The Girl on the Train book review – “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller novel that was published in 2015. The book tells the story of a divorcee named Rachel who takes the same commuter train every day and becomes obsessed with a couple that she sees from the train window. When the woman goes missing, Rachel finds herself embroiled in the investigation and uncovers secrets and lies that threaten to ruin her own life.
The book received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Hawkins’ writing style and the story’s twists and turns. Many compared it to Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl.” The book was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide and spending weeks on bestseller lists. It was also adapted into a film in 2016. Overall, “The Girl on the Train” is a fast-paced and suspenseful novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
The Girl on the Train summary
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller novel that follows the story of Rachel Watson, a divorcee who takes the same commuter train every day and becomes obsessed with a couple that she sees from the train window. She creates a fantasy life for them in her mind, naming them Jess and Jason. But when the woman, named Megan, goes missing, Rachel finds herself embroiled in the investigation and uncovers secrets and lies that threaten to ruin her own life.
Rachel starts to drink heavily and struggles to keep her job, She is also haunted by her past, and the events that led to her divorce. Despite her state, she becomes fixated on Megan’s disappearance and starts to investigate on her own. Rachel comes to realize that she had witnessed something the night Megan went missing, but can’t remember what it is.
As the investigation continues, Rachel discovers that Megan had a lot of secrets, including an affair with her therapist, Dr. Kamal Abdic. Rachel also finds out that Megan’s husband, Scott, is not who he seems to be.
Rachel’s involvement in the investigation leads her to confront her own demons and past, she was also the last person to see Megan alive and is considered a suspect. In the end, Rachel is able to piece together what happened on the night of Megan’s disappearance and brings the truth to light.
Book characters
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins features several main characters:
Rachel Watson: The novel’s protagonist, Rachel is a divorced woman who takes the same commuter train every day and becomes obsessed with a couple she sees from the train window. She struggles with alcoholism and is haunted by her past, including the events that led to her divorce.
Megan Hipwell: A young woman who lives in the same neighborhood as Rachel and is the subject of her obsession. Megan goes missing and is later found dead.
Scott Hipwell: Megan’s husband, Scott is a successful businessman who is not who he seems to be. He’s keeping secrets and lies that are revealed as the story unfolds.
Anna Watson: Rachel’s ex-husband’s new wife, Anna is the person who Rachel hates herself with and tries to take a glimpse of her life through the train window.
Dr. Kamal Abdic: Megan’s therapist and lover, Dr. Abdic is a mysterious character who plays a significant role in the story.
Tom Watson: Rachel’s ex-husband, Tom is trying to move on from their marriage and start a new life with Anna.
Detective Gaskill: The detective in charge of Megan’s case, Gaskill is the one who initially suspects Rachel of being involved in Megan’s death.
Plot twist
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins features several plot twists that keep the reader guessing until the end. Some of the major plot twists include:
Rachel discovers that Megan was having an affair with her therapist, Dr. Kamal Abdic.
Rachel remembers that she witnessed something the night Megan went missing, but can’t remember what it is.
It’s revealed that Scott Hipwell, Megan’s husband, had a hand in her death.
Rachel finds out that Megan had a difficult past that included a miscarriage and a failed adoption, which led to her struggles with depression.
Rachel discovers that she was the last person to see Megan alive and is considered a suspect in her death.
It’s revealed that Megan had a second identity and a criminal past.
It’s revealed that Megan’s death was not an accident, but a murder orchestrated by Scott Hipwell with help of Dr. Abdic.
Ending explained
The ending of “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins sees the resolution of the central mystery of the novel: the murder of Megan Hipwell.
Rachel, the protagonist, is able to piece together the events of the night Megan went missing and remembers that she witnessed Scott Hipwell, Megan’s husband, killing her. She goes to the police with her knowledge, and Scott is arrested and charged with Megan’s murder.
Rachel also confront her own past, her alcoholism, and her role in Megan’s death. She realizes that she had to take responsibility for her actions, and starts to take steps towards recovery. She also reconnects with her ex-husband Tom, who she had been obsessed with throughout the novel.
Dr. Kamal Abdic, Megan’s therapist and lover, also plays a role in the crime as he had helped Scott to plan the murder, and he is arrested as well.
The novel ends with Rachel moving on with her life, starting a new job, and beginning to heal from her past.
The ending of the novel is satisfying as it wraps up the central mystery while also providing closure for the characters, and their personal development. The story ends with a sense of hope, as the characters are able to move forward and leave their past behind.
read also:
My Sister’s Grave
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Origin by Dan Brown
Why is The Girl on the Train a good read?
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins is considered worth reading for several reasons:
Compelling Storyline: The novel is a psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the end. It is filled with twists and turns that will keep the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters in the novel are complex and multi-dimensional, with their own secrets, lies, and pasts. Each one of them is connected to the main event of the story in a unique way, making the story more intriguing.
Masterful Writing: Paula Hawkins’ writing is praised for its ability to create a suspenseful and atmospheric story. Her writing is descriptive and evocative, immersing the reader in the story.
Exploration of complex themes: The novel explores themes such as addiction, obsession, and the darker side of human nature, making it a thought-provoking read.
