The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
336 pages, Hardcover
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Release Date: January 6, 2015
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Book Summary
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train…
— from Goodreads
Book Review
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With its unreliable narrator, intricate plot, and suspenseful atmosphere, this book delivers an immersive and addictive reading experience.
The story centers around Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation. As she takes the same train every day, she becomes obsessed with observing a seemingly perfect couple from her window. When the woman, Megan, goes missing, Rachel’s life becomes intertwined with the investigation, and her own dark secrets and fragmented memories begin to unravel.
Paula Hawkins’ writing is taut and compelling, propelling the narrative forward with well-timed twists and turns. The book employs multiple narrators, each with their own perspective and secrets, creating an intricate web of suspense and mystery. The unreliable narration adds depth to the story, keeping readers guessing and questioning the truth behind the characters’ actions.
While “The Girl on the Train” is a gripping thriller, there are a few minor drawbacks. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain sections feeling slow or repetitive. Additionally, some readers may find it challenging to connect with the characters on an emotional level due to their flaws and unreliability. However, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, “The Girl on the Train” is a compelling and suspenseful psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the end. Paula Hawkins’ skillful plotting, complex characters, and atmospheric writing make this a gripping read. Despite some pacing concerns and the unlikability of the characters, the book’s ability to create tension and deliver unexpected twists makes it a worthy addition to the genre. “The Girl on the Train” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, providing a rollercoaster ride of suspense, deception, and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of everyday lives.
