As one of the last bibliophiles in the world to read Gone Girl there’s not a lot left to say about it. I had my introduction to Flynn’s work with Dark Places which I have to say I almost enjoyed more than Gone Girl because it had what Gone Girl didn’t. A definitive ending. I hate myself for saying that. I like to think I’ve managed to rise above the Hollywood everything wrapped up nicely in the end, but I wanted it. After years of reading Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle I guess I have an antiquated view of mystery. But it is that lack of definitive ending that makes this book the phenomenal piece of writing that it is.
I just hope they don’t ruin it with the movie…(which is being filmed in my old college town. Am I excited? Yes, yes I am. I plan on making a list of all the places me and Amy have both been. Don’t judge. You’d do it too).
Amy and Nick were made for each other. They met at a party one night in New York and then Nick, after eight months of not getting back to her, Amy is found and love follows shortly after. But then things change. Things neither of them could have foreseen. And no, it’s not a dramatic tragedy, no kidnapping, no murder. The New York power couple simply gets caught up in the American financial crisis and end up losing their jobs. It’s not until they move back to Nick’s hometown of Missouri that things start to get strange. And Nick and Amy start to show their true colors.
This book, and Gillian Flynn in general, reminds me a little of Sophie Hannah’s signature suspense novels. There is always a twist, and it always seems impossible. But as Sophie Hannah said, you only have to think “could it happen once” and that’s what makes a thriller thrilling. Gone Girl is thrilling. Improbable? Absolutely. Un-putdownable? Yes. What Flynn does masterfully in this book is create two distinct voices. Amy and Nick. You will love and hate them both. You will trust them and hate yourself for believe in them. It is a fantastic ride, and if you haven’t taken it yet pick up a copy of the book before the movie comes out and (hopefully does not) messes with the ending.