Book Review
Cover for “Dark Places”
Image found: AbeBooks.com
Title: Dark Places
Author: Gillian Flynn
Number of Pages: 538
Synopsis
“Dark Places” by Gillian Flynn is a book about a thirty-two-year-old woman, Libby Day, whose mother and two sisters are brutally murdered when she is seven years old. Libby’s brother Ben Day, is arrested and charged with the murders. Twenty-five years later, Libby, in need of cash, gets entangled with a strange group of people obsessed with her case. These people, called the Kill Club, are willing to pay for new information about the Day murders and Libby is willing to play investigator. However, the more details she uncovers about the case, the more she finds her own certainty about it wavering.
What I Liked About “Dark Places”
I hate people who start conversations with facts- what are you supposed to do with that? Sure is hot today. Yes, it is.
I have a meanness inside me, real as an organ. Slit me at my belly and it might slide out, meaty and dark, drop on the floor so you could stomp on it.
My favorite element of the book was the character of Libby Day. Libby was the perfect mixture of snarky and cynical that I was truly able to enjoy and relate to her character. Oddly enough her character constantly left me feeling optimistic every time I put the book down. I found myself relating to her opinions and experiences, I just genuinely fell in love with her character.
Another thing that made me truly respect the book was the fact that it constantly kept me guessing. The ending of the book was totally unexpected and for that I will refrain from giving any big spoilers. Although I didn’t see the book’s conclusion coming, I will admit that you are given a good share of clues throughout the book. WARNING, these elements will result in a dire urge to reread the book!
I also found the format of the book particularly compelling. The book alternates between three perspectives: Libby Day in the present. Ben Day, Libby’s brother, in 1985. Finally, Patty Day, Libby’s mother, also in 1985.
SPOILERS: There is also one other perspective the reader is given closer to the end of the book. END OF SPOILERS.
What I Did Not Like About “Dark Places”
After long deliberation, I was able to come up with something I did not love about the novel. Something that I first enjoyed about the book but became tedious later on in crucial parts was the rambling inner monologue of the protagonist. During early moments in the book, I liked this theme because it was good getting into the heads of the characters and getting to know them intimately. However, as the book goes on and the suspense heightens if falls a little flat and I can understand how someone might classify that as annoying.
Wrapping Up My Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed reading “Dark Places” and look forward to reading more by Gillian Flynn. The book had great, well-developed characters and a twisting plot that keeps readers continuously guessing. For more about Gillian Flynn visit her website! To find out more about “Dark Places” specifically use this link! Also, a movie was made in 2015 based on this book, here is a link to the trailer!
Word Count: 497
This review is making me want to read “Dark Places” next. I like how you stated what you liked about the book and want you didn’t like about the book. I know if you were considering rereading the book then I will definetly NEED to reread the book. I can tell this book was probably hard to review without giving away any spoilers but you took the challenge very well. Great review.
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I like books with shifting perspective because it’s always interesting when they intersect somewhere down the road. Libby Day sounds like an interesting character. I wonder if the author used her horrifying past to help create her snarky and cynical behavior as you’ve said she has.
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I’m guessing there’s some re analyzing that has to be done after you read the book which makes it sound interesting. You did make it sound good without giving away any spoilers so good job.
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I am very happy you did this review! I’ve been looking for a book to read like this since we’ve started the class. You’re a very great writer, becoming an English teacher seems to be very promising in your future.
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This book seems really interesting, and I love the idea of changing perspectives. Being kept on your toes while reading is an amazing quality to have! I’m curious now to who the extra narrator is and how she solves the case. It’s a book I’ll most certainly have to pick up next time I get a chance.
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This book seems like one that glues eyes to the page! Super interesting, and keeping you on the edge of your seat. I enjoy how you said what you liked and what you didn’t. the author seems like an interesting writer.
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Gone Girl was such a well written book. Just as I am sure this one is as well. Seems interesting. Would love to read this sometime.
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I’m going to have to read this! Libby sounds like a great character. Sounds like she is very optimistic in spite the moments against her. Very well written.
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I probably will never read this book. It is just not my type of book. I mean finding out about murders and stuff is cool but not for me.
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