56 pages • 1 hour read
Appetite for Innocence
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Chapters 54-71Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of pregnancy termination, child abuse, mental illness, graphic violence, substance use, and child death.
Chapter 54 Summary: “Ella (Now)”
Ella knows the pregnancy termination she self-induced has left her unable to conceive. Agents Blake Erickson and Phil question her about the pregnancy. Randy reveals that Ella’s captor’s real name is Derek Hunt and that Sarah was his first victim. As Jocelyn plans for therapy, Ella feels disconnected from her once-strong religious faith.
Chapter 55 Summary: “Sarah (Now)”
Randy explains Stockholm Syndrome to Sarah, using the Patty Hearst case as an example of bonding between a captive and captor. Though Randy is empathetic and clarifies her role is to help, Sarah internally rejects that she has Stockholm Syndrome. She considers opening up to Randy but ultimately remains silent.
Chapter 56 Summary: “Ella (Then)”
Five days after the pregnancy termination, Ella remains in severe pain and continues to bleed. Sarah acts as her caregiver, changing bedding and providing pain medication without speaking. Ella endures both physical agony and psychological trauma, experiencing flashbacks of the bloodied bathtub.
