Before We Were Innocent is a gripping story that explores the complexities of friendship, guilt, and the consequences of our actions. The novel, written by Ella Berman, takes readers on a journey through the lives of three young women, Bess, Joni, and Evangeline, whose bond is tested by a tragic event. The ending of the book leaves many readers with questions, so let’s dive deep into what it all means.
Before We Were Innocent: The Story So Far
The novel follows Bess and Joni, who were once inseparable friends. They spent a summer in Greece with Evangeline, a wild and free-spirited girl. The three of them had the time of their lives, but everything changed when Evangeline drowned under mysterious circumstances. Bess and Joni were accused of being involved in her death but were eventually acquitted. Despite the legal verdict, they couldn’t escape the court of public opinion. The incident haunted them for years, especially Bess, who tried to move on with her life but couldn’t escape the shadow of that fateful summer.
The Climax: Before We Were Innocent
As the story progresses, Bess returns to Los Angeles, where she reconnects with Joni after years of estrangement. Joni has become a successful author, writing a book about their experience in Greece, but her version of the story is twisted. Bess is disturbed by how Joni has profited from their tragedy and how she has portrayed herself as the victim. Bess is also dealing with her guilt and the unresolved questions about what really happened to Evangeline.
The climax of the novel Before We Were Innocent occurs when Bess finally confronts Joni about the truth. The tension between them builds until it reaches a boiling point. Bess accuses Joni of manipulating the situation to her advantage and questions whether she really cared about Evangeline. Joni, on the other hand, reveals that she has always resented Bess for being the “good girl” who could do no wrong in the eyes of others.
The Ending: What Does It Mean?
The ending of Before We Were Innocent is both powerful and ambiguous. After their confrontation, Bess and Joni part ways, seemingly for good. Bess is left to reflect on her life and the choices she has made. The novel closes with Bess deciding to take control of her narrative, just as Joni did. She starts writing her own version of the story, determined to tell the truth as she sees it.
The ending can be interpreted in several ways:
1. Bess’s Redemption
- One way to look at the ending is through the lens of redemption. Throughout the novel, Bess struggles with guilt and the weight of her past. By deciding to write her own story, she is taking a step toward reclaiming her identity and finding peace. She is no longer content to let others define her or her actions. This can be seen as a form of self-empowerment and a way for Bess to heal from the trauma of that summer.
2. The Power of Truth
- Another interpretation of the ending is the theme of truth. Bess realizes that the truth is not always clear-cut and that everyone has their own version of events. By writing her own story, Bess acknowledges that while she may never fully understand what happened to Evangeline, she can still seek the truth in her own way. This highlights the importance of personal truth and the idea that understanding and accepting one’s truth is key to moving forward.
3. The Complexity of Friendship
- The ending of Before We Were Innocent also sheds light on the complexity of Bess and Joni’s friendship. Their relationship is marked by love, jealousy, and betrayal. In the end, they are both victims of their circumstances, but they are also responsible for the choices they made. The ending suggests that while their friendship may be irreparably damaged, they have both grown from the experience. It’s a bittersweet realization that sometimes, moving on means letting go of the past, even if it means losing someone you once cared about deeply.
What Really Happened to Evangeline?
One of the lingering questions readers have is what truly happened to Evangeline. The novel leaves this question unanswered, adding to the mystery and intrigue. Some readers may feel frustrated by the lack of closure, but this ambiguity is intentional. It reflects the uncertainty and confusion that Bess feels about that summer. The truth about Evangeline’s death may never be known, and that’s a reality that Bess has to come to terms with.
The Impact of Public Perception
Another significant theme in the ending of Before We Were Innocent is the impact of public perception. Both Bess and Joni are haunted by how others perceive them. The media and public opinion play a huge role in shaping their lives after the incident in Greece. The ending underscores the idea that public perception can be more damaging than the truth itself. Bess’s decision to write her own story can be seen as an attempt to reclaim her narrative from the court of public opinion.
Final Thoughts on Before We Were Innocent
Before We Were Innocent is a novel that explores deep and complex themes, and its ending leaves readers with much to think about. The ending is not a neat conclusion but rather a reflection of the messy, complicated nature of life. It challenges readers to consider the nature of truth, the weight of guilt, and the power of storytelling. Bess’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, but it’s also a reminder that some questions may never have clear answers.
The ending of Before We Were Innocent is a powerful conclusion to a thought-provoking story. It leaves readers with a sense of hope for Bess, who is finally taking control of her life. At the same time, it acknowledges the lasting impact of the past and the importance of finding one’s truth, no matter how difficult that may be.
I’m Pradeep Ahalawat, the founder and chief writer of this blog. (Holding the degree of M.Sc. IT with more than 15 years of expereince in IT sector) With a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in current affairs, I started this platform to share my perspectives.