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Gone Girl: by Gillian Flynn -- Review
THIS IS NOT THE NOVEL, BUT A BOOK REVIEW.
Gillian Flynn succeeds at creating a psychological thriller with her third novel, Gone Girl. After losing their writing jobs in New York City, Nick and Amy Dunne discover that their perfect relationship is not as solid as it seems. Nick decides to move to Carthage, Missouri to care for his ill parents, and Amy figures out that her parents have been depleting her trust account to recover from their own financial hardships. Despite her resentment, Amy purchases a bar for her husband and his twin sister with the remaining money from her trust fund. The suspense in Gone Girl revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the accusations against her husband.
This literary review of Flynn's novel Gone Girl covers the good and the bad to give you a comprehensive view of the story. Readers enjoy a suspenseful mystery while witnessing the complications of marriage from the two narratives of husband and wife. This review explains what you can gain from reading Gone Girl, and describes the type of reader who will enjoy this novel. Discover secrets kept by Amy Dunne as you encounter unexpected plot twists and surprising outcomes in Flynn's latest novel.
Gillian Flynn succeeds at creating a psychological thriller with her third novel, Gone Girl. After losing their writing jobs in New York City, Nick and Amy Dunne discover that their perfect relationship is not as solid as it seems. Nick decides to move to Carthage, Missouri to care for his ill parents, and Amy figures out that her parents have been depleting her trust account to recover from their own financial hardships. Despite her resentment, Amy purchases a bar for her husband and his twin sister with the remaining money from her trust fund. The suspense in Gone Girl revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the accusations against her husband.
This literary review of Flynn's novel Gone Girl covers the good and the bad to give you a comprehensive view of the story. Readers enjoy a suspenseful mystery while witnessing the complications of marriage from the two narratives of husband and wife. This review explains what you can gain from reading Gone Girl, and describes the type of reader who will enjoy this novel. Discover secrets kept by Amy Dunne as you encounter unexpected plot twists and surprising outcomes in Flynn's latest novel.
- GenresFictionAdult Fiction
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2013
39 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
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March 12, 2014Reviewing 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn.
When a book comes highly recommended and dripping with critical praise, something in me, I think the Americans call it being 'ornery', starts rebelling.
So I start reading with a built in bias against it. (I am not claiming this is a good thing, but it is, unfortunately, how I am.)
So I found this book a little difficult to get into and thought myself justified, but, truth to tell, once drawn into the story, after about midway in Chapter 2 and then it wasn't that I couldn't put it down, I HAD to put it down as the plot turns and twists and the writer manipulates the reader as easily as her antagonists manipulate each other. If that reads like a clumsy sentence, it is because I am desperate not to give away plot spoilers.
The book is, in my view, perfectly, wondrously well plotted, the serpentine story winds around the reader, binding closer and closer until breathing becomes difficult.
The characters are well observed; created of course, but observed as well. Each is believable, in the sort of way that sometimes we read about a real life character or know one and say to each other, 'That is unbelievable', even when we know it's true.
So, great story, great characters, what else?
M/s Flynn has a genius for place. Just a few deft strokes, (think the 'The Bar at the Folies Bergeres') and you are there breathing the smoke, the smell of booze, hearing noise of the press, feeling the press of the noise.
I am a great fan of Larry Brooks theories on writing and structure in modern novels (see here:- http://storyfix.com) and, in one of his books he does wryly predict that if you take his views seriously you will end up always reading books with his 'Theory of Structure' in mind. Well I do and I do and this book, "Gone Girl' fits perfectly.
The first 25% or so sets up. The second 25% expands the story and characters then, at 50%, BAM something happens which changes everything. And in this book it is like a firecracker going off in the head.
So, a brilliant book, well written, well structured, great use of language, wonderful impressionistic use of English., what's not to like.
Not a lot.
I have just had a 'Nuit Blanche' and was it because I was reading this book or because the book was so gripping? I don't know and I don't care.
When a book comes highly recommended and dripping with critical praise, something in me, I think the Americans call it being 'ornery', starts rebelling.
