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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Gone Girl summary
Gillian Flynn
A Novel
18 mins
Brief summary
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the complexities of marriage and the dark secrets that can lie beneath the surface. It will keep you guessing until the very end.
Table of Contents
Gone Girl
Summary of 4 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 4
A sudden disappearance
Our story opens on a fateful day: the fifth wedding anniversary of Nick Dunne and Amy Elliott Dunne. The couple are living in a modern home along the Mississippi River in North Carthage, Missouri. They moved here from New York City two years ago, when Nick’s mother was sick with cancer and receiving treatment.
While North Carthage is Nick’s hometown, Amy is a New Yorker through and through. She begrudgingly went along with the relocation plan, but Nick knew Amy felt completely out of place in Missouri. And there were further extenuating circumstances: when Nick’s mother became ill, both Nick and Amy were unemployed writers who’d lost their jobs after the 2008 economic crisis.
Money was never much of a concern for Amy anyway. Her parents had made a small fortune publishing a series of children's books featuring the character “Amazing Amy.” Some of the money from these books had been used to create a trust fund for their inspirational daughter.
Nick’s unemployment, however, caused him to sink into a depressive funk of sluggish, unkempt inactivity. He was in this sorry state when his twin sister, Margo (better known as “Go”), called to explain the level of help that their mother now required. Eager to relieve some of the burden from Go and to give his newly adrift life a purpose, Nick believed he had to move back.
Not long after they relocated to Missouri, Amy and Nick found out that Amy’s parents were broke. Book sales had plummeted, and the newest entry in the series was a flop.
In order to bring in some cash, Nick took a teaching job at the local junior college and borrowed money from Amy to open a bar with Go in North Carthage. Nick saw it as a fairly safe investment – after all, no matter the state of the economy, people would still drink.
All of this, along with the death of Nick’s mom due to cancer, adds up to intense stress and strain on what was once a happy marriage. And it’s in this environment that Amy suddenly disappears.
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What is Gone Girl about?
Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.
Gone Girl Review
Gone Girl (2012) by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Here's why this book is definitely worth your time:
- Packed with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end, it's a thrilling rollercoaster of suspense.
- The complex and flawed characters bring depth and intrigue to the story, making it impossible to put down.
- With its exploration of relationships and deception, the book delves into the dark side of human nature, keeping you captivated throughout.
Who should read Gone Girl?
- People who enjoy mysteries with surprising plot twists
- Anyone who likes a good crime thriller
- Fans of iconic female characters in fiction
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Gone Girl FAQs
What is the main message of Gone Girl?
The main message of Gone Girl explores the complexity and dark secrets that can exist within a marriage.
How long does it take to read Gone Girl?
The estimated reading time for Gone Girl varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Gone Girl a good book? Is it worth reading?
Gone Girl is a gripping and thought-provoking book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's definitely worth reading!
Who is the author of Gone Girl?
Gillian Flynn is the author of Gone Girl.
How many chapters are in Gone Girl?
Gone Girl has 3 parts but no chapters.
How many pages are in Gone Girl?
Gone Girl contains 432 pages.
When was Gone Girl published?
Gone Girl was published in 2012.
What to read after Gone Girl?
If you're wondering what to read next after Gone Girl, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- Putin's People by Catherine Belton
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie