Background
I didn't read Gone Girl when it was on top of the bestseller lists in 2012 and 2013 and am only coming to it now. I never like to be a 'sheep in the crowd' and if a book becomes too trendy it becomes a bit of a turn off for me and I prefer to see if it lasts the test of time before giving it a chance.
Well, Gone Girl has definitely gone the distance and the film adaptation of the novel is also receiving great reviews, so it was time for me to see what all the fuss was about.
Book Review
The only thing I knew going into Gone Girl was that there was a 'twist' of some sort and an unreliable narrator. This knowledge did not spoil the plot for me at all and I was equally surprised by both.
Nick and Amy were a fascinating couple and the thrilling plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't like the ending (because of my bias for one of the characters) but as far as a book ending goes, it was brilliant; satisfying in that we know everything and there are no questions left unanswered, but frustrating in the predicament of one of the characters and the triumph of another.
I'll say no more, other than I now see why Gone Girl has continued to feature in top 10 lists and is a favourite of many of my bookish friends.
My rating = ****
Movie Review
I watched the movie version of Gone Girl relatively soon after finishing the novel, and I was very pleased to find it kept so closely to the book. With a run time of 2 hours and 25 minutes, there was plenty of time to do the different story arcs justice and the actors cast in the roles of Amy and Nick were very convincing.
I watched it with someone who had not read the book, and they had to revise their theory of 'who did it' several times, having no clue what was going to happen next, which was exactly how I felt reading the book.
Whether you read the book or choose to see the movie instead, Gone Girl is a great thriller and I highly recommend it!
Carpe Librum!
I found the ending disappointing too, Tracey, for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteBut it seems that most everyone I talk to thinks that the individuals were equally culpaple. It good to have someone who agrees with me ;-)
Thanks Debbie, nice to hear you agree with me on the ending :-)
ReplyDelete(I don't believe the characters are equally culpable though, even though they both have their faults).