So I start reading with a built in bias against it. (I am not claiming this is a good thing, but it is, unfortunately, how I am.)
So I found this book a little difficult to get into and thought myself justified, but, truth to tell, once drawn into the story, after about midway in Chapter 2 and then it wasn't that I couldn't put it down, I HAD to put it down as the plot turns and twists and the writer manipulates the reader as easily as her antagonists manipulate each other. If that reads like a clumsy sentence, it is because I am desperate not to give away plot spoilers.
The book is, in my view, perfectly, wondrously well plotted, the serpentine story winds around the reader, binding closer and closer until breathing becomes difficult.
The characters are well observed; created of course, but observed as well. Each is believable, in the sort of way that sometimes we read about a real life character or know one and say to each other, 'That is unbelievable', even when we know it's true.
So, great story, great characters, what else?
M/s Flynn has a genius for place. Just a few deft strokes, (think the 'The Bar at the Folies Bergeres') and you are there breathing the smoke, the smell of booze, hearing noise of the press, feeling the press of the noise.
I am a great fan of Larry Brooks theories on writing and structure in modern novels (see here:- http://storyfix.com) and, in one of his books he does wryly predict that if you take his views seriously you will end up always reading books with his 'Theory of Structure' in mind. Well I do and I do and this book, "Gone Girl' fits perfectly.
The first 25% or so sets up. The second 25% expands the story and characters then, at 50%, BAM something happens which changes everything. And in this book it is like a firecracker going off in the head.
So, a brilliant book, well written, well structured, great use of language, wonderful impressionistic use of English., what's not to like.
Not a lot.
I have just had a 'Nuit Blanche' and was it because I was reading this book or because the book was so gripping? I don't know and I don't care.
February 21, 2014
Kept me interested the whole way through, but the ending was kind of abrupt and left me wanting more. An epilogue, at least! Going back to the library to see what else she has to offer!
May 13, 2014
i would have gave the book 5 stars but i thought the ending sucked...unless of course imissed something
November 5, 2014
One of the most ingeniously plotted thrillers I have read in a long time. No male author could have pulled this off, shifting back and forth to show the different male and female viewpoints. When Part 2 kicks off - no spoilers here - it is a surprising plot twist which does shake your confidence in these characters, but as a wry and dark comment on marriages, especially the dysfunctional variety, this is one of the darkest portrayals I've ever read. Flynn's talent for crafting some poignant images, like love as the "sweetest cancer" will stay with readers I'm sure.
June 11, 2014
I didn't finish the book. Maybe something is lost when you are actually reading the book versus listening to it, and I tried the audio version. It drug on and on, again could be a problem with audio taking longer to listen to than it would be to read. More so however, I couldn't take one more litany of cursing. I visited a spoiler page just to find out the ending and it still didn't intrigue me. Couldn't recommend this book.
May 5, 2014
First third,OK pretty good. Then, OK how long is this gonna drag......she is chilling, I don't think I'll sleep quite so soundly ever again.
December 7, 2014
Psycho mystery of a missing wife amidst a marriage gone wrong; including any and all stereotypes of the suddenly missing wife and apparently unloving husband left behind. But this story ends up surprisingly amongst those stereotypes to a somewhat disappointing ending. The plot makes you read on, but the ending makes you sorry that you did!
April 23, 2014
I was at a loss for what to read next, being flummoxed by my library's hopeless "search" engine for browsing. Then I saw my friend Elaine's review of Gone Girl and got right on it. What a joy, and a terror, to get lost in Flynn's sociopath character. Pick this up and read it.
December 10, 2015
Loved this one! I don't get how so many people didn't like the ending. I LOVED it. I watched the movie first. I loved it. Read the book, loved it more. Watched the movie again and realized HOW much better the book is.
April 30, 2014
Language alert and very adult situations. Not a great read!
December 16, 2014
I couldn't put it down once I got started. I knew I was not going to like the ending, and I didn't, but it was a great read and I recommend it highly.
October 4, 2015
I have to give two thumbs way, way up for a clever, intriguing story line. I like wondering how in the world a book is going to end because I can't even imagine where it will head.
