Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn


The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work "draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction." Gone Girl's toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.”

That is a perfect description of this amazing novel.  I started reading this with some indifference – first it is too popular and I like to find the quirky novels and books that are less well known, but there is a reason for this popularity. 

Then I began the narrative of a whining husband and a control freak wife and I found I did not like either one of them, so why read a book with no sympathetic people, except Nick’s supportive sister who has an important but minor role.

Then the story begins to unwind, going between the voice of the wife – Amy and the husband – Nick with great effect.  Neither becomes likeable and that is the unique aspect of the book.  We can enjoy both of their situations with curiosity and no sympathy.

Amy is missing – did Nick kill her.  People accuse him, believe his guilt, then sympathize only to be thrown against him again as his affair with a young woman who had been in his writing class becomes public.   Amy might be dead or she might be manipulating the situation to make Nick go to jail for her murder. 

There is so much that can be given away here, but I would not ruin the story for you.  The author sets a fast pace and the trails end up in strange locations and dead ends.  Grab the book and be prepared to keep reading.

The Chicago Tribune review ends: “With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.”

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