Nikki Jackson Post 3

The conclusion of The Secret Life of Bees is not so much of a cliffhanger ending, as it is only a contenting summing-up of Lily’s story. Everything begins to resolve, and the young girl begins to analyze it all. She begins to describe the Black Mary, T. Ray, and the hospitality of the Boatwright sisters as they have changed her life in both negative and positive perspectives. The ‘orphaned’ girl, finally realizes that even though she may not have the best childhood or the kindest father, her true family is the kind, warming group of colored people that took her in, and made her feel important. Throughout the story she describes how sad she was that she had not grown up with a mother, but now she knows that she has many mothers that care for her, and love her more than anyone in the world. The ending not only showed these new realizations, but also left room for the reader’s imagination. Zack and Lily may end up together; Rosaleen may end up leaving the sisters and starting a new life, once again; T. Ray may change his mind, and come back hunting down Lily. Sue Monk Kidd concluded the story, but also left the future unknown. We will never know what happens to Lily and Zack, Rosaleen, August, T.ray, or anyone. It’s up to us to figure out their futures.