The characters are scary real, too. The author really had to get into her characters' heads to do this. She also made them very distinct and quirky in their own ways.
I'm sad I have to give it two thumbs down for consistently keeping my interest. It took 200 pages before something exciting happened. I almost stopped reading it, but someone told me it ultimately got good so I kept going. Even after the excitement began, though, I found myself skimming through most of the wife's chapters because they didn't add much to the story line.
The characters are scary real, too. The author really had to get into her characters' heads to do this. She also made them very distinct and quirky in their own ways.
I'm sad I have to give it two thumbs down for consistently keeping my interest. It took 200 pages before something exciting happened. I almost stopped reading it, but someone told me it ultimately got good so I kept going. Even after the excitement began, though, I found myself skimming through most of the wife's chapters because they didn't add much to the story line.
March 30, 2014
Okay...first things first! When I picked this one I had no idea that I'm in for some 'blow your mind' kind of stuff. Ms. Flynn writes about the dark side of human nature and to my astonishment stuff that could never find a way to words. It's gripping to an extent that you want to just drop everything and continue reading. Amy and nick are your regular couples but then not so regular! Unputdownable with all the twists and turns. Also...perfect endings only happen in unreal life. Real life always leaves you stumped. So yeah...go figure;)
July 27, 2014
This was my first book by Gillian Flynn and it came highly recommended. I struggled with the first half. I actually read two other books then went back to it as I kept thinking I must be missing something. The second half was better and more exciting. I didn't feel anything for either character and it felt bland. I was glad when it ended. Why have I given it three stars? Any book which I am still thinking about three weeks later must be doing something right? It could be the ending that left me feeling this way though and the lack of closure. You just know the future is going to be horrific!
February 18, 2015
I think this book wasnt that good. Why? Because 1st thanks to the 3 subtitles or subdivisions in the book you already know what is going to happen (to a certain extend at least). Than (2nd point) the beginning was good but at some point i just had the feeling the story was kind of stuck... And it's annoying... Because you know whats coming but it takes way to much time until the "good/interesting" part begins... And 3rd the end really sucks... But i wont say why and let you discover if you still want to read it lol...
August 11, 2016
Loved this. Listened to the audio book and it was so much fun! The ending was like, what??! But it's a good ending, and given how enjoyable this was to listen to, all is forgiven!!
June 24, 2014
Oh boy . . . Just about all I can say about this book. It's dark, twisty, and just sick enough to keep you reading.
October 30, 2014
Good book. Ending sucked. That is all.
January 10, 2025
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a suspenseful story detailing the ups and downs in the marriage of Nick and Amy Dunne, a couple who seem super happy until Amy goes missing on their 5th wedding anniversary. The story is told through both Nick’s and Amy’s perspectives, which, of course, are completely different. Through a series of shocking plot twists, the couple’s secrets are revealed, and Flynn keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
One reason I would suggest you read this book is because of the suspense and the numerous plot twists that occur. Because of how the book begins, it is crazy to find out that Nick is the main suspect in Amy’s disappearance; however, Amy’s secret diary gives us hints about how she is not happy with Nick, so it is not completely shocking that he is a suspect. What is completely surprising is finding out that Amy set up Nick to make him look guilty. Nick is challenged with trying to prove himself innocent, despite the mountain of evidence against him, and this keeps readers on their toes. Another element that adds to the suspense is that the reader knows all about Amy’s sneaky plans before Nick figures them out. As the plot unfolds, the readers ride a roller coaster of emotions and surprises that keep us locked into the story!
Another reason I would suggest you read Gone Girl is because it has really strong prose. Flynn’s choice of telling the story from the perspective of both Amy and Nick was a great addition to the novel. As you read along, you get both sides of the story, and it makes you feel important to know how Amy and Nick both feel. The prose that is utilized also gives the reader a sense of the characters’ personalities. While Nick’s words are blunt and straightforward, Amy’s words are very poetic. In addition, Amy’s writing is fancy and very secretive and reveals that she likes making others do what she wants. In contrast, Nick’s writing is very straightforward and shows he is all about being truthful, even though he wants the reader to think he is tough. The switching of perspectives wasn’t the only good thing about the prose. The imagery and detailed language Flynn utilizes makes you feel like you are there experiencing all the drama right along with Nick and Amy.
