Plot Summary
Reunion in the Desert
A surprise visitor disrupts Bess's life
Bess Winter's secluded existence near the Salton Sea is upended when Joni, her estranged friend, arrives unexpectedly. Their shared history is tainted by the mysterious death of their friend Evangeline in Greece. Joni, now a media figure, seeks Bess's help, claiming she needs an alibi. Despite their troubled past, Bess allows Joni back into her life, reopening old wounds and memories.
Secrets Resurface
Joni's request complicates Bess's life
Joni asks Bess to lie about her whereabouts on a night linked to her fiancée Willa's disappearance. Bess is conflicted, haunted by the painful end of their friendship and the scandal following Evangeline's death. Joni's presence forces Bess to confront the life she's built on isolation and the unresolved guilt from their past.
Past Haunts Present
Bess struggles with resurfacing memories
As Bess grapples with Joni's request, memories of their summer in Greece flood back. The idyllic trip turned tragic with Evangeline's death, leaving Bess and Joni under suspicion. Bess's brother Steven warns her about Joni's manipulative nature. Bess is caught between loyalty to her past and the need to protect her present.
Tense Family Dinner
Family dynamics reveal hidden tensions
Bess visits her brother Steven and his fiancée Nova, bringing Joni along. The dinner is fraught with tension as Nova, who knew Willa, questions Joni's involvement in her disappearance. Steven reveals his obsession with defending Bess online against past accusations. The evening exposes deep scars left by Evangeline's death and the strain on Bess's family relationships.
Night of Revelations
Bess uncovers unsettling truths
After the dinner, Bess discovers Steven's secret room dedicated to defending her innocence online. This revelation forces Bess to confront the impact of her past on her family. Meanwhile, Joni's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and Bess begins to question her friend's true intentions. The weight of their shared history and the unresolved mystery of Evangeline's death loom large.
Tragic Summer Unfolds
Flashbacks reveal the summer's dark turn
Bess recalls the summer in Greece, where tensions between her, Joni, and Evangeline escalated. The idyllic setting masked underlying conflicts, culminating in a fateful night when Evangeline fell to her death. Bess and Joni's friendship fractured under the weight of suspicion and guilt. The past and present collide as Bess realizes the depth of Joni's manipulation and the lies they've both lived with.
Confrontations and Consequences
Bess faces the truth about Joni
As the pressure mounts, Bess confronts Joni about her lies and the role she played in Evangeline's death. Joni's facade begins to crack, revealing the desperation and fear beneath her confident exterior. Bess must decide whether to continue protecting Joni or to finally break free from the toxic cycle of their friendship. The chapter ends with Bess on the brink of a decision that could change everything.
Night of the Fall
A tragic accident changes everything
In the aftermath of Evangeline's fall, Bess and Joni face the consequences of a night that spiraled out of control. They fabricate a story to protect themselves, but the weight of their lies begins to take its toll. The police investigation looms, and the girls endure the scrutiny of a world eager to assign blame. Their friendship is tested as they grapple with guilt and the harsh reality of their actions.
Decade of Silence
Years pass, but wounds remain
Ten years after Evangeline's death, Bess and Joni have drifted apart, each haunted by the past in their own way. Bess lives a life of isolation, while Joni has built a public persona that masks her inner turmoil. The anniversary of the tragedy brings them back into each other's orbit, forcing them to confront the unresolved emotions and secrets that have lingered for a decade.
Truth Unravels Slowly
Secrets begin to surface
As Bess and Joni reconnect, the layers of their shared history start to peel away, revealing the complexities of their friendship and the events that led to Evangeline's death. Bess learns that Joni's motivations were not as selfless as they seemed, and the lies they told have deeper roots than she realized. The truth is a tangled web, and as it unravels, Bess must decide whether to continue protecting Joni or to finally break free from the past.
Confronting Shadows
Facing the consequences of deception
Bess is forced to confront the reality of Joni's manipulations and the role she played in Evangeline's death. As the investigation into Willa's disappearance intensifies, Bess realizes that the past is not as distant as she thought. The shadows of their actions loom large, and Bess must find the strength to face the truth, even if it means losing the only friend who has stood by her through it all.
