Girl On The Train, The
Hawkins, PaulaAnother day, another train journey along the same stretch of track looking into the same old London backyards. But one morning, something is different and for Rachel Watson and her overactive imagination, there's no going back. And for the couples she observes in those houses in Blenheim Rd, including her ex-husband Tom, there's no going back for them either.
Unreliable narrators, clever plot and frequent reminders that appearances can be misleading create an engrossing and compelling thriller. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
Most of the group really enjoyed this book with its twists and turns, but there was little empathy with the characters. Christchurch 277 We quite liked the book. We found the women interesting and the men pathetic. Some of us preferred the film - the characters seemed more likeable. We do wonder what will happen next! Wellington 134 We found this un-put-downable! We all considered our lives to be very uneventful compared to the characters in this story. We highly recommend this read. Katiki 006 This book produced divided opinions. Some rubbished it, some loved it and others were lukewarm. The main characters were quite strong but others weak, especially Cathy. It was essential that the chapters were dated, but irritating to have to constantly go back to see how much time had elapsed.The print was excellent. Taupo 003 Despite the hype surrounding this book, members felt that the 'voices' of the 3 main characters didn't really 'speak' - that they were monotonal and lacked depth. Several thought the book was 'chicklit'. Despite these thoughts and feelings however, there was a lengthy discussion, with interest shown in how the book has been adapted for the movie. Wanganui 008 Everyone agreed it was well-written. Most enjoyed it. Those who didn't enjoy it tended not to like psychological thrillers. We had an interesting discussion about having secrets, especially from spouses! We all thought the characterisation was excellent. Wellington 008 Interesting use of 'flawed' individuals as central characters rather than on the periphery. Some found the book interesting at first, but felt it took a long time to reach a conclusion, which was frustrating. Hamilton 038 Most of us thoroughly enjoyed the book - we found it gripping, engrossing and enthralling. Some of us loved it so much that we read it again and found it just as good! What could be a better recommendation than that!! Auckland 055
Pages
316
316
Year
2015
2015
Reviews
11-03-2019
Everyone considered it to be a gripping read but that it did not live up to the rave reviews at the beginning of the book. Rachel irritated some readers, which was a credit to the author's writing as her characterisation was convincing.
11-03-2019
Great discussion, and a blinder of a finish. This book was enjoyed by all as a real page turner.
11-03-2019
Everyone enjoyed this book. There was much discussion centred around how cleverly the story was crafted. The way she used the characters to create red herrings and intrigue amazed us - as did the powerful ending! Highly recommended.
11-03-2019
Our group generally enjoyed this book and found it an easy read. It promoted a lot of discussion around the issue of trust and the difficulty of helping a friend in trouble. The style of writing and the three voices were enjoyed, and reminded us that very rarely does any one person know the whole truth or what is really going on in another's life.
11-03-2019
The book is well-written and cleverly structured. Hawkins knows how to write a thriller by building up the characters layer by layer. It draws you in, a real page turner. The end was quite predictable because it is necessary in this genre that the least suspected person is the criminal. It is a fast read but doesn't give you much to think about after you finish the book.
11-03-2019
The book had unexpected twist and turns, and was enjoyed by most members of the group.
11-03-2019
A gripping and tense story which cannot fail to hold the reader's attention. Some members found the style less impressive, although all agreed it was quite a feat to have a rather unattractive and very flawed protagonist who was still able to hold one's attention so well.
11-03-2019
Virtually everyone enjoyed this book. Only 1 member who never reads thrillers, struggled. We thought it was very well-written, and felt sympathetic towards the main character.
11-03-2019
The high majority of the group found this very, very enjoyable. Quite hard to out down, intriguing, puzzling and sad but you can see a hopeful future for Rachel ahead! The questions are also thought provoking and were widely discussed.
08-03-2019
A mixed reception. The storyline was either loved or of disinterest, but we all agreed the planning and writing were very well done. Getting inside the head of an alcoholic with all the muddled and misconceived thoughts was extraordinary! The dates at the chapter headings were crucial in order to understand the incidents. There were no wholesome characters in the book, bar Cathy, which at times made the plot rather heavy reading. Some found it a page turner, while others needed the club's looming next meeting to discipline themselves to finish.
08-03-2019
Some had already read it and read it again. Some had seen the film and enjoyed both. Totally enjoyable.
08-03-2019
An enjoyable thriller. Generated discussion around alcoholism. Found the ending not so credible, but with the flawed characters anything was possible!
08-03-2019
Everyone loved it. It was a great choice for our group.
12-04-2018
We enjoyed how the story wove together. All enjoyed the suspense thriller. Would recommend to others. Rachel's alcoholic state made us question her integrity and state of mind, and all of itjust played out in her mind and really didn't happen at all. Found it slow to start with, but you did start to piece together the story and memory of Rachel. As you read it this only personyou can trust is Cathy, as everyone elsemakes you question their motives.