The first in Ravishly's new series spotlighting just-released (and damn good) books by women.
The Girl On The Train grabs its readers with terse, intense prose—and never lets go.
The first novel by Paula Hawkins, who worked as a journalist for 15 years before turning to fiction, is a dark story about three men and three women whose lives fatefully intersect. The narrative tackles lies, deceit, intimate betrayal, the power of memory, and the danger of envy. You'll find yourself both rooting for and condemning its complex characters.
Rachel, around whom the story revolves, takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day, as the train stops at a signal, she watches the same couple breakfasting on the deck of their house. She looks forward to it. She even starts 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—something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's more than enough. Everything's changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation, but in the lives of everyone involved.
By the time you get going, you will become as obsessed with the lives of the characters in this book as Rachel is. It's an emotionally immersive and satisfying read. And it belongs on your nightstand, too.
The Girl on the Train
Paula Hawkins
Penguin Group
Released January 15, 2015
