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A review by eule
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3,5 - 4 ★
This is a great mystery thriller with a deep character insight and an intriguing idea of a story.
The ending was very satisfying and I loved the idea of "the girl on the train", who saw everything and became involved in the lives of strangers.
Furthermore, by structuring the book with times and dates as chapters and the division of chapters by "Morning" and "Evening", the concept of this books was pretty cool, however, sometimes confusing, because it jumped around in the timeline.
Additionally, I liked the described struggles of the main character. Many people suffer from alcoholism and depression, which are very sensitive topics and therefore, it is important to talk about them by not just neutrally describing the condition, but explaining the struggle and the influence on the character in detail.
*spoiler*
Yet, some characters were a little too traumatized (Megan´s history??) and the plot seemed to be a little slow in the middle of the book.
Also, I absolutely loathed Tom. He is such an asshole and exemplifies all shitty men on this planet. I am sorry for every women that is treated that shitty. I am sorry for every women who is being cheated on and who has to endure gaslighting.
At last, I need to mention the relationships in this book were very weird (the sexual tension between Rachel and Scott??). Even though, most of the characters were not so likable due to their mental issues and their behavior, it perfectly shows how such problems can destroy a human being.
*spoiler ends*
To conclude, if you like a character-driven book with a lot of drama and mystery until the end, I recommend you this gripping novel by Paula Hawkins.
This is a great mystery thriller with a deep character insight and an intriguing idea of a story.
The ending was very satisfying and I loved the idea of "the girl on the train", who saw everything and became involved in the lives of strangers.
Furthermore, by structuring the book with times and dates as chapters and the division of chapters by "Morning" and "Evening", the concept of this books was pretty cool, however, sometimes confusing, because it jumped around in the timeline.
Additionally, I liked the described struggles of the main character. Many people suffer from alcoholism and depression, which are very sensitive topics and therefore, it is important to talk about them by not just neutrally describing the condition, but explaining the struggle and the influence on the character in detail.
*spoiler*
Yet, some characters were a little too traumatized (Megan´s history??) and the plot seemed to be a little slow in the middle of the book.
Also, I absolutely loathed Tom. He is such an asshole and exemplifies all shitty men on this planet. I am sorry for every women that is treated that shitty. I am sorry for every women who is being cheated on and who has to endure gaslighting.
At last, I need to mention the relationships in this book were very weird (the sexual tension between Rachel and Scott??). Even though, most of the characters were not so likable due to their mental issues and their behavior, it perfectly shows how such problems can destroy a human being.
*spoiler ends*
To conclude, if you like a character-driven book with a lot of drama and mystery until the end, I recommend you this gripping novel by Paula Hawkins.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Cursing, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Violence, Alcoholism, Child death, Infertility, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Drug use, Addiction, and Murder