The Girl On The Train

 

The Girl on the train is one of the exemplary psychological thrillers works by Paula Hawkins which also made a theatrical sensation. The plot revolves around three women Rachel, Megan and Anna who leads different lives until a tragedy brings about their existence to chaos.

Rachel Watson is a solitary, alcoholic, unemployed, and an absolute mess who is still obsessed with her ex-husband. She catches the same commuter train every day and is captivated by a couple staying at the back gardens near the train signal. She fantasizes about their perfect life as a couple and overthinks that she knows everything about their lives. Also, Rachel wants to reconcile her relationship with Tom(ex-husband), but Tom is married to Anna and has a beautiful child. She misses her husband and makes multiple attempts to get back to him but barely ends up harassing him and his wife Anna. Due to alcoholism and depression she frequently blackouts making situations even worse. One typical day as the train moves Rachel glimpses something startling and then everything is distorted.

Later Rachel catches sight of a recognizable face in the newspaper who is none other than the woman she daydreams as the golden couple. Rachel gets to know that her name is Megan and confronts the fact that Megan is nothing like the way she has imagined. Rachel comes to possession of being overly involved in the awkward case and as she digs realises that not everything is as perfect as it is visible and everyone holds on to dark secrets for a reason.

This book is an electrifying debut by the author saying that all the characters have scars, insecurities and fears making them feel engaged and intriguing. The beginning might be a slow burn but it paces up eventually. Overall a good read for the thriller genre.

Title: The Girl on the train

Authors: Paula Hawkins

Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery