Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Audiobook Review: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Title: The Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publication Date: 15th January 2015
Time: 10hrs 57mins
Book Source: own audio
Narrators: Clare Corbett, India Fisher, Louise Brealey

Synopsis: Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. 'Jess and Jason', she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy.
And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar. Now they'll see; she's much more than just the girl on the train...

My Thoughts:
The Girl on the Train has garnered a lot of attention, opinions are divided but go into this one with as little foreshadowing as possible and just let the disturbing twisty-ness suck you in ... you'll appreciate the normality of your own life. 

These characters are messed up, all of them, seriously messed up. It's an interesting character study that had me impressed with the authors skill, it's not an easy feat to keep a reader reading with a cast of unlikable characters. That said, as the story progressed I felt a begrudging sympathy for one of the most manipulated characters.  

The writing is strong and the narrators are great, they add that bit extra to the reading experience, I'm glad I picked this one up on audio. And the ending ... I actually laughed, not sure that was the desired effect. HA. What can I say ... I like to see someone get their 'just desserts' :)




Connect with Paula Hawkins



24 comments:

  1. I've read mixed reviews for this one but I may pick it up in audio. Thanks for your thoughts on it!

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    1. the audio format saved it for me, I'm not sure I would have got past the first 50 pages with a particularly painful character lol

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  2. We're reading this one for my work book club and I'm excited to discuss it this week. I enjoyed it enough. It wasn't the best book ever, but I liked the concept and the fact I didn't really know 'who dun it' until the end. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. great choice for book club Brandie, I had a clue about the culprit halfway through and then went on to suspect someone else, so I agree that part was pretty good!

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  3. I can't imagine ever listening to a book, but I know it works for many people. Glad you enjoyed it. I read it and loved it. Messed up characters are my specialty...LOL.

    Thanks for your great review.

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    1. LOL Laurel, you hit the messed-up-jackpot with this one :)

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  4. I agree - these characters are all a little sick . . . I am surprised that I kept reading even though I really disliked all of them. I did not suspect the culprit either - it was a surprise :)

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    1. it surprised me that I kept reading, although I think that had more to do with the audio version than anything else!

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  5. I like this one better now that I'm a couple of week after finishing it. And I'm wishing that I had listened to it. I think I might have had a better experience. Looking forward to seeing what this author does next.

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    1. the audio is what kept me going Kay, it made 'painful' characters that little bit more bearable lol.

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  6. I've read a number of pro and con reviews and have actually decided no it's not my kind of book. The audio sounds like it assisted you in liking it enough to appreciate it.

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  7. I agree, go into this book without knowing anything! I read it in print, wish I has listened.

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  8. Ohhhhhhhhhh this sounds interesting!!!!!!!

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  9. Sounds like you liked this one more than I did :)

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  10. I've been wondering about doing this one in audio! I think I might give it a try in that format.

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  11. This sounds exactly the sort of book I enjoy reading! Definitely going to try it now :) Also, I've nominated you for the 'Versatile Blogger Award', head over to my blog to check out the details. Congrats!

    http://cheekybookloverreviews.blogspot.co.uk/p/welcome.html

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  12. Thanks for the advance warning. I saw the book at the store the other day and thought it sounded interesting. I'll definitely add it to my wishlist because all the twisty-ness sounds like a book I need to read!

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  13. I am glad you liked this, it was meant for audio I think and quite enjoyed these flawed characters :)

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  14. I like your review but I dont think this is really my kind of thing.

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  15. This is my favourite debut of the year so far> I'm looking forward to seeing what else the author has to offer.

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  16. The bloggers that I trust most (you included) have convinced me to give this one a try! Glad you liked the audio. That may be the way I read it too.

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  17. I enjoyed this one as well!!!

    Deb

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