The Golden Spoon

Much in the same way that the closing minutes of each Great British Bake Off finale show the contestants returning to their normal lives and spending time with each other, the final part of the novel offers a glimpse of post-Bake Week life. Given the circumstances, however, the changes are more dramatic than they usually are for Bake Off participants. The contestants return to Grafton Manor to participate in a documentary about their experiences, giving them a chance to gather once again now that they have overcome The Dangers of Competition and Rivalry. Stella has committed to her renewed passion for writing and proclaims that she is “building back up a stronger and healthier version of myself” (252). She comments on how each of the contestants has “all grown from this in some ways” (253). Previously overwhelmed by her uncontrolled anxiety, Stella now demonstrates greater self-possession through her work with a new therapist.

The final section also shows the resolution of the process of Defining Identity and Authenticity. The new owner of Grafton Manor, Lottie has found a new identity as the daughter of Richard Grafton while remaining Molly’s mother. She replaces Betsy and shifts the spirit of Grafton Manor. Lottie places her mother’s recipes in the kitchen and creates a gathering space that embodies her mother’s gentle, nurturing spirit. While Lottie lost her family after her mother’s murder, she now builds a new one with her daughter, Pradyumna, and the other contestants whom she refers to as “my lovely makeshift family” (256). For Lottie, resolution comes with her return to her childhood home and her devotion to family.

Gerald finds resolution in more comedic yet significant ways. As he completes his interview for the documentary, Gerald discovers the identity of one of the saboteurs he overheard in the tent before falling. He exposes Graham, the bitter cameraman, who admits to sabotaging the competition with Melanie for ratings. Graham’s admission provides resolution for Gerald who maintained a steadfast dedication to exposing the saboteurs. He ends his interview smiling, a sign of his pleasure at having completed his mission to uncover the injustice that led to his exit from the competition. For Gerald, order is restored, and peace is found.

Now a social media influencer, Hannah has moved to New York and forged an independent life. Though she is no longer enthralled by The Allure of Fame and Success, she is nonetheless on her way to being famous and successful. As she completes her interview, she secretly reveals to readers her and Stella’s role in Archie’s death. The two women worked together to defend Hannah against Archie’s abuse. This act binds the two women together. Hannah refers to Stella as a big sister, which demonstrates her growth from an envious contestant to a lifelong friend. Through their shared experiences as survivors of sexual abuse, Hannah and Stella exemplify the power of empathy to overcome jealousy and rivalry.

The penultimate chapter returns to Pradyumna who reflects on his growth through the past year. Now in a relationship with Molly, Lottie’s daughter, Pradyumna recognizes the importance of relationships in navigating life. Pradyumna no longer struggles with the depression that led him to numb himself with alcohol and activities. Through his work helping Lottie with Grafton Manor, Pradyumna finds purpose and connection.

The novel ends as it begins—with Betsy. She has found prison to be a surprisingly congenial atmosphere, as it satisfies her desire for control and regimentation. Still, she looks forward to once again achieving the apparent invulnerability that comes with fame, even at the expense of her own case. She and her lawyers know that she did not kill Archie, but she does not seem interested in appealing the verdict and being tried as a juvenile for the murder of Lottie’s mother. The truth, for her, is less compelling than the possibility of managing her newfound notoriety.