The Weight of the Past
There’s something uniquely haunting about teenage friendships—those fierce, all-consuming bonds that feel eternal in the moment but often fracture under the weight of time and circumstance. Ella Berman’s sophomore novel, “Before We Were Innocent,” dives deep into this territory, examining how a tragic summer in Greece continues to ripple through the lives of two women a decade later.
A Tale of Two Timelines
Following her impressive debut “The Comeback,” Berman weaves a complex narrative that alternates between 2008 and 2018, masterfully building tension as she reveals the events surrounding Evangeline Aetos’s death in Mykonos and its devastating aftermath. The dual timeline structure serves the story well, allowing readers to piece together the truth alongside the protagonist, Bess Winter.
Plot and Pacing
In 2018, Bess has crafted a carefully controlled existence in the California desert, moderating content for a dating app and avoiding any hint of her notorious past. When her former best friend Joni Le Bon appears on her doorstep seeking help, Bess is reluctantly drawn back into a world she’s spent ten years trying to escape.
The novel’s pacing is deliberate and effective, particularly in how it parcels out information about both the past and present mysteries. Berman expertly builds suspense around Joni’s fiancée Willa’s disappearance while gradually revealing the truth about what really happened the night Evangeline died.
Character Complexity
Bess Winter
The protagonist’s journey from reckless teenager to withdrawn adult is compelling and believable. Berman excels at showing how trauma and guilt have shaped Bess’s life choices without making her feel like a victim. Her voice is distinctive and authentic, carrying both the weight of her past and glimpses of the vibrant person she used to be.
Joni Le Bon
Perhaps the novel’s most fascinating character, Joni represents both the allure and danger of reinvention. Her transformation from troubled teen to self-help guru is brilliantly rendered, with Berman leaving readers constantly questioning her motives and authenticity.
Supporting Characters
The secondary characters are well-drawn, particularly:
- Evangeline Aetos, whose presence haunts every page despite her death
- Theo Aetos, whose complicated relationship with Bess adds emotional depth
- Steven Winter, Bess’s brother, whose protective instincts and research into his sister’s case provide crucial perspective
Themes and Motifs
The Nature of Truth
Berman explores how memory, perspective, and self-preservation can distort truth, particularly in the aftermath of trauma. The novel questions whether absolute truth exists when everyone involved has their own version of events.
Power Dynamics
The relationship between Bess, Joni, and Evangeline is masterfully depicted, showing how friendship can be both nurturing and destructive. The power shifts between them feel authentic to teenage dynamics while carrying adult consequences.
Media and Public Perception
The novel’s commentary on media sensationalism and public judgment is particularly relevant in today’s social media age. Berman skillfully shows how narrative framing can destroy lives and how different people cope with unwanted notoriety.
Writing Style
Berman’s prose is sharp and evocative, particularly in capturing the suffocating heat of both Greece and the California desert. Her dialogue rings true whether depicting teenage bravado or adult uncertainty. The author excels at creating atmosphere, whether it’s the dangerous freedom of a summer abroad or the claustrophobic safety of self-imposed exile.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Complex, well-developed characters
- Masterful handling of dual timelines
- Nuanced exploration of friendship and guilt
- Strong sense of place and atmosphere
- Compelling mystery elements in both past and present
Areas for Improvement
- Some readers might find the pacing slow in the middle sections
- Certain plot elements in the present-day timeline feel slightly contrived
- The resolution of the Willa storyline could have been more fully developed
Comparative Context
Fans of Megan Miranda’s “All the Missing Girls” and Tana French’s “The Secret Place” will find similar themes of friendship, memory, and long-buried secrets. The novel also shares DNA with Laura Lippman’s “Lady in the Lake” in its exploration of media sensationalism and female reinvention.
Impact and Relevance
“Before We Were Innocent” feels particularly timely in an era where trial by social media and instant judgment have become the norm. Berman’s exploration of how young lives can be destroyed by public perception resonates strongly with current discussions about cancel culture and redemption.
Final Verdict
“Before We Were Innocent” is a sophisticated and compelling examination of friendship, guilt, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. While not perfect, it’s a significant achievement that confirms Berman’s talent for psychological complexity and emotional depth.
The novel will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Complex female friendships
- Dual timeline narratives
- Mediterranean noir
- Psychological suspense
- Media critique
Author Background
Ella Berman’s debut novel “The Comeback” established her as a writer interested in exploring complex female relationships and the aftermath of trauma. “Before We Were Innocent” builds on these themes while establishing her unique voice in the psychological thriller genre.
Who Should Read This Book
This novel is ideal for readers who appreciate:
- Layered psychological suspense
- Character-driven narratives
- Exploration of moral ambiguity
- Stories about female friendship
- Mediterranean settings
Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or literary fiction exploring complex relationships, “Before We Were Innocent” offers a compelling reading experience that will leave you questioning the nature of truth, friendship, and redemption.
