“Love is the world’s infinite mutability; lies,
hatred, murder even, are all knit up in it; it is in the inevitable blossoming
of its opposites, a magnificent rose smelling faintly of blood." –Tony Kushner,
The Illusion
When this is the quote at the beginning of a novel
about a couple, you can imagine that it’s going to be pretty dark. Gillian
Flynn’s Gone Girl doesn’t disappoint. From the very beginning of the book, you
can tell Nick and Amy Elliot Dunne (Amazing Amy) are not in a good place…and then Amy is seemingly
happy and singing in the kitchen while making crepes for her and Nick’s fifth
wedding anniversary. Then, just like that, Amy is gone.
First, Nick
seems distraught. Then he starts telling little lies and before you know it, he
is flashing his winning smile for the cameras at a press conference where he
should be pleading for his wife’s safe return.
Nick and Amy each tell the story of their love from their
perspective—Nick in present day and Amy through years of diary entries. Just
when you get wrapped up in a blossoming New York City love story, the edges
start to fray. What was beautiful
quickly turns ugly as the couple relocates to North Carthage, Missouri (Nick’s
home town) to deal with family issues.
Soon, the space between them is wide enough to make room for all sorts of indiscretions
and Nick goes from sympathetic husband searching for his wife to clearly
capable of murder. Not just capable, he clearly did it. You’re ready to
sentence him and then, Flynn takes you on the REAL adventure.
This book is a real page turner. From the moment I
started reading, I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, the characters stuck
with me. I loved Flynn’s Dark Places (reviewed earlier this year) and Sharp
Objects but Gone Girl trumps them both. You know the bumper stickers you see on
cars proclaiming that someone’s child is an honor student at such and such
academy? Gone Girl is the kid that gets the bumper sticker. Her sisters are
pretty awesome but she is at the top of her class. Now, go get the book before I dive into
another slightly off point metaphor.
p/s I started What I’m Reading with the intent to
force myself into reading at least one book a month this year. I’ve actually
done it. Can’t believe it. It’s amazing what happens when you re-prioritize
your time. Ok…getting off the soapbox.
Anyway, I picked enough books to get through August so after I finish Fame by Daniel Kehlmann, I’ll need a new list. Any suggestions?
1 comment:
I was soo disappointed with the ending!!!! we need to discuss.
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