Unabridged (10 hours and 59 minutes)
Author: Paula Hawkins
Narration: Clare Corbett, Louise Brealey, India Fisher
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: 1-13-15
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Rating: 3-Star
Listened: April, 2015
From Audible:Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?
The Girl on The Train is Paula Hawkins’ debut novel, and it is told from the perspective of three different women. The book starts with the main character, Rachel, a lonely alcoholic divorcee who takes the train to London everyday in order to conceal from her roommate the fact she was fired months prior.
The book is also narrated by three actresses, which allowed for differentiation between the characters. This novel was the third audiobook that I felt compelled to write a review. I knew about the buzz surrounding the book, and purposefully avoided reading other reviews.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the narrative. I thought the story was suspenseful and interesting. None of the women in the book are particularly likable, but in this book, I took that to be a plus. None of the three characters were reliable witnesses, and you get the sense after a few chapters that their lives will intertwine somehow.
The narration of the book was a bit dull and monotone, but it worked! It captured the vibe of the story. The only reason I’m giving this book a 3-Star review is the fact that I had the plot figured out several chapters before the end of the book. I felt that Hawkins perhaps gave too many clues that easily led to the conclusion of the book. I definitely recommend this audiobook and I look forward to her next novels.
A Wondrous Bookshelf 
I’ve never listened to an audio book, but they are so popular! Maybe I could listen while I’m running. When do you? Thanks for the review!
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You’re welcome. I was resistant to audio books for the longest time. Then one day I had a long car trip and I just gave it a try. I usually listen to it while I drive, but also at home whenever I’m busy cooking or doing something that prevents me from holding a book. 🙂 Audiobooks are by no means a substitute, but an addition to my reading habit.
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Sounds like a great way to go!
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I recently finished reading this and found it very reminiscent of Gone Girl. Once I found out where the story was leading, I couldn’t put it down! I sort of figured it out as well, even though it kept me guessing a lot! Great review 🙂
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Thank you! Yes! There are lots of similarities with Gone Girl.
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I am on a ridiculous hold list for this book at the library (I’m #535) – this makes me even more excited to read it!
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