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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. £3.80, discounted from £7.99 here. |
Okay, Gone Girl. This is a bit of a tricky review to write because I almost don't know how I feel about this book. There has been a lot of hype surrounding it and ultimately the reviews I read that stated it had a shocking ending that they didn't see coming had me thinking 'yep, this is definitely a book for me' and I picked it up as soon as I saw it in my local charity shop. I had barely opened my front door or taken my coat off before I eagerly immersed myself in the story, I expected to be gripped from the first page and to completely and utterly love it. But... I didn't. And I'm not exactly sure why, but I'll try and figure it out.
I really like the differing perspectives throughout the narrative, one from Nick's point of view and one from Amy's. It keeps it interesting but I think those differing perspectives are there to make my opinion of each of the characters alter as the narrative progresses. Unfortunately I hated both of the main characters from the start, I continued to hate them both throughout and I even still hate them a little bit now, which is a shame because I'm fairly sure I was supposed to like Amy at the beginning and feel sorry for Nick in a few places. The strange thing is I couldn't really tell you why I hated them, so I'm not necessarily sure this really matters because at least it shows I was involved in the story enough to have such strong feelings for the characters.
Ultimately I think it's the plot that ended up falling a little short for me. Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, at least I think I liked it. It was a page turner, one of those I struggled to put down and I zoomed through it in a few afternoons. But I think I was expecting something a little creepier and a little more subtle, but unfortunately I kind of had the rest of the book figured out about a third of the way through and from there on there weren't many surprises for me. It's one of those books I can't really say too much about because I'll end up ruining it for you if you want to read it but I'll just say that I think I've watched way too many episodes of CSI and way too many psychological thrillers. It is quite disturbing in a 'can you ever really know anyone completely' kind of way, I just expected more I suppose. The last few paragraphs are brilliant, definitely don't skip to the last page and read it first!
Gillian Flynn's writing style was something I did love. Even though there were a few points I thought she gave a little too much away in one go, I think her attention to detail is pretty perfect and she has the ability to really build up a scene that makes you feel like you're there, looking in on the lives of the characters. Despite this book not quite living up to my expectations, I will definitely be reading more of her work.
I had a hard time giving this book an overall rating, at first I thought it was a solid 3 out of 5, but it seemed a little mean. I liked the idea, I liked the writing & it kept me interested until the end. I would absolutely recommend it, I think it's definitely worth a go if it sounds like something you think you would like. So, I guess in the end I did like it, but I expected to love it & I'm a little disappointed I didn't.

Have you read Gone Girl?
What are you currently reading?
Love, Jennie
xoxo
I saw this in a charity shop yesterday and nearly got it. I may go back for it today. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! xo
DeleteOooh I felt kinda the same. I kind of liked it but also disliked the main characters. I actually put it in my list of books to avoid post - http://www.thestonesinsidemyshoes.co.uk/2013/08/lifes-too-short-to-read-bad-books.html
ReplyDeleteThere was just so much hype around it that it inevitably failed to live up to expectations! But your praise of Gillian Flynn's writing has made me think that maybe I was a bit harsh...
It's a bit of an odd one, I liked it but didn't! I think her writing is better than the book, if that makes sense? xo
DeleteI completely know where you're coming from with this book! I did enjoy it, I definitely liked it, but there was always something a little bit...off. I really agree with you about the way she writes though, she does write wonderfully, it's the kind of style I'd like to emulate myself.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, she's very talented! xo
Deletei haven't read this book yet, but i know the feeling of reading a really hyped up book and not knowing where you stand with it. i love your book reviews! xxx
ReplyDeletemollyox.blogspot.com
Thank you lovely, I've been really enjoying writing them! xo
Deletenice review... I like mysterious types of stories like this one :)
ReplyDeletelavinajampit.blogspot.com
<3
DeleteI hated both Amy and Nick too, and the ending annoyed me so much - I saw it coming a mile off and hoped I was wrong!
ReplyDeleteLike you say though, it was a real page turner and really well-written, just something about the story didn't quite do it for me. It's a strange one!
Jess xo
It is an odd one! xo
DeleteHmm... this review has kind of made me want to read it as it really intrigues me because it seems no one can give a definitive answer about it aha! It may be one for my trip home this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
xxx
It's definitely worth a read! xo
DeleteI've seen all sorts of mixed reviews about this now, and your one seems to sit right in the middle of them. I'm not rushing out to buy it right this minute, but it's one I'll look out for in the library at the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good read, an odd one, but I think I liked it haha! ox
DeleteI watch far too many programmes like NCIS,CSI,JAG, Hawaii Five so I'd hate to be half way through and already suss out the book.Nevertheless I'll think I will give this one a try on the run-up before christmas as I know i'll get through it quickly! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteEloise | simplynaturale xo
Aww yay! Thanks for reading! xo
DeleteI agree with this review so much! I actually didn't care for the story that much-- it was just too dark for me and I didn't find the characters likable, but I did enjoy Flynn's writing style & might try another one of her books to see how I feel!
