Reviews

This is my first time reading anything by this author, and lemme tell ya: Gillian Flynn's writing is impeccable. She describes every scene, character, and object with so much detail that you can actually picture them in your head. The way she characterizes each person and sets up relationships between the characters is something to look up to as a writer. I loved how disturbing some of the people were, especially the children. Flynn does an awesome job of making you feel uncomfortable! I'm sure I'll still be thinking about this book a week or two from now and I'm looking forward to diving into her other works!

[content warnings: child abuse, self-harm, child murder, drug and alcohol use, sexualization of young teens and children, and sex]

lizmurphy's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book wasn't really what I expected. I think going into it I was expecting a super fast paced, plot driven story with a lot of twists and turns. It ended up being much more plot and setting driven and once I let go of my expectations I really enjoyed it. The writing had me immersed in the story and continually suspicious of all characters. This was a disturbing story that had me on the edge of my seat. I didn't feel like the writing was sacrificed for good plot twists which can sometimes happen with thrillers. I found some elements predictable but the final twist was surprising enough that I was satisfied.

hazelmort's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

allie00p's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

5 stars
I’m……… speechless?
I just finished the epilogue. I have chills all over.
I love this book.
The writing is so incredibly grotesque. The imagery is disturbing. The setting is perfect for the story. Gillian Flynn’s descriptions of sights and smells are so visceral and foul and just…… icky. I say this with love.

There is so much I can say about the themes of motherhood and caretaking and sickness and power dynamics but I’m gonna leave it at this:

Read this book.

ninadisalvo's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Wow. Just read this novel in a matter of hours and now I am seriously wired. An incredibly juicy, spell binding, sickly good (ha, get it?) novel. Love seeing dynamic female roles that exist beyond the cookie cutter. Beautifully written and fully deserving of all of its accolades. I honestly may read this one again just for the hell of it. Double wow.

janel1994's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Disturbing book. I can't say I "enjoyed" it but was engrossed by it. I think I need a break from gruesome books for awhile.

soccer8s's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I figured out the first twist, but not the second one. Good book.

More...