At the novel's close, do they think Tia, Juliette and Caroline are better off than they were at the opening? Does the old saying "the truth will set you free" apply to these three women?
Created: 04/27/13
Replies: 14
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Join Date: 04/28/11
Posts: 93
Yes. I think Tia is a lot more comfortable with her decision as well as being able to free herself from the chains that imprisoned her for so long. Caroline finally developed the motherly feelings that she couldn't find before. Juliette was finally able to come to terms with her husband's infidelity and get over the fears that she had about her marriage.
Join Date: 01/16/12
Posts: 143
Tia was able to get some of what she wanted and Caroline realized her attachment to savannah which made her a better mother. Juliette, who was the most sympathetic character, had the hardest time coming to terms with Nathan's indidelity and his love child. She and Savannah were the victims
Join Date: 04/28/11
Posts: 93
Join Date: 05/10/12
Posts: 48
I thought Caroline was better off. She was happier in her marriage, more comfortable with her role as a mother and able to enjoy her work with a bit less guilt. I felt she portrays the dilemma and guilt that professional women struggle with on a regular basis. Juliette was in a better spot but she was the most damaged. I agree with the notion that Tia probably deserved sympathy and the author probably wanted the reader to feel sympathy but I found her to be irritating and unlikeable and thus had trouble finding sympathy for her.
Join Date: 04/10/13
Posts: 78
I basically agree with both tillieh and malindan; however, I think Tia was in a much better position than she had been and more comfortable with the decision she had made. Caroline was definitely better off; she now has the best of both world's -- the career she cherished and was now able to pursue without guilt and a good relationship with her daughter without the guilt she felt previously. Although Juliette and Nathan had mended their marriage, I'm not certain Nathan's betrayal would ever be completely out of Juliette's mind.
Join Date: 03/15/13
Posts: 36
I think that all three are better off and headed in the right direction, but there is still a long road to recovery for all of them. I do agree with Sharlene that Juliette is going to have the toughest time in resolving her issues with Nathan's betrayal. I believe that she has come to terms with the affair, but Nathan's lie of omission(not telling her about Tia's pregnancy) is still going to be a big hurdle for her to overcome.
Join Date: 04/21/11
Posts: 5
I think that while they are all wounded in some way by their experiences, they are all also stronger for having faced what they faced. I think Juliette's situation is the least hopeful, because the fundamental trust with Nathan can't really be rebuilt once it's gone. I think Tia will find her way in a new world, and Caroline will come to terms with balancing family and her career.
Join Date: 12/17/12
Posts: 206
I think they were all better off, although it is harder to see with Juliette. Juliette was happier at the beginning of the book, but Savannah's existence was a ticking time bomb for the family and I think it was better to find out the truth and deal with it. Tia was definitely better just because she faced up to the situation and wasn't drinking as much. Caroline was better off because she admitted her feelings. The whole situation with Caroline didn't ring quite true to me. It seemed too pat; like a Hollywood ending.
Join Date: 04/10/11
Posts: 102
Caroline was definitely better off, so maybe Savannah will be, too. I'm not sure that Tia had resolved all her issues, but the ending gave hope. Juliette, as others here have posted, may still have to learn to completely trust Nathan, but certainly they are on the right track.
Join Date: 04/10/13
Posts: 78
Mariannes said: The whole situation with Caroline didn't ring quite true to me. It seemed too pat; like a Hollywood ending.
I agree with that. If only real life problems were solved so easily to everyone's benefit.
Join Date: 12/22/11
Posts: 154
I think all three were better off as they understand themselves better and learned better who they were and how to deal with the uncomfortable parts of their personality. All three learned that happiness had to come from within themselves and not be dependent on others.
Join Date: 10/18/12
Posts: 10
I agree with beverlyj. I do think that all three (Tia, Juliette and Caroline) seemed better off at the end of the novel. Though, I do agree with Sharlene that the Caroline situation seemed a bit contrived.
Join Date: 06/19/12
Posts: 413
I think Sharlene hits it on the nose. Caroline seems like the only clear winner - but the solution to her issues seems too pat. Tia seems to be continually running away, although her decision not to seek custody was one of her few considered and mature actions in the book. (I confess! I really disliked her, and found her to be a totally unsympathetic character.) I can't imagine Juliette easily forgiving Nathan; I feel like she would continue to struggle.
Join Date: 09/14/11
Posts: 12
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