ReplyDeletesundaysgrace.blogspot
I really like her writing, I think perhaps another one of her books will be better! xo
DeleteI really loved Gone Girl. It had me interested throughout the whole book. I agree the end was definitely not what I was expecting. I actually wanted to through the book across the room because of the ending. Damn, Nick grow some balls.
ReplyDeleteJessica
www.thewaytomyhart.com
Glad you liked it! ox
DeleteI think I might have to give it a go just so I know what happens at the end! ;) xo
ReplyDeleteIt's worth a read! xo
DeleteI felt the same way about so many other books that my friends had bigged up, I thought they were good but not as good as the hype made them seem! I was thinking about picking something like this book up the other day, I could give it a go if it pops up :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely give it a go, well worth a read! xo
DeleteI've heard a couple of other people say that they couldn't stand the character's either; I suppose that put me off reading a little! I do like psychological drama's though so I should probably give it a go sometime :) xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's well worth a read! xo
DeleteLoving your reviews Jennie - can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteI have this on my TBR as part of a 2014 reading challenge I'm planning, I'm hoping the hype around it won't leave me disappointed. x
Thank you sweet! It's well worth a read xo
DeleteAnother book on my list -Hanna Marie
ReplyDeleteYay!
DeleteI hated the characters in this book too. I also read one of her other books Sharp Objects & found the majority of the characters totally unlikable. I don't think I'll ever be a Gillian Flynn fan but if I was stuck for something to read I would consider another of her books. Really enjoying your book reviews.
ReplyDeleteOh that's a shame, I've just started SO! xo
DeleteGreat review :) I've heard lots about this and I'm going to look out for it :) xx
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth a read! xo
DeleteI hate it when there's a book you've heard loads of hype about and then you read it and think weeellll I didn't love it but I also didn't hate it. I have seen this on offer in the shop at work but for some reason not tried it yet maybe I will give it a go - I'm hard to please though in the character sense if I hate them I won't want to read it.
ReplyDeletex
It's a funny one, that's for sure. I'm not sure I've ever been so confused as to whether I liked a book or not before haha xo
DeleteI enjoyed reading this :)
ReplyDeleteIt was the first book I purchased on my e-reader and I have to say once I got to the end I was convinced it hadn't downloaded properly as for me the ending was really abrupt...it just ended. I liked it other than that as the change in Amy's character was so startling, every time I read her thoughts later on throughout the book I couldn't believe it was even the same person.
Amy x
-A Little Boat Sailing-
It's definitely an odd one! xo
DeleteI'm so glad I wasn't the only person who was just... underwhelmed. I wanted to love it, but the main characters were just so miserably unlikeable, and I just couldn't get beyond that. I mean, I did read the whole thing (usually if I dislike a book I don't even bother to finish) but I just felt kind of empty afterwards, instead of having that awesome post-book feeling that I usually get after finishing a good book.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, it's an odd one. I liked it but I was hoping to love it! xo
DeleteI haven't read your review, just incase of spoilers but I read the end sentence and how many boats you gave it and I just picked it up from the library because my friend said there was a massive plot twist so I'm looking forward to that! xxxx
ReplyDeleteLife of Verity
Ahh I never include spoilers, it's a pet hate of mine! Sometimes I think I'm being to vague but I don't ever want to ruin a book for anyone! It's a good read, I hope you enjoy it! xo
DeleteJennie I am really loving your book reviews I've been getting back into reading recently and it's so theraputic! I've seen this book in a few places and have thought about picking it up. I'm reading a book at the moment called Every Contact Leaves a Trace and I'm feeling the same, it's a bit hard to get into but I'm determined to power through! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt is, really wonderful to be able to escape into another world for an hour or so a day! I hope you manage to reach the end, I don't ever like to give up on a book just incase I end up changing my mind about it - I hate the thought of missing out on anything! xo
Deletei felt exactly the same way! i didn't not like it, but felt very deflated at the ending. and i just ultimately didn't care about the characters because i disliked them so much! great review xx
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit frustrating! Thanks sweet <3
DeleteI know how random this is but I love your bunny!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't even heard of this book, whoops But I need something to read in bed and might just give this a go :)
Kelly || DayDreamsDaisyChains.com
It's a good read :) xo
DeleteIt's a shame when a book doesn't quite meet your expectations, especially one that has had a lot of hype - there lies the problem I guess. Glad to hear you still found it interesting though!
ReplyDeleteSophie xo soinspo
Always a little disappointing! xo
DeleteI must get round to reading this! I might get it on my kindle and start reading it tonight :)
ReplyDeleteImogen - A rendezvous with you
It's a good read! xo
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