We Were Never Here

“For a wild moment, I pictured pushing her.”

Emily’s statement about Kristen in the novel’s first paragraph foreshadows the novel’s climax. It is also an early hint that Emily might harbor unconscious resentment for Kristen’s attempts to control her life. Otherwise, the idyllic Chilean countryside would probably not inspire such a “wild” fantasy.

“The sun was sinking, and I realized the city’s vacancy would be an asset: fewer men to bother us, two women walking the streets at night. You know what they say about women traveling alone.”

While Emily often struggles with feelings of guilt about her assault, she frequently scans her surroundings for danger. She is not the kind of person who has a careless sense of invincibility. In addition to showing this character trait, this passage provides a moment of irony; as a fellow “woman traveling alone,” Kristen does not even cross Emily’s radar as a potential danger, despite being her biggest threat.

“I just…wow, I really thought you’d say yes […] I’m bummed, obviously, but I’ll deal with it. Hey, tell me about this guy! There’s a guy?!”

On a first reading, Kristen’s reaction when Emily declines to accompany her on a six-month backpacking trip seems not only reasonable but kind. She is honest about her feelings but accepts Emily’s answer and shows interest in her romantic life. However, on a second reading, the reader can discern that the quick shift to discussing Aaron is Kristen’s first attempt to gather information she will eventually use against Emily.