A review by josefinceh
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense 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

4.0

Domestic thriller with unlikeable characters and unreliable narrators. Nick's wife Amy disappears the day of their five-year wedding anniversary. The police suspects that Nick is responsible, while he stands firm in his claim to innocence looking at any potential suspect who could have taken his wife. 
My guess is that it, like with many thrillers, is best to have as little information as possible before the fact. The hype surrounding the film (and the book) meant that I had been spoiled on a few of the bigger twists. Luckily, the spoilers had been vague enough that it felt like it elevated the story for the most part. I knew what was going to happen, just not how or when. 
The book really sucks you in, skilfully revealing just enough information to keep you curious, but not enough so that you see what will happen next. If you have an interest in psychology, this would be quite a treat. While the characters are unlikeable they feel infinitely complex, no action is unmotivated. 
Some parts felt like they dragged on. Nicks character going on and on about childhood memories is one example. These lulls had a tenancy to feel repetitive. Really dancing in circles around the point we need to grasp to move on. There was also a theme between a lot of the characters of a general hate for all women. It does not feel as intrusive towards the end. In the beginning, however, the point that they all have a resentment for women became a little too hammered in. 
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed the book. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings