Yes! I think I just found my favourite book of the year (so far) —“Gone Girl”— and I’ll be sharing a review of it. I am a very big fan of thrillers—psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, mysteries, and the like.
I love stories that keep me questioning, make me predict, re-predict and eventually end up taking a twist, I love books that delve into the human mind—they fascinate me and I enjoy them a lot.
Naturally, I have always loved understanding people. I’m sometimes curious about why people act a certain way. I’ve even thought about studying psychology, or becoming a therapist—hehe. Anytime I get to read a psychological thriller, I am always happy.
ABOUT THE BOOK
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn is a psychological/ crime thriller published in 2012. The book explores the complexity of marriage and relationships, the fragility of identity, societal expectations, trust, and deception.
The story dives into the five-year marriage of Amy Dunne and Nick Dunne, which appears seemingly perfect and loving. Nick is the “good guy,” and Amy is the “ideal wife”—or, more famously, “Amazing Amy,” a fictional version of herself created by her parents in their popular children’s book series.
However, this seemingly flawless marriage slowly begins to unravel when Amy Dunne mysteriously goes missing on their fifth anniversary. As the investigation into her disappearance intensifies, revealing hidden secrets of their lives—deception, lies, and manipulations that challenge the reader’s perception of each character.
The book uses a dual narrative structure, alternating between Nick Dunne’s present-day unfolding of events and Amy’s diary entries, recording her version of their marriage over the years. This creates a multi-layered story that constantly shifts the reader’s perception of truth.
As the investigation deepens, Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance. The media also doesn’t hesitate to seize on this, further painting him as a “Wife killer” echoing societal biases where men are often suspected of harming their wives, while women are seen as the victims.
As you read this book, you keep questioning whom to trust. Is Amy truly the ‘Ideal wife’ or the so-called ‘Amazing Amy’? Is Nick the ‘good guy’? What really happened to Amy? Is Nick the killer? Where is Amy? Where is Amy’s body?
MY THOUGHTS
I love something different—a storyline I’m not so used to, one that has its own uniqueness and stands out from the rest. This is one thing that made me give the book a thumbs up— the uniqueness is amazing.
Not only is the storyline remarkable, but the writing style is very appealing. I love that I get to see each character from their own point of view, with their tone and personality. You can easily relate to them.
I appreciate how the book explores the challenges of marriage and relationships. It is a book that offers something valuable for people considering relationships or marriage. Additionally, I liked how it touches on societal biases and how the media can shape perceptions.
The pacing of the book is top-notch—not too fast, not too slow. I loved how the tension builds gradually, allowing you to reflect on each moment. It’s the perfect blend of suspense, psychological depth, humor, and unexpected twists. Another thing.
I appreciate is the ending of the book. A perfect beginning with a subpar ending is a big letdown for me. But “Gone Girl” delivers a perfect, unpredictable ending that doesn’t feel rushed, unlike many others.
Although the beginning of the book may seem a bit boring, stick with it—it quickly becomes intriguing and will have you hooked.
I’m currently in love with Gillian Flynn’s writing style and genre and will definitely be checking out more of her books!
Overall, Gone Girl is an excellent thriller that not only offers suspense, but also delves into the darker sides of marriage and relationships, deception, and the complexities of human emotions and true identity. Personally, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5
I’ve tried to keep this review spoiler-free, so you can enjoy it to the fullest! Have you read it yet? Are you planning to give it a try? Let me know in the comment section!
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