Published: January 1, 2012
Pages: 415
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 4 Stars
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
In short: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is the paragon of WTF-ery.
I was super blown away the way everything unravels both pre- and post-twist. Gillian Flynn really seems like a master of deceit and manipulation and I will definitely be checking out other books from her sometime. Gone Girl was almost a 5 Star read from me based on the overall WTF-ery of the plot, but I did have two issues:
First, I did not like any of the characters. Now, that's not to say that the characterization was bad because Gillian Flynn actually did a phenomenal job with that, I think. But I didn't like any of them personally. I found that there was no one to "root for" and surprisingly it is important for me to have at least one person that I can connect with to completely love a book.
Second, THAT ENDING. Another WTF. Part of me respects the route that Gillian Flynn takes with this ending, but I am also someone that craves closure, and I REALLY needed to see justice doled out. But again, Gillian Flynn goes for the realistic angle here and you can't help but appreciate that.
So yes, I think people who don't NEED to have likeable characters and closure in books would/will love Gone Girl. People who do need these things will either be driven insane by the craziness that is this book or enjoy it for the wild ride - PROBABLY BOTH, like me. Highly recommended for all lovers of sh!t that is B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
Other Reviews:
My Precious
Novel Sounds
Xpresso Reads
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WTF-ery is a good way to describe it. I read this knowing it was mysterious etc, but didn't know exactly what the "twist" was or if there is really even one. I was so shocked when it reached part 2 of the book. I threw the book across the bed because I was so creeped out!
ReplyDeleteHa!! Yeah, I know what you mean. I was pretty weirded out too and it took me a while to even accept what was happening!!
DeleteGreat review! Gone Girl is such an EXPERIENCE! Like truly an emotional roller coaster. Fun and terrifying and downright creepy all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYes, an experience, definitely! A very memorable one, at that!
Delete"All I really knew going into Gone Girl was that it was a hit book turned into a hit movie ..." This is pretty much all I know about Gone Girl too. I need my books to have some sort of closure and like you, think I probably want at least one character I can root for. I don't typically read adult fiction either, but since you enjoyed this so much, I may give this one a try regardless.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I would be so interested to hear what you think of this if you ever do read it! It might not have every single element that I love in books in place perfectly, but it was such an insane, different read and so I definitely recommend it!
DeleteYES! That twist had me scratching my head. I remember thinking the first half was just ok and didn't under the hype about the book until that twist. Normally I would have liked to have characters that I connected/root for, but this book was the exception. I just loved her writing and the many layers to her despicable characters. It gave me chills.
ReplyDeleteAgreed AGREED! Like I said, I came pretty close to rating this one 5 Stars because it really was just so insane and entertaining. So I almost didn't have a problem with the characters being so awful... But I honestly detested both of them! Gillian Flynn did such a great job with their characterization!
DeleteRight before you said it I was thinking: Wow, Aylee doesn't usually read adult fiction - I'm curious what brought this on and how you made out with it :) The reviews for this one alone have made me curious enough to want to read it for myself. I want to know all about that twist dammit! I think a part of me is holding off because I tend to be like you: I need characters I can root for in at least SOME kind of way. Usually if the story is about Villains (like Vicious) I still end up rooting for one of them...but the way this story is described, I don't think I could like any of the characters. Like, at all. O.O I still want to read this one though, especially after seeing your review+rating for it^^
ReplyDeleteOoh, yes I hope you do read it! I'd be curious to hear your take on it... you might be able to find a character to root for, but I honestly detested them all. Sometimes, there will be a villainous type character that I end up rooting for, but these guys are awful - but written in a very good way!
DeleteI always struggle when I dislike the characters although it was sort of the point in this one. I just recently saw the movie and I really liked it. I thought it was done just right. So unsettling!
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Aylee!
Indeed, it was to be expected because that is what she was going for. I'll have to check out other books from the author!
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts. I really did love this one, but it's definitely all sorts of messed up. haha I've been a fan of Gillian Flynn for years now though, so I've read all three of her books and I still say Dark Places is my favorite. So read that! I hope the movie is good - I think it comes out this fall.
ReplyDeleteOh awesome, that's good to hear that you've loved all three! I will have to read Dark Places next I think. I didn't know they were doing a movie of that one too!
DeleteI should really read this one. We read it for book club last year but I never got around to reading it. When the 'twist' was revealed to me at that time, it kind of made me less excited to read it. But maybe it's time I gave it another go. Have you seen the movie? What are your thoughts/comparisons? Maybe I'll just watch the movie. Who knows.
ReplyDeleteAww, oh no the twist was spoiled for you?! That sucks big time. I'm not even sure I would recommend reading the book now because that was the best, craziest part. The movie was great though, a faithful adaptation. So I would recommend watching the movie at least!
DeleteAfter it started to really blow up last year, I got the book out from my library, and while I didn’t like it and chose not to finish it, I still spent roughly 45 minutes skimming to find out what went on, and WOAH. You’re right that it was a big plot twist and ending. I’m kiiind of interested in the movie, though I don’t imagine I’ll see it (too creepy!), because apparently the ending is different, to keep the audience in suspense, and the ending of the book was wild enough!
ReplyDeleteBut this wasn’t for me, particularly. I understand needing a character to like for a book to become a favourite; though there have been a few cases where I’ve still really enjoyed a book when none of the characters have been likable, generally they need to be at least a little likable for me to really get into things. X
Heh, I've never done that before - just skim a book I wasn't into to find out what happens. I guess it's good that you stuck through at least to find out how crazy things get! Oh, and I don't think the ending is that different in the movie. I recommend watching the movie anyway!
DeleteI suspect I'll share your feelings on this one. I loved her writing in Sharp Objects, so I'm sure I'd enjoy the ride, but I do like having a character to root for and almost always prefer books with some nice, solid closure.
ReplyDeleteOhh cool, I'll have to check out Sharp Objects as well then!
DeleteArgh! I watched the movie for Gone Girl before reading the book. Trust me, I loved fucked up stories and people, but this one was way too much for me to digest. It was oh my God oh so mind-fucking! I only went through your review because I do have the book and plan on reading it some day (maybe when the shock of the movie dies down a little). I'm glad you liked the book, Aylee. Brilliant review!
ReplyDeleteSarika @ The Readdicts
haha, that was my favourite part of it! It was just so crazy. But I can see how for some people it would just be way too much to deal with. Maybe you'll like the book better!
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