I have read very few reviews, or even mentions of this book, which did not include a comparison with Gone Girl. So let me address this elephant in the room first. I haven’t read Gone Girl, though I have seen the movie (I know that is not the same thing at all), and I did not like it very much. Well, to be precise, I mostly did not like the way it ended, and how a story wraps up, is very important to me… so there!
All that to say, that I did not pick up this book because it was like Gone Girl or anything like that. I only picked this one up because I was wanting to try out the genre of psychological thrillers, and this book was the most popular one around. Not that being popular says anything about the quality of the book, or even my enjoyment of it (case in point – The Fault in Our Stars), but in a genre that is relatively new to me, I go with the masses.
The Girl on The Train – Book Review
I am not going to highlight the plot details, as with mystery/thrillers, the spoiler zone is tricky, so I would recommend you read the blurb here, and just go for it; let the tale unravel as you read it.
However, I am going to highlight some of my non-spoilery thoughts about the book, which will hopefully help you decide whether or not this is something you would like to check out.
This story is mostly told from Rachel’s POV. Though, technically there are two, nope three, narrators. Not that it helped. All of them were mostly unreliable. Which in itself was interesting.
As a reader, I generally form a deep connection with the narrator’s POV, and in this case, no one could be trusted. Not the protagonists, not the antagonists (assuming it’s even clear who they are), and most definitely not the narrators.
Having said that, I must also say that though these women (the narrators) were unreliable, imperfect creatures, with serious flaws, the author made it possible, and even easy, to empathize with them. And considering how flawed these characters were, this was no mean feat.
It was also quite impressively baffling that the plot seemed both linear and rounded at the same time. At times it felt like nothing much was happening (and some of it was just rinse and repeat), but in hindsight there was so much happening, and so many clues strewn around, but I just could not identify them at the time I was initially reading the story.
And while we are speaking of the rounded and linear plot – I must admit that keeping a track of all the narrators and the timeline of the whole thing, was driving my slightly-OCD-self nuts, but it was an intriguing page-turner all the same.
In Conclusion
It’s a gripping mystery – it keeps you in the dark long enough to speculate and come up with your own theories, while the actual reveal is not very predictable at all.
I am typically good at the guessing game when it comes to mystery-thrillers, but with this one, my theories kept changing every few chapters, and all of them were incorrect anyway.
I only got it right, very close to the actual reveal, basically when the author was dropping big mountain rock sized hints. And the reason I believe is because the mystery was not about the who, but the why.
Verdict
Go for it. You will not regret it. And if (like me) you enjoy watching Book to Movie Adaptations, check out the movie too. Find my Spoiler Free Movie Review here.
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Have you guys read this book? Are you looking forward to seeing the movie? Do you guys know of any upcoming book to movie adaptations that you would recommend? Do share!
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These days unreliable narrators and murder mysteries are everywhere, this one is a bit like Gone Girl, as all the reviews so far suggest.. waiting to read it.. Nice review..
You should pick this one up. The rave reviews this book gets are well deserved. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I recently read this book and loved it. Your review is in line with what I think. A good book and yes, not easy to put down. I loved the angle the book brought forward. How what we imagine to see, becomes real for us. Maybe far from true.
Parul Thakur recently posted…A matter of perspective
Yeah, that is exactly what I thought. I feel like we all do this – form opinions and judgements, quite unconsciously, possibly not to the extent Rachel did, but we all do it. It was interesting to watch how her perceptions mingled with the truth. And the author told the tale very well – the readers made those assumptions right along with her, felt the idyllic world, saw the perceptions shatter, and experienced the rude shock of the truth.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I loved this book. I actually finished reading it at one go on New Years eve last year ? I will watch the movie too because I like Emily Blunt a lot …And You have to read Gone Girl, the movie didn’t do justice to the writing. Try it :).
Yeah I have heard that about Gone Girl – that the book was far better. Will keep it on my TBR then. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
Oh boy.. I have bought this book months ago and have yet to start. And yes, i do want to finish it before the movie releases.
Roshan R recently posted…Can I Convince you to keep this Note in your Wallet?
I hope you are able to get to it. Happy Reading! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I didn’t like Gone Girl ..at ALL. I’ve got this one waiting to be read. From your review, it does seem like I’ll enjoy it more.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Gratefully Present In The Present #MondayMusings
I did enjoy this one more than Gone Girl. But to be fair, I never really read Gone Girl, only saw the movie. Though if the book ends like the movie did, my opinion of the book might pretty much stay the same.
This one I can vouch for – it is intriguing and engrossing (kind of disturbing too) and definitely has a much better conclusion.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
Hi Shanaya, I read this book last year and was riveted throughout. It was a quick read because of the mysterious element. I liked it WAY better than Gone Girl. That book just pissed me off. This one, however, is worth the read. I like how you’ve explained how the plot works. I found the transition between narrators a little distracting but I guess it’s the contemporary way of story telling. I will look forward to the movie but may wait for reviews. I don’t want to be disappointed.
Yeah, Gone Girl (the movie) had the same effect on me. So annoyed, with the climax especially. It made me wonder – what’s the point here?
I am looking forward to this movie though.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I didn’t like the Gone Girl movie either. I have trouble reading books where all the characters are unlikable. I might try this one on your recommendation.
Yeah, I struggle with unlikable characters too – I need to be able to root for someone – anyone! But this book should be fine – they are not the most likable people, but the author makes it possible to understand them at-least, even if you do not always agree with them. Definitely worth a shot, I say!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I must applaud you to being one of the rare ppl who says they like the book adaptations; many readers (like me) feel books should be left alone by movie makers as justice is never done – too may creative liberties taken. But thats me
I loved your review – it really explained the book well – also explained some of the brouha around the movie adaptation too.
