At the end of the book, Gwen tells Elyse she knows what happened to Elyse’s family was her fault, and Elyse concurs. Do you think Elyse forgives Gwen? Do you think Gwen forgives herself?
Although in the end, Gwen isn’t completely responsible for what happened to Elyse’s brother I think she’ll always carry some guilt. I’m sure that comes with being the daughter of a serial,killer anyway. I’m not sure Elyse will ever completely forgive her. She lost her family
I do not think there would be any forgiveness for either Gwen or Elyse.
Hopefully, with appropriate therapy, both Elyse and Gwen will forgive. I doubt that Elyse will ever become friendly or close to Gwen, however, since she lost her family as a result of both Gwen and Gwen’s father’s crimes.
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I don’t think Elyse forgives Gwen, but Elyse finally acknowledges the truth—something she has avoided or buried for years. Elyse accepts the truth instead of resisting it, opening the door to forgiveness down the line—if possible
Gwen has carried guilt throughout the novel. Gwen accepts responsibility, but doesn’t forgive herself. She is struggling with regret and self-forgiveness will be slow and difficult journey for her. Their conversation is a beginning for them both to move forward.
Being a daughter of a serial killer must be a heavy load for anyone, child or adult. It will follow her in some form or another throughout her life. As for Elyse, she lost her whole family, it would take work, deep work on her part to completely forgive Gwen so I feel even though it possible I think it will be impossible. I felt Eylse used Gwen; their friendship was only because she needed her not because she really liked her as a friend.
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I had the feeling that Elyse like Gwen as they began to have more contact. I think Gwen had compassion for Elyse and felt guilty about what happened to her family. She empathized with her as they both went through difficult childhood. I believe they will reunite as friends.
My answer would be “no” in both situations. Elyse may learn to live with it without seeking retribution, but I don’t think Gwen can forgive herself. Her childhood has left her too emotionally tied to her father.
I don’t think Elyse could ever forgive Gwen, no, she may be able to forge a path of civility. I don’t think Guen forgives herself or will ever be able to. She carries that burden around her whole life.
I really liked the dynamic between these two characters. They were presented as opposites, but neither was completely good or completely bad. Gwen killed her brother (or so Gwen thought), and was indirectly responsible for her family dying, but Elyse toyed with Gwen, knowing who she really was. I like to think that, once Gwen was able to see who her brother really was, and the role he played in back then by forcing Gwen to kiss him, she may have more empathy toward Gwen, but, no, I don’t think she could ever really forgive her. I also don’t think Gwen could ever really forgive herself, but I hope that she does have more empathy for who she was as a child once she can see the monster that her dad was and the monster that Elyse’s brother was and how they both contributed to what happened back then.
I think that Gwen carries the guilt, but it will take time for her to realise that the second part was not entirely her fault and to forgive herself. She also made good friends along the way. She is trying to be honest, and I believe that Elyse sees this, especially after spending years herself trying to come to terms with what happened, and then watching Corey react to and act on his memories.
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There’s a difference between forgiveness and choosing anger over choosing acceptance. I doubt that either character can truly forgive the other. But, in learning the truth about the past events, they may at least find some degree of acceptance of their roles. A person can choose to forgive or not.. But they will never forget. So then, do they let anger and hatred define who they are? Unresolved anger is self-destructive.
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