Gone Girls is a thriller novel based around Nick Dunne, a former New-York based writer, and his perfect wife Amy. Portraying the happy blissful marriage to the rest of the world, it comes as a shock to everyone when Amy goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. With suspicions rising, it's not long before Nick's unusual behaviour places him as prime suspect in her disappearance. With increasing pressure from the police and the media documenting every step of the case, it seems Nick and Amy's relationship isn't as it seems, and they may not be who they say they are.
Gone Girl was first brought to my attention when I was sat in the hairdressers one Saturday morning. My hairdresser was talking to another client about how good the film was and I was eavesdropping whilst my colour set. It sound interesting, like something I'd enjoy, so I added the book to my Summer reading list. I'm so glad I did!
This book had me from the offset, within the first few pages I was hooked! It's full of twists and turns, you're never quite sure what's coming next. I honestly couldn't put it down.
This book is so well written that you find yourself questioning everything you read. Every little detail becomes significant and you start analysing things as you go. With every turn of the page you'll have a new set of unanswered questions, you just have to keep reading to find out what next, and your opinion on where Amy is and whether Nick is involved will change constantly. It's a gripping read.
I didn't expect the book to progress the way it did. As a thriller book I thought it would be investigating where Amy was and who would want to take her, but it's so much more than that. This book explores the deepest parts of their relationship, Amy's history, the influence of her parents, Nick's guilts and desires. It's much more than just a 'who done it?' book.
I think the only kind of disappointment is the end. Whilst it's still a really good ending, I'd have liked things to work out a little better for Nick, but I can totally understand and appreciate why the author has done what she's done.
I made my Mum read this book while we were away too. I don't think she was keen at first, she complained it was slow to get into, but it wasn't look before she was asking questions wanting to know more and more. I just kept telling her to keep reading and just smiled when I saw her face at the end. I think she enjoyed it nearly as much as me.
Since returning home, I've watched the Gone Girl film. I must admit, I was a little bit let down. There is a lot of twists, turns and detail missing out of the film that you don't get to enjoy. It's a good watch, but the detail in the book makes it so much better. I definitely recommend you try and read the book first!
Gone Girl was my first Gillian Flynn read, I haven't been able to speak to anyone else who's read her other books, but I'll definitely give them a go in the future.
Rating: 9/10
Sarah x