The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller novel that tells the story of Rachel Watson, a woman struggling through depression and alcoholism. Rachel is a practically homeless divorcee who rides the London commuter train every morning, peering into the lives of the people she passes by. When one of her fellow commuters, a young woman Rachel calls Jess, catches her attention, Rachel is immediately mesmerized by her seemingly perfect life. When Rachel learns that Jess has gone missing, she finds herself unable to ignore the situation, launching an investigation that will uncover secrets both dark and dangerous.
The Girl on the Train isn't one woman's story, but three. Rachel, the troubled voyeur; Anna, Rachel's ex-husband's new wife; and Megan, the missing woman with a hidden past. By focusing on their individual struggles with life, relationships, and secrets, Hawkins expertly weaves a complex story of secrets and lies that keeps readers glued to their seats.
As Rachel narrows her search for the missing girl and starts to piece together the pieces of the mystery, readers experience each woman's story as it unfolds. Rachel in particular serves as a vessel for readers to identify with, as she struggles with her compulsions and her inability to stop herself from becoming engulfed in the situation. As she deals with her own problems and fights to stay sober, her need to solve the mystery of Jess' disappearance only strengthens. Eventually, Rachel finds the truth behind the disappearance, and the truth behind what really happened—and her own story—are revealed in an emotionally charged finale.
The Girl on the Train is the perfect thriller for anyone looking for an exciting, immersive story. Relying mainly on suspense and tension to propel the plot, Hawkins manages to change the pace of the story just enough to both surprise and keep readers on the edge of their seat. With great characterization and fabulous writing, Hawkins manages to focus on larger themes of addiction, depression, and identity while still making the reader feel completely connected to each character's story.
The Girl on the Train is an exciting and gripping thriller that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. Hawkins manages to use her characters and the complex story to create an unforgettable thriller, and she masterfully builds suspense with her detailed descriptions and vivid storytelling. With its unique twist on a classic story, The Girl on the Train will leave readers both satisfied and questioning what would have happened if the events had taken a different turn.