A final reason I would recommend this book is because of the way Flynn constantly made my mood change. The spooky and mysterious nature of the plot makes every surprise even more exciting. Flynn makes sure the reader is never bored and always intrigued. There was never a moment when I felt settled or certain that I had figured it out, as there were so many jaw-dropping moments. Flynn kept me guessing and engaged throughout the story.
I would suggest this book to anyone who loves suspenseful plots and unexpected twists. I think any age group would be interested in this story as long as they love a good mystery.
One reason I would suggest you read this book is because of the suspense and the numerous plot twists that occur. Because of how the book begins, it is crazy to find out that Nick is the main suspect in Amy’s disappearance; however, Amy’s secret diary gives us hints about how she is not happy with Nick, so it is not completely shocking that he is a suspect. What is completely surprising is finding out that Amy set up Nick to make him look guilty. Nick is challenged with trying to prove himself innocent, despite the mountain of evidence against him, and this keeps readers on their toes. Another element that adds to the suspense is that the reader knows all about Amy’s sneaky plans before Nick figures them out. As the plot unfolds, the readers ride a roller coaster of emotions and surprises that keep us locked into the story!
Another reason I would suggest you read Gone Girl is because it has really strong prose. Flynn’s choice of telling the story from the perspective of both Amy and Nick was a great addition to the novel. As you read along, you get both sides of the story, and it makes you feel important to know how Amy and Nick both feel. The prose that is utilized also gives the reader a sense of the characters’ personalities. While Nick’s words are blunt and straightforward, Amy’s words are very poetic. In addition, Amy’s writing is fancy and very secretive and reveals that she likes making others do what she wants. In contrast, Nick’s writing is very straightforward and shows he is all about being truthful, even though he wants the reader to think he is tough. The switching of perspectives wasn’t the only good thing about the prose. The imagery and detailed language Flynn utilizes makes you feel like you are there experiencing all the drama right along with Nick and Amy.
A final reason I would recommend this book is because of the way Flynn constantly made my mood change. The spooky and mysterious nature of the plot makes every surprise even more exciting. Flynn makes sure the reader is never bored and always intrigued. There was never a moment when I felt settled or certain that I had figured it out, as there were so many jaw-dropping moments. Flynn kept me guessing and engaged throughout the story.
I would suggest this book to anyone who loves suspenseful plots and unexpected twists. I think any age group would be interested in this story as long as they love a good mystery.
July 28, 2023
"Did you ever let your lover see the Stranger in yourself." Billie Joel Stranger
I kept humming this song as I was reading this book. Amy Elliott Dunn is kidnapped under mysterious circumstances and all scrutinizing eyes are turned to her husband Nick as the prime suspect. I mean, money troubles and infidelity it's ALWAYS the husband......right?.....right? We follow the investigation as evidence begins to mount and our list of perpetrators is narrowed down to only one.....Nick Dunn. Nick is in total shock. "How is this happening" "I didn't do this" "Am I being set up?" Nick inserts himself into the investigation and slowly realizes that he IS being set up and he knows exactly by who.
Flynn's gradual creation of our main characters was exceptionally intriguing and impactful. When the story begins we find ourselves being introduce to Amy Elliott Dun and Nick Dunn. Your run of the mill, not so common, high society "perfect couple". However, as the story unfolds, Flynn begins to peal away this masked façade to reveal two very, very, very disturbed individuals. I loved the internal dialogue, the structure and plot twists found within this story. I will definitely be looking into more books by this author.
I kept humming this song as I was reading this book. Amy Elliott Dunn is kidnapped under mysterious circumstances and all scrutinizing eyes are turned to her husband Nick as the prime suspect. I mean, money troubles and infidelity it's ALWAYS the husband......right?.....right? We follow the investigation as evidence begins to mount and our list of perpetrators is narrowed down to only one.....Nick Dunn. Nick is in total shock. "How is this happening" "I didn't do this" "Am I being set up?" Nick inserts himself into the investigation and slowly realizes that he IS being set up and he knows exactly by who.