Not sure whether I will pick it to read yet…
Thank you. Glad you liked the review. 🙂
As far as book-to-movie adaptations go, I know quite a lot of people who enjoy them. I never thought it was a rarity. :O
Though I do have some ‘rules’ when it comes to adaptations. I always want to read the book first. AND I don’t want to even see the cast of characters for the movie (before I read the book), as I want to form my own visuals first. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
The first half of the book tested my patience like no other. But when it picks up, it does pick up!
I loved the book and I cannot wait for the movie to release in India. The trailer looks superb!
Soumya recently posted…Escape Route
Oh yeah, I know what you mean. The first half dragged, and there was just such so much of the same – drunk -train ride – faint, disjointed recollections-drunk-train ride- loop – it frustrated me! Those were the times that I took breaks. But in the second half – this book was unputdownable!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
Gone girl is lying on my shelf, still unread. I refuse to watch the movie. And this one is on my TBR. But I will buy it after I read Gone Girl. I have seen mixed reviews on this one. But I want to read it even more after reading your review and Tulika’s comments here.
I wouldn’t want to comment on Gone Girl, as I have only seen the movie, and I am not a fan. But this book – I would definitely recommend.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
Thank you for not giving our any spoilers.. You wrote a brilliant review, describing in depth the writing and how it made you feel. I got so many books in my list that I wonder if I will be able to pick this one before the movie is released
I understand. Though I would recommend to keep this on your TBR – if not now – then try and get to it sooner rather than later, especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I don’t identify with books review posts but yours is the only one I can dive straight into whenever I get a chance 🙂 The book appears interesting to me and I might pick it up. I am generally awry of movie adaptations of books because I feel most of the times the storyline gets tormented in the name of creative liberties.
Anamika Agnihotri recently posted…Blasphemy!
Awww.. thank you so much, Anamika. So glad you enjoy the review posts. 🙂
I know what you mean by ‘creative liberties’ – some really butcher the story. But when they are well done – they are just the best thing. Like the Harry Potter adaptations – they did magic on the screen! (pun intended) 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I’ve heard super mixed things about this book, so I’m probably going to give the book a miss, but I absolutely want to see the movie. I love Emily Blunt! I want her to be in everything!
Jenny @ Reading the End recently posted…Review: We Are Not Such Things, Justine van der Leun
Hahahaha..I know what you mean – I think she is perfect for this role. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
Good review as always. No, l haven’t read this review but will read it now after your review. Besides l love psych thrillers.
I haven’t read this book not review. My stupid phone’s autocorrect.
Hahaha..got it. No worries. 😀 I am glad you were able to get to this – it’s the best feeling in the world – to share the love of a book with someone else. 😀
I am eager to see the movie now!! Can’t wait!!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
Okay! Big confession time – I’ve not read this nor Gone Girl. Both have been on my list for ages, but this current stupid reading slump that I’m in, I haven’t managed to.
I guess it’s high time I catch up.
Smart review by the way – esp without the spoilers. You are a great reviewer, Shan.
Sid recently posted…A Mug of …..
Sid – thank you so much. Means a lot coming from you. 🙂
As far as the spoilers are concerned – I am overly careful about those. If there are spoilers – I mention it in the title of the post -(according to me) the first line or the first para is too late to announce it. Because I personally hate getting spoiled. I then ‘have to’ skip the book, until I ‘forget’ the spoiler. So you see, it complicates my life. 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
That’s a super review, Shantala!
You’ve put into words all that was going through my mind as I read the book.
Thank you so much, Mayuri. That compliment made my day. 😀 I love it when a review/discussion does that for me. So glad it resonated with you. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
Sounds intriguing. Will consider reading. Good review.
Suzy recently posted…Il Mondo #FridayReflections
Thank you. Hope you are able to get to it soon. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I loved the book – my first psychological thriller (now it’s a favourite genre)! Loved your review.
I generally don’t like Book Adaptations. It always disturbs my own visuals/imagination. For suspense thrillers it’s strictly no as I already know everything. I have seen Gone Girl, so I don’t want to read the book.
Tarang Sinha recently posted…We Will Meet Again: Blogging Contest & Gift Cards
Yay for our mutual love for this book! 😀
As far as the adaptations go – I am usually fine seeing them AFTER I have read the book. Until then, I don’t want to even see the cast, as that interferes with my visuals.
Having said that – if I somehow see the movie first – there is 0.0001% chance that I will ever read the book. The other way round just doesn’t work for me.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I liked this book good enough, though I’d still recommend that you read Gone Girl. You’ll love GG more than this book.
As for the predictability, I felt that the story was very clear once Dr. Kamal was cleared (sorry for spoilers, peeps). I kept reading till the end, only to know what would happen to Rachel and Anna!
The characters were brilliantly designed. I thought of the dialogue in Shrek: people are like onions, full of layers. And each layer was revealed at the perfect time, and it made for a mindblowing experience!
That dialogue perfectly describes this book and the characters in it. Full of layers, indeed!
And you are really awesome at this – because I took forever to guess who the killer was. Kudos to you! 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7
I’ve read the book and I loved your review. The book kept me hooked to the very end – very smartly written. I did get a little tired of her train journeys but it was well worth it. Looking forward to the film now.
Obsessivemom recently posted…Ganapati in the city
Yes, yes, I know what you mean. There was a lot of rinse-repeat – it frustrated me! But (for me) the second half more than made up for all the repetitive loops of the draggy first half.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Girl on The Train (Book Review) – Movie Releases on October 7