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.