Goodbye to Innocence
Letting go and moving forward
In the end, Bess must come to terms with the choices she made and the person she has become. The anniversary of Evangeline's death serves as a turning point, a moment to say goodbye to the innocence they once shared. As Bess and Joni part ways, Bess finds a sense of closure and the courage to embrace a future unburdened by the past. The journey has been painful, but it has also been a path to self-discovery and redemption.
Characters
Bess Winter
Haunted by guilt and loss
Bess is a complex character, burdened by the unresolved guilt of Evangeline's death and the life she's built in isolation. Her reunion with Joni forces her to confront the past she tried to escape. Bess is introspective, struggling with her identity and the choices that have defined her. Her relationship with her brother Steven reveals her vulnerability and the deep impact of her past on her family.
Joni Le Bon
Charismatic yet manipulative friend
Joni is a media personality whose success is built on the ashes of her past. Her return to Bess's life is driven by desperation, as she seeks an alibi for her fiancée's disappearance. Joni's confident exterior hides a deep-seated fear and guilt over Evangeline's death. Her relationship with Bess is complex, marked by loyalty, betrayal, and unresolved tension.
Evangeline Aetos
The tragic center of their past
Evangeline's death is the catalyst for the events that unfold. In life, she was the glue that held Bess and Joni together, but her privileged background and naivety masked deeper insecurities. Her death left a void and a mystery that haunts Bess and Joni, shaping their lives in profound ways.
Steven Winter
Protective yet burdened brother
Steven is Bess's younger brother, who has quietly carried the weight of defending her against accusations from their past. His obsession with clearing Bess's name reveals the deep impact of Evangeline's death on their family. Steven's relationship with Bess is strained, yet he remains a steadfast presence in her life.
Willa Bailey
Missing fiancée and catalyst
Willa's disappearance is the immediate crisis that brings Joni back into Bess's life. Her vibrant personality and mysterious absence create tension and suspicion. Willa's relationship with Joni is complex, marked by love and betrayal, and her disappearance forces Bess and Joni to confront their past.
Plot Devices
Flashbacks
Revealing the past's impact on the present
The narrative uses flashbacks to unravel the events of the summer in Greece, providing context for the present-day tensions between Bess and Joni. These flashbacks reveal the dynamics of their friendship with Evangeline and the circumstances leading to her death, deepening the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and guilt.
Unreliable Narration
Blurring truth and perception
The story is told through Bess's perspective, which is colored by her guilt and unresolved emotions. Her memories of the past are fragmented and subjective, creating ambiguity around the events of Evangeline's death. This device heightens the tension and leaves the reader questioning the truth of Bess's and Joni's accounts.
Parallel Timelines
Juxtaposing past and present conflicts
The narrative weaves together the past and present, highlighting the enduring impact of Evangeline's death on Bess and Joni's lives. This structure emphasizes the cyclical nature of their friendship and the unresolved issues that continue to haunt them, creating a sense of inevitability and tension as the story unfolds.
Analysis
Exploring themes of guilt and redemption
"Before We Were Innocent" delves into the complexities of friendship, guilt, and the search for redemption. The narrative explores how past actions shape present identities and the struggle to reconcile with one's past. Through Bess and Joni's tumultuous relationship, the story examines the destructive power of secrets and the possibility of forgiveness. The book ultimately suggests that facing the truth, no matter how painful, is essential for personal growth and healing. The cyclical nature of the narrative underscores the idea that unresolved issues will continue to haunt until confronted, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.
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FAQ
Synopsis & Basic Details
What is Before We Were Innocent about?
- Complex friendship explored : The novel centers on the intense and troubled friendship between Bess Winter and Joni Le Bon, which is reignited after a decade of estrangement due to a shared tragedy.
- Past and present collide : The story alternates between the present, where Joni seeks Bess's help with a lie, and the past, revealing the events leading up to the death of their friend Evangeline in Greece.
- Themes of guilt and betrayal : The narrative explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the lasting impact of trauma, as Bess and Joni grapple with their past actions and the secrets they've kept.
Why should I read Before We Were Innocent?
