Yep, I finally took the plunge and read last year’s top-selling suspense novel “Gone Girl.” About time, right? I sort of had been saving it for an island retreat or something, where I pictured devouring it while lounging on a beach chair under a palm tree. But “Gone Girl” never made it to spring break, which for me is in April, it got picked up by my book club and we discussed it this week.
For sure, most people know what it’s about by now. It’s about a marriage gone terribly wrong and a fifth year wedding anniversary that comes and goes with the wife found missing under suspicious circumstances. What more do you need to know? The couple (Nick and Amy) had been magazine writers in New York City before losing their jobs and having to move back to Nick’s hometown in Missouri. Using Amy’s money (her parents are successful authors of an “Amazing Amy” book series), Nick has bought a bar with his twin sister where he works while Amy remains at home unemployed. That’s about when the wheels come unglued for these two.
It’s told in alternating chapters between Nick, who’s a suspect in his wife’s disappearance, and Amy who fills in the history of their relationship from the beginning. The author weaves the web of it all very well, suspensefully propelling one through it almost like a bat out of hell. I can’t say the characters are really likable, there’s no real good guys in this. I’m sure you’d be ready to hypothetically strangle either Amy, Nick or the cops, sister, or parents at times for what they’re like. And don’t forget Desi.
I mean the novel is done well, but it’s pretty crazy. It reminded me slightly of a combination of “Fatal Attraction,” “Presumed Innocent” and perhaps a touch of “Psycho” thrown in. There’s plenty of twists, with the characters trying to outmaneuver each other at each step of the way. Suffice it to say you’ll be fairly spent by the time you get done. I think my book club liked it quite a bit but I’m not sure I’d recommend it to everyone. But for the suspense genre, it sure has made waves.
“Gone Girl” recently made the longlist for the 2013 Women’s Prize for Fiction, formerly known as the Orange Prize. Stay tuned to see if it will make the shortlist, which will be announced on April 16. It also apparently has been picked up to be made into a movie, which begs the question: who should be in it? My book club suggested possibly: Josh Lucas as Nick and Charlize Theron as Amy. hmm. Your suggestions?
ps. This summer my husband and I will have our third year wedding anniversary; if “Gone Girl” is any example just think what we have to look forward to at the fifth year anniversary!@!?<@#! LOL.
I thought this book was fantastic. I don’t know that I’d say their marriage fell apart since it was never really “together.” I don’t know who I’d cast as Nick and Amy.
Good point Kathy. Was never sure with Pretend Amy …
I really did not like this book. I felt it was so over the top ridiculous. But I’ll give it credit for it being a page-turner. I mean, once you started to read you had to keep going for two reasons:
a) To see what happens
b) To see if it gets any better
I heard that she is working on a sequel to the book. I’ll read it just to see where she is going with it but I hope she tones it down a bit and makes it a little more realistic.
As for casting, Witherspoon bought the rights to it so I am guessing she plans to be in the movie. Maybe not. I like your idea of Josh and Charlize.
I agree Ti. It goes over the top. Not sure if I’d go for the sequel. hmm
Hmmm. I commented yesterday, but I think the comment went wrong. I may have closed the window too hastily. I believe what I said was:
I read Sharp Objects a while back and it was WAY too dark for me. I was hesitant to pick up Gone Girl, despite it’s strong fan-base because I’m concerned that it, too, will be too dark. But when it was long-listed for the Prize Formerly Known as Orange, I decided I would give it a go. So now I’m way on the bottom of the queue at my library. 🙂
Your review pretty much confirms my suspicions about this book being a little too dark. But I’m willing to read outside my comfort zone sometimes. 🙂
Yes, Rachel this story might not be for you; it’s a bit dark about humanity and marriage for sure. I guess it doesn’t steer me to read Sharp Objects
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was one of my favorites for last year. But you’re right that none of the characters are very likeable. The twists and turns kept me reading, and trying to guess what might happen next made me a little crazy, especially when some things came out of left field.
I read Sharp Objects afterwards, but liked Gone Girl more.
As for a movie…I’d go there. I agree about Charlize Theron. She can do a wide variety of characters, and can definitely do “unlikeable.”
Great post! Here’s MY SUNDAY SALON POST
Thanks Laurel. It was crazy! I’ll check out your Sunday too …
I know Ti didn’t like it, but I loved it…up until the end. I thought it went more than a bit haywire at Desi’s. But other than that, it was a great ride, which is all you look for in a suspense book, at least, that’s all I look for. 🙂 A sequel, though? I liked it ending just where it was. But I can’t wait to see what the movie’s like. Ought to be good, depending on the casting.
Yeah you may be right that it went a bit haywire at Desi’s but until then was a good ride. I’m not really into a sequel either. Thanks Bryan.
I found it odd that this book made the long list for the women’s prize. I liked the book but I did not find it particularly literary!
Yeah I can’t imagine it making the short list