The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The main character, Rachel, is a divorced alcoholic who is still in love with her ex-husband, Tom. Every day she takes the train to and from work, passing by Tom's house on the way. As she watches his house, she also watches the neighbors and becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple, Megan and Scott. But when Megan goes missing, Rachel becomes involved in the investigation and discovers that the lives of those around her are not as perfect as they seem.
The novel is structured in a way that keeps the reader engaged, with alternating perspectives between Rachel and Megan. Hawkins masterfully weaves together the plot, keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the lives of women and the expectations placed upon them. Rachel, Megan, and Anna are all complex characters who struggle with their identities and relationships with men. Rachel despises herself for being unlovable and relies on alcohol to numb her pain, while Megan struggles with the expectations of being a wife and mother. Anna, Tom's current wife, struggles with her own insecurity and jealousy towards Rachel.
The novel also addresses the issue of domestic abuse and the ways in which society blames the victim. Megan's past and her relationship with her husband, Scott, is a central theme in the novel, and Hawkins does an excellent job of addressing the complexity of the issue.
Overall, The Girl on the Train is a suspenseful and thought-provoking novel that explores the lives of women and the ways in which society places expectations upon them. Hawkins is a talented writer who keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, and this novel is sure to be a favorite among fans of the thriller genre.
Some notable quotes from the book include:
- "There's something comforting about the sight of strangers safe at home."
- "I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head."
- "I have never understood how people can blithely disregard the damage they do by following their hearts."
In conclusion, The Girl on the Train is a must-read novel for fans of the thriller genre and anyone interested in the complexities of women's lives. Paula Hawkins has created a masterpiece of suspense and social commentary that is sure to leave a lasting impression.