The ending of Lisa Jewell's Then She Was Gone leaves a lingering unease, prompting much discussion and interpretation. It's not a neatly tied-up bow, but a realistic and ambiguous conclusion that mirrors the complexities of grief, guilt, and the enduring power of the past. This post will delve into the ending, addressing common questions and exploring the novel's lasting impact.
What Happens to Laurel in the End?
Laurel doesn't experience a sudden, dramatic resolution. Instead, the ending shows her tentatively moving forward, still carrying the weight of her past trauma and the unresolved mysteries surrounding her daughter's disappearance. She finds solace in her renewed relationship with her sister, Flick, and in her gradual acceptance of the possibility that she may never know definitively what happened to Ellie. This acceptance, however painful, is a crucial step in her healing process. It's not about forgetting Ellie but about learning to live with the enduring absence and the lingering questions.
Does Laurel Find Out Who Kidnapped Ellie?
This is the central question that fuels much of the speculation surrounding the ending. The novel deliberately avoids providing a clear-cut answer. While the police investigation remains open and there are numerous suspects presented throughout the narrative, the reader is left to infer rather than definitively know. This ambiguity is a powerful device, mirroring the frustrating reality of many missing person cases. The lack of closure reflects the pain and uncertainty that families often face in such situations.
What is the Significance of the Final Scene?
The final scene, showing Laurel visiting Ellie's grave, is laden with symbolism. It represents her ongoing grief and her continued connection to her daughter, even in death. It also symbolizes a point of acceptance – Laurel is visiting Ellie's grave not with unbearable anguish, but with a quiet, reflective sadness. This quiet acceptance suggests a fragile peace, a tentative step towards healing rather than a complete resolution.
What Happens to Michael?
Michael, a significant character throughout the novel, remains a complex figure with elements of both guilt and innocence. The ending doesn't explicitly absolve him of any wrongdoing, leaving the reader to contemplate his role in the events surrounding Ellie's disappearance. His involvement remains ambiguous, much like many of the other unanswered questions, and leaves readers to interpret his actions and their impact.
Does the Book Offer Closure?
Then She Was Gone doesn't provide traditional closure. The ending is purposefully ambiguous, leaving some questions unanswered. This absence of easy answers is a crucial aspect of the novel's power. It reflects the reality of grief and loss, where definitive answers are often elusive. The lack of closure doesn't diminish the impact; instead, it strengthens it by resonating with the raw emotions and lingering uncertainties inherent in such experiences. The novel's true closure isn't a solved mystery, but Laurel's slow journey towards acceptance and finding a way to live with her grief.
Is There a Sequel to Then She Was Gone?
Currently, there is no sequel to Then She Was Gone. Lisa Jewell has written other successful novels, but none directly continue Laurel's story. The open-ended nature of the original novel leaves room for speculation, but it also allows the story to maintain its impact and leave a lasting impression on the reader without needing further explanation.
The ambiguity of Then She Was Gone's ending is its strength. It's a testament to the power of unresolved grief and the enduring questions that accompany loss. It forces the reader to contemplate the complexities of the characters and their motivations, and to confront the unsettling reality that some mysteries may never be solved.
