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51 pages 1 hour read

The Girl On The Train

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Paula Hawkins

The Girl On The Train

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 2010s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins follows Rachel Watson, an alcohol-dependent woman, who becomes embroiled in a missing persons investigation after observing suspicious activities during her daily train commute. The story is narrated from the perspectives of three women: Rachel, Megan Hipwell, and Anna Watson, each revealing their intertwined lives and secrets against a backdrop of suburban drama and mystery.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

3,531,708 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train highlight its gripping plot and complex characters, with many praising its page-turning suspense. However, some critics find the narrative structure, with shifting perspectives, occasionally disorienting. Despite mixed feelings about character likability, the novel’s psychological depth and unexpected twists are widely appreciated.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Girl On The Train?

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators and intricate plots will relish The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Ideal for fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl or A.J. Finn’s The Woman in the Window, it’s perfect for those who appreciate suspenseful mysteries and complex character studies.

4.1

3,531,708 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Rachel Watson

The primary narrator who describes her life after losing her job and during a period of struggle with alcohol use disorder, seeking to understand the gaps in her memory. Her observations and experiences provide the narrative's central perspective.

A woman who lives in the same neighborhood as Rachel, whose life events unfold in a non-linear timeline. Her story intertwines with Rachel's and plays a significant role in the unfolding mystery.

Rachel's former husband's current wife, who provides an alternate perspective on the central events. She experiences tension due to her awareness of Rachel's presence and her own complicated marriage.

Rachel's ex-husband and Anna's current husband, crucial to the relationship dynamics in the story. His interactions with the women reveal various layers of conflict and deception.

Megan's husband, whose actions and relationship with Megan add to the story's suspense. His character is explored through his connection to Megan and the unfolding events.

Megan's therapist, whose professional and personal interactions with her add complexity to the narrative. His role is pivotal in exploring Megan's psychological dimensions.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 2010s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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