A few weeks back, I was lamenting over having started to read American Pastoral. I had seen a trailer for the film, and really wanted to read the book before watching the movie. On the same day I saw that trailer, I saw the ad for The Girl On The Train.
I’m not one for thrillers, or mysteries.. leave me with romcoms and children’s films, or good old Bollywood and I am much more comfortable! As I advance in years, I have come to realise that it is well worth stretching both my reading and movie genres, as I have been missing out on many amazing books and films, having been trapped in my own self imposed entertainment bubble!
Now, after the struggle of reading American Pastoral (you can read about my thoughts on that one here!) I have yet to watch the film… And The Girl On The Train was waiting for me on my Kindle.
Was it going to be an utter disappointment, like American Pastoral? Should I even chance it? I had plenty of fluffy light reads to switch to instead, but no, I felt I should give it a go!
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
So, what’s it about?
Well, it is the first novel of this genre by author Paula Hawkins, who was initially a Romantic Comedy writer publishing under the pen name, Amy Silver. not getting much success with the Chick Lit, she tried her had to psychological thillers and came up with this!
It’s a story told in the first person, from the view point of three different women. All connected by a thread which isn’t revealed until the end.
Rachel Watson is a divorced alcoholic who travels on trains everyday, to kill time hiding her unemployment from her flat mate. She begins to conjour up stories for certain people she sees regularly from the train, not realising that these strangers will soon become embedded in her own life.
Anna is Rachel’s ex husband Tom’s new partner. Having had an affair with Rachel’s husband, she ends up moving in with him, and they have a child, but she can’t shake the ghost of this es-wife from her life. Convinced that Rachel is deluded and a danger to her and her child, she is always on tenterhooks if she sees her.
Megan is the third woman. An outwardly beautiful person with what seems to be a perfect life. She is the one who Rachel sees from the train, with her husband Scott, regularly. Megan’s life is not so perfect, and there are many secrets she is hiding.
The twists start when Megan is missing, and then the resulting investigations, and Rachel’s thoughts that she can help Megan’s husband with what she witnessed on the train.
I don’t want to go any further with this story as I will spoil it for you!
But… what did I think?
Initially, I found it a little hard to get into, as the moving between three characters was a little confusing. But as the story progressed, I found myself second guessing everything, and needing to read on to see what happened!
But I have to say I did enjoy it, and it made me eager to watch the film too!
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
As with all book to film conversions, there were a few key elements missing, but they didn’t distract from the film at all. If, like me, you had read the book first, then you would find it a little annoying, but looking at the film as a stand alone piece it was very well done.
I was a little disappointed that the film was set in the US when it was actually written as having been in London! The principle character or Rachel was still English but the rest were Americanised!
Emily Blunt, as the main protagonist, really gets into the role of the almost permanently sozzled Rachel, and her confusions, then gradual realisations. She carries this film singlehandedly.
There is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, as in the book with the time frames, jumping from one characters viewpoint to another, and going back and forth in time, but it keeps you on your toes!
And I did enjoy it.
If you haven’t read the book, watch it if you like to be kept in suspense. If you have already read the book, be prepared for the changes, and if you can keep that in mind, you should enjoy the film too!
Oh, and another surprise was realising that one of the actors was from That 70’s Show!
Then and now!
That was’t the only one… Phoebe from Friends Lisa Kudrow also features in the film too!
Then and now!
Do I recommend it?
Yes as both a film, and a book!
Watch it first, then read the book!!!
Or be a wally like me and read the book first, and pick holes in the story of the film!
cinematicallyinspired
Jul 29, 2017 @ 21:29:21
This was a rare time where I enjoyed the movie more than the book. I thought Emily Blunt was brilliant, and the final confrontation between the women and the bad guy seemed more natural in the film. In the book it kinda came out of nowhere.
However I thought the book was more effective at conveying Rachel’s alcoholism. I had to put it down a few times because I just couldn’t bear to be in her head anymore. shudder
I really enjoyed reading your review!
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Ritu
Jul 30, 2017 @ 01:08:04
Thank you!
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Megha
Jul 11, 2017 @ 16:24:03
I went for the book first and enjoyed it. Haven’t watched the movie still.
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Ritu
Jul 11, 2017 @ 17:42:18
Movie is good but as always some things get missed!
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willowdot21
Jun 26, 2017 @ 19:06:44
🤗💗
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BRIGID GALLAGHER
Jun 26, 2017 @ 18:35:10
I have not seen the film or read the book but I now feel like I must. 😊
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Ritu
Jun 26, 2017 @ 19:16:16
😀 hope you get a Chance!
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Lisa A.
Jun 26, 2017 @ 14:56:32
I wanted to see this movie! I guess I’ll have to now! Thanks for the reviews, Ritu!
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Ritu
Jun 26, 2017 @ 18:02:24
You’re welcome Lisa!
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Lance Greenfield
Jun 26, 2017 @ 12:29:14
Generally, I read a book before I watch the film of the book.
Usually, I find that the book is better than the film in my opinion.
That was the case for The Girl on the Train.
I was disappointed with the film, but I did enjoy the book.
The only book versus film contest that has turned out for me differently in the past few years is The Martian. For me, the film was definitely much better than the book.
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Ritu
Jun 26, 2017 @ 12:42:39
I get you Lance!
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Judy E Martin
Jun 26, 2017 @ 09:29:27
I saw a trailer for the film and thought that it did look pretty intriguing. I might just see that rather than read the book first! 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 26, 2017 @ 12:40:21
Do that sis!!
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amindfultravellerblog
Jun 26, 2017 @ 02:41:16
Oh I am a wally like you…always reading first and then picking at the movies ;(
Good book though, I did enjoy it, but I still need to watch the movie for this one 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 26, 2017 @ 06:53:09
Remember… it’s different.. but the same! 😀
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Lisa Orchard (@lisaorchard1)
Jun 25, 2017 @ 19:15:40
I’ve read the book, but haven’t seen the movie. It sounds like a good one for a stormy night! 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 19:34:18
It’s pretty good!
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robbiesinspiration
Jun 25, 2017 @ 18:04:57
I have read this book, Ritu. I must say that I enjoyed the first half far more than the second half. The beginning was very different and unique and I thought it became a bit more run of the mill towards the end. Not a bad book though.
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 18:08:19
The film is pretty good Robbie x
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Pam Avoledo
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:04:31
I loved Girl on The Train and Rachel was such a fascinating character. I haven’t watched the movie yet, though. I’m glad Emily Blunt is playing her, though.
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Ritu
Jun 25, 2017 @ 17:06:23
If you’re like me you’ll enjoy it but you won’t be able to help wondering why certain things are missing!!!
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OIKOS™-Redaktion
Jun 25, 2017 @ 16:52:04
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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