Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

I thought I’d read ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn before, and I didn’t like it, so I had low expectations when I started ‘Sharp Objects’.

But when I started writing this review, I found out it wasn’t ‘Gone Girl’ that I’d read and didn’t love, it was ‘Girl on the Train’ by Paula Hawkins.

So I guess the good news is that I have another great book by Gillian Flynn to look forward to.

Anyway, I ordered ‘Sharp Objects’ because it popped up in so many places (Instagrams, book blogs) and I read it in one day (ok, and one chapter the previous night) next to the pool at Gran Canaria. I practically read it in one go, and well… the fact that I’m looking forward to reading another book by Gillian Flynn already says what I thought of it, right?

The face you give the world tells the world how to treat you.

‘Sharp Objects’ by Gillian Flynn is about journalist Camille, who gets sent back to her hometown by her boss, to report on two murders on preteen girls in the town.

Of course, nothing comes easy. Camille has (had) some mental problems, she has a dead sister and an overbearing mom, a half-sister she doesn’t even know, and locals are wary of out of towners (which Camille is now too, as she hasn’t been back in a couple of years).

Her research brings her into places she never thought she’d be at again (both physically and mentally) and may bring up more than just the recent events.

Sometimes if you let people do things to you, you’re really doing it to them.

This book made me feel sick. At some scenes, I literally felt nauseous (although that may have been my anxiety playing up for other reasons). ‘Sharp Objects’ is a psychological thriller, alright.

Gillian Flynn doesn’t hold back on complex characters, graphic scenes, or twisted storylines. It grabs you, and won’t let go until you finish the book. As I said, I read it in one go.

Ok, to be honest: I suspected someone very soon into the book and although Gillian Flynn sent me on a trip and had me wonder about my suspect throughout most of the book, I ended up being right. Which is the only bad thing I can say, but at least I wasn’t 100% sure during the whole book.

I’m scared to say I enjoyed the book because it’s a cruel plot. But it’s a fantastically horrific book that you won’t be able to put down. Again, I can’t wait until I can get my hands on another one of Gillian Flynn’s books.

‘Sharp Objects’ has been turned into an HBO mini-series starring Amy Adams (which is why it suddenly was everywhere of course. I’ve heard it’s really good, but I already watch too many shows!).

Add ‘Sharp Objects’ by Gillian Flynn to your Goodreads to-read-list, or buy the book at the Book Depository or on Amazon.

Happy reading—

Petra