It
is unusual for me to enjoy a book that includes few, if any, likable
characters. GONE GIRL
by Gillian Flynn is definitely full of nasty, even repugnant, people;
I could not put it down. It is one of those books that is on your
mind while you are doing something else, such as cooking dinner.
On
the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne discovers
that his wife, Amy has gone missing. The evidence points to
abduction, but the police are certain that the scene has been staged
and, naturally, the husband is always the first suspect. The reader
has been with Nick throughout the early investigation and we are
positive of his innocence.
The
second chapter is the entry in Amy’s diary from the day that the
couple had met. The book continues in alternating chapters. As Nick
continues to claim his innocence, Amy’s diary tells of the
beginnings of abuse in the relationship and of her growing fear for
her life.
The
story line is well plotted, full of twists and surprising characters.
I have to admit that though I did not like most of the characters,
each was true in his or her motivations, sick though they may be.
Flynn’s psychological insight is sharp and she never hits a wrong
note in their personality developments.
This
is a story of a marriage that went wrong in ways that will cause
readers to wonder if we ever know another person. Amy’s parents are
clueless about their daughter and her husband. Everything is so happy
in their world. Nick’s twin sister Margo is loyal, even throughout
the mounting evidence and her own doubts and disappointments.
Actually, she was one of the characters that I liked.
GONE GIRL was much more
than I expected. So many “Best Sellers” are written by authors
who have found the right formula to keep their audience coming back.
(Not always a bad thing for fans). Gillian Flynn is a new author for
me, but if this is formula writing I would be surprised. I guess that
means another author has joined my shelves.
No comments:
Post a Comment