"The Chamber" by John Grisham : I don't understand the very last line of two... right at the very end?

Question

I've just asked about "A Time to Kill" in the movie section, now I'm asking about "The Chamber" because unlike the other, I actually read this one. Once again, I don't understand the very last page of the book... actually the very last 2 lines or so. I remember that the defendant, who lost the case for the Klu Klax Klan member, who also happened to be his real-life grandfather, went to the cemetery after the trial, and then, when he was there, a van or truck was speeding towards him... and the end just hangs like that. I'm sorry I don't have the book with me cos it was part of the Reader's Digest novel compilation, and I've given that book away. Those of you who have read it... please explain that very end of the novel to me because I totally don't get it. Who was driving the van, and is the reader supposed to believe that the lawyer would eventually be killed (it doesn't state this). Thanks in advance.

Thanks so much. I get so confused when the novel ends the way it did in "The Chamber"... like there's supposed to be a sequel, and it doesn't do the protagonist any justice. It's unfair to kill off the good guy right at the end... but as you mentioned, it's meant fo the reader to decide.

Answer 1

Yes, that is a more believable ending. It is an open ending. This means the reader will have to conclude what the ending seems to be according to his perception or understanding of the novel.