they feel a loss of control in their emotional lives. She attempts to erase painful modern experiences by retreating to a perceived simpler past, hoping to avoid future hurt.
In what ways does Mallory's journey challenge her preconceived notions about the 'simpler time' of the 1960s?
Mallory initially idealizes the 1960s as a time free from modern complexities and heartbreak. However, she discovers that people in the past faced their own unique challenges, romantic complications, and societal pressures, proving that emotional struggles are timeless regardless of technological advancement.
How does Mallory's relationship with Oliver help her to process her feelings about Jeremy?
Oliver, being Jeremy's cousin, initially serves as a reminder of her past hurt. However, his genuine kindness, humor, and respect allow Mallory to experience a healthy romantic connection that helps her distinguish between a superficial relationship and a meaningful one, ultimately aiding in her healing from Jeremy's betrayal.
What psychological shift occurs in Mallory when she realizes her grandmother's past wasn't as perfect as she imagined?
This realization helps Mallory to humanize her grandmother and understand that emotional struggles are universal. It allows her to move beyond an idealized view of the past and accept that personal growth often comes from navigating imperfections and making difficult choices, rather than seeking an escape.
Is Mallory's 'going vintage' experiment ultimately a success or a failure?
While she doesn't permanently abandon all modern technology, the experiment is a success in that it helps Mallory heal from heartbreak, discover more about herself and her family, and appreciate the value of genuine connections over superficial ones. It's a journey of self-discovery, not just a lifestyle change.
How does the book argue for or against the idea that technology is inherently good or bad for relationships?
The book doesn't demonize technology itself but rather the way it can be misused or allow for detachment, as seen with Jeremy's online infidelity. It suggests that while technology can complicate things, genuine human connection and communication remain essential for healthy relationships, regardless of the era.
What is the broader message about identity and self-discovery conveyed through Mallory's vintage journey?
Mallory's journey suggests that true self-discovery isn't about escaping to a different era, but about understanding one's values, learning from the past, and embracing present challenges. Her vintage experiment serves as a catalyst for her to define who she is, independent of external influences or past heartbreaks.
Could Mallory have achieved the same personal growth without the vintage experiment?
While personal growth is always possible, the vintage experiment provided Mallory with a unique framework and forced her out of her comfort zone in specific ways that accelerated her development. It gave her tangible goals and a clear path to follow, which might have been harder to define otherwise.
What role does the 'fancy dinner party/soiree' play in Mallory's personal development?
Hosting the dinner party is a major challenge for Mallory, testing her planning skills, social anxieties, and ability to host without modern conveniences. Its success boosts her confidence and proves her capability to achieve complex goals through effort and resourcefulness, a significant step in her healing process.
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