Friends, I must brainstorm with you. I have this strange need to just chat about a book with book lovers, and try to understand a couple of things.
I just finished reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
Mind. Blown.
I'd heard the book was good, twisted, and dark. It was all of those things and more. I literally could not put it down. When I began Part Two, my eyes bugged at the twists. I shook my head in wonder at the author's brilliance.
After reading the final words, I wrote this on Facebook:
Just finished reading "Gone Girl." Holy cow. Wicked, twisted, and totally entertaining. I hope the movie is half as good. Who's read it?
But a couple of responses surprised me and really made me think.
My cousin Marcia said this:
"I didn't like it. It was well written but I don't enjoy stories where there is not a single redeeming character."
She's right! Except for maybe the sister and one of the cops, these characters were awful people. Selfish, manipulative, spoiled. Why in the heck did I care what happened to them? Morbid curiosity? What had the author done that made me turn the pages when I should've been cooking dinner? And why did I love a book that was peopled with unlikeable characters? WHY?
I'm still pondering that one. My writing lessons learned post about this book is coming soon.
My friend Kris said this:
"Totally sick and twisted! I really disliked the ending!!"
She's also right! The ending was NOT happy. It wasn't even satisfying. It was frustrating. I wanted to chuck the book at the wall and scream "NOOOOO!" I gravitate toward satisfying endings. After spending so much time with characters, I want to turn the final page and know that things are going to be ok--that these people will go on to live normal lives. This is SO not the case with Gone Girl.
As a reader, I didn't love the ending. As a writer, I admired it. Maybe that's why this book still haunts me. Maybe because I was reading it as a reader, while also marveling at the writer's skill. I'm rarely this surprised by twists, and believe me, this one has some gems. I can't even hint at them without giving away the story.
If you've read the book or seen the movie, and want to read an entertaining thread, there's a fascinating conversation over at Book Journey. Warning! Serious spoiler alert. I mean, they're talking about the twists and the ending.
Whether people like the book or not, it's definitely had an impact.
This book reminded me why we love books. They're entertaining. They make us think. They make us happy and afraid. Gosh, I love reading.
Can I understand why I sometimes love a disturbing book? No. But I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Have you read Gone Girl? Seen the movie? Have you ever thought about a book long after you've turned the final page? Have you ever loved a book with twisted characters? Have you ever enjoyed an unhappy ending and wondered why? Friends, help me understand!!
(No spoilers, please! I don't want to ruin it for anyone else)
I've not read it, but I've heard it's polarizing. I can understand how you could appreciate and admire the talent that went into writing it. I also have a hard time with books where there isn't a redeeming character. I don't like anti-hero stories either.
ReplyDeleteAlex, it's so weird...I didn't realize there were no redeemable characters until Marcia wrote that. I was so engrossed in the mystery of it all my character radar was off!
DeleteI haven't read it yet and don't know if I will. While I've heard great things from you and others, I'm not sure I'm up to such a dark book - despite it being so well written. Like Marcia, I need characters to cheer for :)
ReplyDeleteJemi, I was totally blown away by this book and I'm so glad I read it. It definitely didn't fit into any type of formula.
Deleteokay...now I have to go check out the book
ReplyDeleteR. Mac, I swear, it's fascinating. If you do read it, I'd love to know what you think!
DeleteI really enjoyed Gone Girl but had the same feelings you did - only you put it into words better than I did: "As a reader, I didn't love the ending. As a writer, I admired it."
ReplyDeleteRight? I still can't put my finger on how the author got inside me like she did. I'm still thinking about that darn book!
DeleteHaven't read it. It's probably too dark for me, and I'd admire it as well, but come away hating it. I love stories about anti-heroes, but only when they change so drastically (or our perception of them chances so drastically) as to redeem them.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, that's what bugged me the most. Did the characters really change for the better by the end of the story? Not so much. Although their story was CRAZY!
DeleteI have not read it. To be honest with you, I didn't read it yet because I had a friend tell me she didn't like it for the same reason your cousin didn't. I think I should read it, though, to make my own conclusion. Thanks for making me think.
