salsadancer reviewed on 12/2/2015 + 27 more book reviews

The Girl on the Train uses the same construct device as A Visit From the Goon Squad -- story told from different character's point of view and in different time frames -- but this book is as good as that one was bad! Paula Hawkins was able to use the device to develop the story and tension in a way it could not have been accomplished otherwise, creating a tight, suspenseful chiller.

The book alternates among three women's stories, with Rachel, reeling from her divorce, as the primary narrator. Each morning during her commute from a suburb into London, her train slows on the same section of track behind a row of Victorian houses. Two houses there interest her: one is her former residence and the current home of her ex-husband, Tom, and his new wife, Anna; the other is home to an attractive, couple who frequently appear on their back terrace. Anna and the attractive woman are the other two points of view telling the story which propels along, picking up speed as the story develops.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details