16 February, 2015

Reading Reveries #5 : Oscar-Nominee Gone Girl



"Marriage can be a real killer."

With the 87th Academy Awards just around the corner, I would like to bring your attention to the novel Gone Girl, which was in turn adapted in the film of the same name.

Gone Girl was written by American author Gillian Flynn, who's known to write about very dark subjects. This novel is no exception. It depicts a relatively short period of time in the marriage of Nick and Amy Dunne. Amy disappears on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary. 

This isn't a typical 'girl disappears, husband becomes suspect' novel. It surfaces all nasty parts of marriage, whilst criticizing society: “It’s a very difficult era in which to be a person, just a real, actual person, instead of a collection of personality traits selected from an endless Automat of characters.”

I found this novel to be very gripping, both the story line as well as the thoughts of the characters. On top of that, Flynn's writing style is so icy-sharp that it cuts right through you sometimes. 

If you've seen the film, but haven't read the novel: do consider it if you liked it. You'll find out so much more interesting things.

Have you seen or read Gone Girl? What are your thoughts?