ReplyDeleteSheri, I honestly think you should read it, just out of curiosity. The story is fascinating. And brave. And dark. And wicked. If you do read it I'll be curious to know what you think!
DeleteMy daughter and I keep debating whether we want to read it. Your post actually makes me want to skip it despite the hipe. I hate stories with unlikable characters.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I'd heard negative things about it but wanted to decide for myself. I'm really glad I read it. The book had a huge impact on me as a writer.
DeleteOh interesting, Julie! Interesting that your inner reader and writer are fighting with each other, LOL… haven't read this… but man… now I need to!!!
ReplyDeleteMorgan, it's CRAZY! It was totally entertaining and engrossing. I for sure wanted to read it before I saw the movie, which is a good thing. Once you know the twists in the book, you're prepared.
DeleteI haven't one with a bad or unhappy ending yet, but I plan to read this one. It's on my pile, lol. I think if a book can affect us this much, the author has done their job. It makes me even more excited to read it when the time comes!!
ReplyDeleteTraci, I swear, the author did so many things right. She has people talking about her book and her characters with such passion. Mission accomplished!
DeleteI'd love to see the movie...didn't realize it was so dark. Hmmm
ReplyDeleteTerri, it's dark yet fascinating. I'm so glad I read the book before seeing the movie. I have a feeling the movie has a more "thriller" quality to it. I wasn't ever scared while reading the book. Just surprised.
DeleteI was one who was fascinated with the book—I took it on vacation with my family and ended up in the bathtub at night so I could read while everyone was sleeping. But the ending made me want to throw the book across the room. As a reader, it was very frustrating to get all that way and not be satisfied with the ending. BUT, as a writer, I could see that the ending was perfect for both the characters and their story. I'm actually really impressed with Flynn's commitment— that she could see the right ending, know that it was going to piss off readers, and still stay true to her story. In that way, I thought it was pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteBecca, EXACTLY! I wonder if anyone--agent, publisher, early readers--tried to get her to change the ending? But it does make sense, in a creepy, twisted sort of way.
DeleteNot read it - but definitely will.
ReplyDeleteI do hate books through without a single redeemable character, but I hate that more if it's YA for some reason.
Donna, maybe with YA they seem more whiny? Great observation. The book is definitely worth the read. I dare you not to be captivated by it.
DeleteThe fact the book and movie set my emotions on overdrive make me a huge fan. For me - it's all about the emotional impact good or bad.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's right, you've seen the movie! I'm itching to see it. I'm still obsessing over this book.
DeleteRead it. Also couldn't put it down, except for one major twist part that I thought I couldn't get through, but I soldiered on...and than wham. Totally respect the writing, but wouldn't have read it if I knew how it was going to end. Too disturbing. But yes, a book worth talking about and kudos to Gillian Flynn.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read the book. Haven't seen the movie. I'm not sure if I'll be reading this one.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book or watched the movie. I don't like any scary or thriller plots. Yet... your cousin and friend made good points.
ReplyDeleteI have just finished this book last week, and I like you could not put it down. And also like you, I was "Mind. Blown." First, aside from the story, was the structures of her sentences - brilliant! As for the end - I know I'm in the minority, but I loved it. I thought it was the perfect way to end such a twisted story. I did see the movie. It felt clipped, but I think it would have been impossible to include all the internal thoughts of the characters. But, I liked it more than I would have knowing Gillian wrote the screenplay.
ReplyDeleteI've got it at the ready to open the cover, but I've been saving it for some uninterrupted reading time. I expect to find some unexpected plot twists and dark characters, but one thing I'm hoping for is some brilliant prose. I'm so tired of reading books that don't capture the beauty of the language. It seems to me that a lot of writers are so focused on moving the story ahead quickly they forget to put words and phrases together that are more than "first this, then that."
ReplyDeleteMost of the books I read are uplifting. I don't mean spiritual but leave me happier. I'm not sure "Gone Girl" is the book for me, even though some are raving its merits. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
Ending was perfect for the book and so pleased it went against the norm of endings. The book translated so well on the big screen especially the ending :)
ReplyDelete