Flynn's gradual creation of our main characters was exceptionally intriguing and impactful. When the story begins we find ourselves being introduce to Amy Elliott Dun and Nick Dunn. Your run of the mill, not so common, high society "perfect couple". However, as the story unfolds, Flynn begins to peal away this masked façade to reveal two very, very, very disturbed individuals. I loved the internal dialogue, the structure and plot twists found within this story. I will definitely be looking into more books by this author.
December 23, 2021
All her books are good and I love her writing. I found the this story intense and page turner. What I struggled with is the run on scenes. There’s allot of scenes that just go on and on and on. It’s definitely worth reading though and I would read it again.
April 8, 2018
Really good read. Keeps you hooked from the beginning until the final twist at the end.
July 29, 2023
Betrayal and revenge in a marriage. Psychological thriller. Narration well done. Sex 2/5
November 19, 2023
I love this book. This is my favorite thriller type book, the writing style is great and the characters are insane, it's great fun.
November 30, 2025
A thrilling read from start to finish. The suspense builds perfectly, and the clues are cleverly placed.
December 28, 2014
I love, love, LOVE Gillian Flynn - her writing style is impeccable, her characters are complex and full of surprises, and the storylines she dreams up are some of the creepiest things I've ever read. My only gripe (and it's a pretty big one, actually) is that her books often lose steam in the last quarter or so of the story, to the point where I've felt for each one (Sharp Objects, Dark Places, Gone Girl) that there was a perfect ending at one point ... and then about 75 pages of epilogue. I don't need the epilogue. I really, really don't. I'm actually going to go back and re-read Dark Places and Sharp Objects, though, to see if I can make it all the way to the end with both - perhaps I'll have a change of heart. Even if that's not the case, though, I know it'll be well worth it. That's how good of a writer she is - and that's how intriguing her stories are. She is a master. And probably also a very twisted person. How does she dream this stuff up?!
September 27, 2015
Gone Girl is quite a ride! I would put it in the “beach read” category but it’s an exceptionally good one. Nick’s wife Amy goes missing and he is the prime suspect. Many twists and turns—some more believable that others—make for a surprisingly suspenseful novel. It is also a real testament to the power of destructive relationships! I did, however, grow really tired of both of them by the end and I found the ending overall really unsatisfying. That said, I couldn’t really articulate what I hoped would happen either. I just had the distinct feeling that Flynn didn’t know how to end it either and just picked one of many drafts kind of haphazardly.
January 20, 2016
Let's start off with the writing doesn't leave much to be desired. For me, sentences matter. I like to know painstaking thought and attention went into the creation of a string of words, not just compiled linearly with the culmination being a series of (compelling) hooks. Makes it a juvenile taunt, like being rewarded candy for obedient behaviour.
Excellent plot. Plain writing style (should have been improved to heighten plot and reading experience). First half of the book was unnecessary. If bulk of the story had opened or been hinged on the latter part, we would be talking 3 stars not the 1.5 (approx 2).
Excellent plot. Plain writing style (should have been improved to heighten plot and reading experience). First half of the book was unnecessary. If bulk of the story had opened or been hinged on the latter part, we would be talking 3 stars not the 1.5 (approx 2).
April 1, 2015
I felt exhausted at the end of this book. Found the beginning slow but eventually (about a third of the way through ) I couldn't put it down. Many twists and turns kept you flipping the pages,but I found the end rather frustrating to say the least. Certain aspects for me were slightly flawed but I won't say any more for fear of spoiling it for prospective readers. Would I read another Gillian Flynn novel? Yes.
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April 25, 2014Book discussion group sponsored by the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM to discuss a selection of some of the most talked about books. This month's selection is Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. For adults. Join us for a disucssion of this book on May 13, 2014 from 1-2 pm at Kent District Library's East Grand Rapids branch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews