My neighbour received a copy of The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins as a gift. After she had read it, she insisted that I do so. I had heard about this novel and had read reviews about it on blogs. Comments and reviews had been positive and, as a result, I looked forward to reading the story.
And it did not disappoint.
The story may seem mundane – about a girl travelling on a train. She watches from the window a couple who seem to have the perfect relationship. A couple around whom she weaves imaginary names and lives.
“The train is rattling along, we whip past Jason and Jess’s place, they pass in a blur of evening sunshine. Sometimes, not often, I can see them from this side of the track. If there is no train going in the opposite direction, and if we are travelling slowly enough, I can sometimes catch a glimpse of them out on their terrace. If not – like today – I can imagine them.” (p5, 2014, Penguin Random House).
Then she sees something shocking which she cannot keep to herself. The choices Rachel (the protagonist) makes, and the things she does, leads her to eventually discovering the truth of what she had seen.
When I began reading this story, I was not sure whether it would be my type of story. But, as I turned the pages, I became engrossed in the story. Hawkins reveals each piece of information slowly which leaves the reader guessing. With each reveal, the predictions the reader makes is changed. And what one assumes is a mundane story becomes something more.
This read is definitely one I would recommend, especially for it unpredictability.
What are you reading this week? Feel free to share a few sentences from the book in the comments.
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2016
(This post is linked to Ambrosia’s Teaser Tuesdays at The Purple Booker)
I’ve read this book, and like you say, it is very good. 🙂
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I cannot remember whose blog post I read about it as the person did recommend it. I guess she and I have the same taste in novels 🙂
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Now I know a fiction book that you are reading and recommending! Sweet!
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🙂
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I loved this book…and then, the movie. Thanks for sharing…I might need to read it again! Here’s mine: “THE SLEEPWALKER”
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It is certainly worth a reread.
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Great Teaser! I was not sure about this book for a while, but I keep hearing a lot of good things about it from others who weren’t sure about it too. I also want to see the movie that has been made, and since I always try to read it first looks like another book or mount TBR.
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You do need to give it a chance as in the beginning it seems that the story is. It moving along. Then the little twists begin … 🙂
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I tend to avoid books that are super popular for some reason. I am curious about this one though and may have to add it to my stack. One of my TTs is from Forgotten City by Carrie Smith – a soon to be published thriller. Happy reading!
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This one is worth the read – and a little different from some popular books.
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Sounds promising, Colline. I picked up a Donna Leon I had to hand- A Sea of Troubles, based in the Venetian lagoon. Too much happening around me to focus properly at present. I imagine you’re looking forward to waving goodbye to your chatterboxes at the end of this week. 🙂 🙂
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I am Jo – then I can spend a little more time reading 🙂
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I have heard really good things about it as well. I wonder if it is available on the kindle. Thanks for the review Colline, I might have to find it. Didn’t they just make it into a movie?
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Yes they did, though I haven’t seen it yet. And I am sure it is available as an ebook as it is a widely popular book at the moment.
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I listened to the audio of this and I’m not sure if it was the narration or not but I just didn’t love it as much as others. Really happy you liked it. Maybe I should try reading instead.
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With audio it always depends on how it is read, doesn’t it? Personally I prefer the voice inside my head 🙂
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I finally grabbed a copy if this book last week. I really want to read it before watching the movie.
My TT from Mercury Retrograde
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I prefer reading the book first as well. The film never includes all the nuances found in a book.
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this is such interesting book to read and enjoy..
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It certainly was. I am now curious as to whether Hawkins wrote any other such books.
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I listened to an audio book on my drive back and forth to Ohio- Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockman -I checked it out on the Overdrive App from library which is a cool device and books are free but the good ones are wait listed. It does help to pass the hours in the car. I was curious enough to see it to the end st home while knitting but then I wondered why.
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Does it not end well Ruth? How disappointing when you have spent all that time listening to it.
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It was more like a made for TV movie than a real film.
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Disappointing!
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Yes
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I read the book first and then watched the movie. Loved them both.
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I haven’t seen the movie yet and hope to some time in he future.
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