Dark Places, written by Gillian Flynn, is a very complex book, which makes you think about your family. I recommend this book to those who have experienced a trauma or love reading mystery novels.
The novel is in the perspective of Libby Day, a 35-year-old woman. At the age of seven Libby’s two sisters are her mom are killed in their home while Libby is able to escape. After an investigation is conducted the police charge Ben Day, Libby’s brother, with the murders. Libby’s testimony stating Ben committed the crimes was an extremely large factor in convicting Ben. After the conviction, Libby is shuffled around the homes of friends and family. Once she is old enough to live alone, she moves out and begins living on her own using the money
…show more content…
Little Orphan Libby grew up sullen and boneless, shuffled around a group of lesser relatives--second cousins and great-aunts and friends of friends--stuck in a series of mobile homes or rotting ranch houses all across Kansas. Me going to school in my dead sisters’ hand-me-downs: Shirts with mustardy armpits. Pants with baggy bottoms, comically loose, held on with a raggedy belt cinched to the farthest hole… I was not a lovable child, and I had grown into a deeply unlovable adult. Draw a picture of my soul, and it’d be a scribble with fangs“ (p.1)
This quote shows how dramatically worse Libby’s life is growing up without her immediate family.
Libby Day’s personality is shown clearly throughout the novel. She is not an extremely likeable person; she is rude in many situations and selfish. I enjoyed how unlike every other novel I read, where the main character is very likable and positive, Libby has a unique perspective and attitude.
I wish that Gillian Flynn crafted one likeable character in the novel. In Dark Places, there was no character I connected with or truly liked. Although I enjoyed how the protagonist was on the negative side; not having a character which I was invested in made it difficult to stay engaged during the uneventful pages.
Dark Places, has taught me that while going through a traumatic experience you need family or friends by your side. I enjoyed reading the novel because of