Book preview: ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn

Alternating in wife and husband points of view, Gone Girl is not just a page-turner; it’s a ticking time bomb, counting the days since Amy’s “disappearance.”

When Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy, disappears from the couple’s Missouri home, all fingers point to the guilt-ridden husband on their fifth anniversary. However, as the story unwinds, it’s clear that no one is innocent in this seemingly perfect marriage.

While Amy seems like the cookie-cutter housewife, she’s more like an April Wheeler type from Revolutionary Road. Amy’s calculating personality leaves clues for Nick and the police to figure out, starting with the annual treasure hunt that Amy likes to plan for her husband.

Amy, knowing Nick far too well, had created riddles to lure an oblivious Nick to leave his tracks around town. The riddles are an insight to who Nick fell in love with -- this being a version of Amy that would win over Nick.

Each riddle Nick solved, Amy knew would stroke his ego and would get him in further trouble.

Although Amy knew of Nick’s infidelity, Nick did not know until later on the novel. And when the police discover this and the media get wind of Nick’s possible motives, it’s a downhill spiral.

Amy’s parents, who initially vouched for Nick’s innocence, have already turned their backs on their son-in-law. Nick’s sister, Go, who never left Nick’s side, is framed to hide evidence.

Nick, nevertheless, knows Amy’s persona and what she’s capable of. He knows his wife is framing him, and he overturns the media’s perception of him.

Two can play this manipulating game. Nick, acting like the worried oblivious husband, makes a plea for her to come home that pulls at his wife’s heartstrings.

Meanwhile, Amy hides out at a motel with her newly dyed hair. Under a different name, Amy isn’t as cool as she appears when a few guests swindle her.

Thinking fast, Amy turns to an old pal that harbored feelings for her. Amy takes advantage of this, but her heart is still with Nick, despite their differences.

Will Amy take the bait that Nick is dangling? What about the public’s perception of her when she suddenly appears again?

Not only does Gillian Flynn explore the troubles of a marriage, she also delves into a psyche of a hurt wife. The scary part is the question of unconditional love and to what length will two people go to keep a marriage alive. Amy questions her quirks and Nick’s weaknesses. Does unconditional love start before a marriage, or does it end a marriage?