- Intriguing character study : The novel offers a deep dive into the complex psyches of Bess and Joni, exploring their motivations, vulnerabilities, and the ways they cope with trauma and guilt.
- Suspenseful and emotional : The story is a compelling blend of suspense and emotional depth, keeping readers engaged with its twists and turns while also exploring the characters' inner lives.
- Exploration of toxic friendships : The book provides a nuanced look at the dynamics of toxic friendships, examining how loyalty and betrayal can become intertwined, and how the past can continue to shape the present.
What is the background of Before We Were Innocent?
- Set in Southern California and Greece : The story moves between the affluent suburbs of Southern California and the idyllic, yet ultimately tragic, setting of a Greek island, highlighting the contrast between these two worlds.
- Explores the impact of wealth and privilege : The novel examines how wealth and privilege can both enable and isolate individuals, shaping their perceptions of the world and their relationships with others.
- Media scrutiny and public perception : The narrative touches on the impact of media scrutiny and public perception, particularly in the age of social media, and how it can distort the truth and shape public opinion.
What are the most memorable quotes in Before We Were Innocent?
- "You're a little fucking young to retire to the desert, aren't you?" : This quote, spoken by Joni to Bess, encapsulates the shock and distance that has grown between them, highlighting the stark contrast in their current lives.
- "The problem is, Joni has always known who I am. And that's exactly why she's back.": This quote reveals Bess's understanding of Joni's manipulative nature and the complex dynamic of their friendship, hinting at the underlying power imbalance.
- "Maybe I was always destined to climb over the bodies of those I once loved to get where I needed to go." : This quote, spoken by Joni, reveals her self-awareness and the ruthless ambition that drives her, highlighting the darker aspects of her character.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Ella Berman use?
- Dual timeline narrative : Berman skillfully alternates between the present and the past, creating a sense of suspense and gradually revealing the events that led to the tragedy.
- First-person perspective : The story is told from Bess's point of view, allowing readers to intimately experience her internal struggles, biases, and evolving understanding of the truth.
- Foreshadowing and symbolism : Berman uses subtle foreshadowing and recurring symbols to create a sense of unease and to hint at the darker aspects of the characters and their relationships.
Hidden Details & Subtle Connections
What are some minor details that add significant meaning?
- The cactus in Bess's house: The "strikingly phallic cactus" growing through the center of Bess's house symbolizes the disruption and unease that Joni brings into her carefully constructed, isolated life.
- Joni's chewed lip: Joni's habit of chewing her bottom lip when vulnerable reveals a hidden insecurity beneath her confident exterior, a detail that Bess notices and remembers.
- The use of French : Joni's refusal to speak French after her father leaves her family highlights the depth of her pain and her attempt to distance herself from her past.
What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?
- The mention of the cell tower system : Joni's casual comment about the cell tower system being "fairly flawed" foreshadows her later disappearance and the difficulty in tracking her.
- The recurring phrase "Can you do it for me, Bess?": This phrase, repeated by Joni, highlights her manipulative nature and Bess's tendency to yield to her demands, echoing their past dynamic.
- The description of Freya Aetos : Freya's moth-like skin and detached demeanor foreshadow the neglect and emotional distance that contributed to Evangeline's need for control.
What are some unexpected character connections?
- Nova's connection to Willa: The revelation that Steven's fiancée, Nova, knew Willa in college adds another layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the interconnectedness of their pasts.
- Theo's contact with Steven: The fact that Theo Aetos, Evangeline's brother, contacts Steven reveals a hidden connection and a shared sense of loss, as well as a way for Theo to keep tabs on Bess.
- Ryan's knowledge of Bess's past: The gas station attendant, Ryan, reveals that he knows about Bess's past, highlighting the fact that she can't truly escape her history, even in her isolated desert home.
Who are the most significant supporting characters?
- Steven Winter: Bess's brother, Steven, serves as a voice of reason and a reminder of the impact of the past on her family, highlighting the long-lasting consequences of their actions.
- Willa Bailey: Though absent for most of the story, Willa's disappearance and her complex relationship with Joni drive the plot and force Bess to confront her past.
- Theo Aetos : Evangeline's brother, Theo, represents the shared grief and the lingering questions surrounding her death, and his presence forces Bess to confront her own feelings and actions.
Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis
What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?
- Bess's need for isolation: Bess's self-imposed isolation is driven by her guilt and shame, as well as a desire to control her environment and avoid further pain.
- Joni's fear of abandonment: Joni's manipulative behavior stems from a deep-seated fear of abandonment and a need to control her relationships, stemming from her father's departure.
- Theo's desire for closure : Theo's attempts to connect with Bess and Joni are driven by a need for closure and a desire to understand the circumstances surrounding his sister's death.
What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?
- Bess's self-destructive tendencies: Bess exhibits self-destructive tendencies, such as her isolation and her willingness to lie for Joni, stemming from her guilt and low self-worth.
- Joni's narcissistic traits: Joni displays narcissistic traits, such as a need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a tendency to manipulate others to maintain control.
- Evangeline's hidden insecurities: Despite her seemingly perfect life, Evangeline's insecurities and need for control are revealed through her actions and the way she interacts with Bess and Joni.
What are the major emotional turning points?
- Bess's decision to lie for Joni: Bess's decision to lie for Joni marks a turning point, as she chooses to prioritize her loyalty to her friend over her own well-being, setting the stage for further conflict.
- The revelation of Willa's death: The news of Willa's death forces Bess and Joni to confront the consequences of their actions and the lies they've told, leading to a breakdown in their relationship.
- Bess's confrontation with Joni: Bess's final confrontation with Joni marks a major emotional turning point, as she finally breaks free from the cycle of manipulation and begins to reclaim her own agency.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
- Bess and Joni's codependency: The relationship between Bess and Joni is marked by codependency, with each relying on the other for validation and a sense of identity, even as they hurt each other.
- The shifting power dynamics : The power dynamics between Bess and Joni shift throughout the story, as Bess begins to question Joni's control and assert her own agency.
- The impact of shared trauma : The shared trauma of Evangeline's death creates a complex bond between Bess and Joni, marked by both loyalty and resentment, and a shared understanding of the past.
Interpretation & Debate
Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?
- Joni's true motivations: Joni's true motivations for seeking Bess's help and her level of involvement in Willa's disappearance remain ambiguous, leaving the reader to question her sincerity and her capacity for violence.
- The nature of Evangeline's death: The exact circumstances surrounding Evangeline's death remain open to interpretation, with the possibility that it was an accident, a suicide, or even a result of foul play.
- The future of Bess and Joni's relationship: The ending leaves the future of Bess and Joni's relationship uncertain, with the possibility of reconciliation or a permanent separation, leaving the reader to ponder the long-term impact of their shared history.
What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Before We Were Innocent?
- Bess's decision to lie for Joni: Bess's decision to lie for Joni, despite her past betrayals, is a controversial moment that raises questions about loyalty, self-preservation, and the nature of toxic friendships.
- Joni's manipulation of Bess: Joni's manipulative behavior and her willingness to use Bess for her own gain are controversial, prompting readers to question her morality and her capacity for genuine friendship.
- The portrayal of Evangeline: The portrayal of Evangeline as both a victim and a complex character is debatable, with some readers questioning whether she was as innocent as she seemed.
Before We Were Innocent Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means
- Joni's disappearance: Joni's disappearance at the end of the novel leaves her fate ambiguous, suggesting that she may be running from her past or seeking a new beginning, but also that she may be a danger to herself and others.
- Bess's newfound self-awareness: Bess's decision to break free from Joni and confront her own past marks a significant step toward self-awareness and healing, suggesting that she is finally ready to move forward.
- The cyclical nature of trauma : The ending highlights the cyclical nature of trauma, suggesting that the past will continue to haunt Bess and Joni unless they actively choose to break free from its grip, and that even then, the scars will remain.
Before We Were Innocent received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.41/5. Many readers found it a compelling exploration of toxic female friendships and coming-of-age themes, praising Berman's writing and character development. However, some felt it was slow-paced and lacked thrills, contrary to its marketing as a thriller. The dual timeline narrative, set in Greece and ten years later, intrigued readers, but opinions varied on the ending and overall execution. Some appreciated its complexity, while others found it unsatisfying or anticlimactic.
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