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“They are perfect for each other” – the infamous phrase we use to describe a couple who have known each other for a mere three weeks. In Gillian Flynn’s thriller title Gone Girl, her characters depict this sort of “perfect for each other” phenomena even after years of marriage. So why then, would this flawless couple’s story inspire the book’s tag line “marriage can be a real killer?” This contradiction attracts readers who might be wondering the same thing. How does a marriage go from good to bad so quickly? Gone Girl is not your typical, overrated murder mystery. It’s smart, mysterious, provocative and darkly humorous. The moral of the story: “Do not make your spouse angry.”
Nick and Amy Dunne have been married for five years. The two are perfect for each other – too perfect. These married New York writers lose their jobs near the celebration of their fifth wedding anniversary. This is not too worrying for the couple, however, because Amy’s parents are wealthy and have previously supported her and Nick during financial struggles. Amy is alarmed, however, when she learns that her parents have no money left and are expecting reimbursement for years of support. The lack of finances creates a slight tension in Nick and Amy’s relationship, just before Amy goes missing. Nick, as most individuals, knows that when a wife goes missing, the husband is initially scrutinized and sometimes even blamed for her absence. Even with this knowledge, Nick can’t help but notice that every shred of evidence appears to point directly at him. Upon recognizing this irony, Nick starts to question his marriage. Who exactly is Amy Elliot Dunne?
As the plot unfolds, the true nature of Amy and Nick’s relationship begins to surface. They have fooled one another into believing their marriage was flawless. Nick realizes that he and his wife have been outsmarting one another for years, making their relationship a brutal contest. As these deep psychological matters are exposed, the story becomes increasingly disturbing.
Without revealing too much, there are incredible twists in this book that are unlike any I have previously read. For me, the most enjoyable aspect of this title is that both characters narrate their own perspectives. Nick’s narrative follows what is happening in the present day, while Amy’s narrative clarifies the past, eventually meeting with the present day. The alternating perceptions not only provide a bird’s-eye view of the story, but also create a basis of conflict within the reader. I kept going back and forth between characters, unable to decide whom I was rooting for. Who was lying? Who was telling the truth? When I felt like I had the culprit narrowed down, I would soon learn that I fell to manipulation again. The author uses this indecisiveness to build on the much-anticipated ending, ultimately setting up the reader for an unexpected turn of events. Gillian Flynn’s ability to manipulate the reader is a technique she has used in her previous titles Dark Places and Sharp Objects (both excellent reads); but in Gone Girl, she masters this method, sending readers into a whirlwind of thoughts and reactions.
Anyone who enjoys suspense and psychological thrillers will undoubtedly love this title, however, those opposed to strong language and violence may want to stay away. There is a reason Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl has remained at the top of several bestseller lists for longer than a year. It’s just that good. She uses real issues between couples, certainly relatable to anyone who has been in a serious relationship. In fact, after reading this book, you may glance across the room at your significant other and ask yourself, “Exactly how well do I know this person?”
– Rachel LeCompte is a library lover who enjoys nothing more than a good book with a strong cup of coffee. She may not be saving lives like doctors (and Superman), but she’ll do her best to save literature – the enrichment to life. Reach her through email at rachel@gumboguide.com.
By Gillian Flynn
The Kansas City, Mo., native Gillian Flynn released last year her third novel, “Gone Girl,” which has topped bestseller lists since then. Prior to penning riveting fiction works, Flynn was a television critic and feature writer for Entertainment Weekly.
