Gone Girl

First off I just have to say that I absolutely loved the character of Amy - she is bitter and exceptionally devious, yet somehow I found myself liking her. Not someone you could trust with anything but I bet she is a riot on a boozy night out. Nick I found to be far less likeable and although the author tries to manipulate us in to having sympathy for this man in the beginning he always came across to me as quite weak and personality-less. I think it helps that although I am late to reading the book I have not watched the film - in fact I actively avoided it as the book is usually better anyway. I am at a loss to see how this book could be made in to a film that captures every nuance and that can engender the same level of threat and anguish you feel from the book. Although there is the theme of an investigation in to the missing Amy, the police seem to write her off as dead very early on and I did wonder if such a knee jerk reaction was typical - but this is fiction so I didn't dwell too closely on it. I did enjoy the way the investigation slithers through the tale as though it is another character in it's own right. This allows much more flexibility within the plot structure to misdirect the reader but also to enlighten them, quite a literary juggling act. The plot and it's pacing were spot on for me, I just found that some of scenes in the Control Centre for co-ordinating the search for Amy where a little unnecessary and added a needless distraction from the central tale. It also felt strangely like an old-fashioned morality tale, the moral in this one being "everybody lies to others and, most of all, to themselves". It also felt a little unfinished, just tapering off to a nothing of an ending which, I suppose, gives scope for a follow up novel or just allows the reader to make their own mind up about what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and became absorbed by what these damaged people would do next - both to others and to themselves.

After the movie I had to read the book. I just finished it and I'm happy to say the movie stayed true to the book, the character and story development was perfect. It's an exciting read even if you've seen the movie as it takes you through Amy's meticulous web of games. It got 4 stars because whilst it gave more than the movie I was quite deflated with the ending. The build up was there but then it just deflated suddenly like... Well, you know ;¬}

Finished reading Gone Girl and want to recommend it. One of the best single novels I have read. If you are married or cohabiting in a long term relationship you will enjoy this text the more. Gillian Flynn No1 bestseller book (2012) is addictive, but you can put it down. The book is not written in the traditional manner but in parts this this makes everything go together really well. Get a few chapters in and you will get used to the style. If you like thrillers you will enjoy this.