Duisternis

Gillian Flynn

  • First published 2009
  • 384 pages
  • Dutch
Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in the Kansas farmhouse they called home. She was the only survivor. Her testimony, pointing to her fifteen-year-old brother as the killer, sent him to prison for life. Twenty-five years later, the money from charitable donations has run out, and a bitter, isolated Libby is desperate. Her only option is to profit from her tragedy by connecting with a secret society obsessed with notorious crimes. They believe her brother is innocent and want her to help them uncover the truth. For a fee, Libby agrees to revisit the ghosts of her past, tracking down the people involved in that horrific night and re-examining the events she has spent a lifetime trying to forget. The narrative shifts between Libby's reluctant investigation in the present and flashbacks to the final, frantic day of her family's life. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a reality far more complex and disturbing than the simple story she told as a child, forcing her to confront the dark places in her own memory and the secrets her family took to their graves.
3.94
872K ratings across the web
7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Reviews for this book consistently praise its ability to craft a complex and gripping mystery that keeps readers thoroughly engaged. Many reviewers were captivated by the unpredictable plot, noting the author's skill in weaving red herrings and delivering surprising revelations that defied their own theories. The writing style is frequently lauded for its descriptive power, masterful pacing, and capacity to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere. Even when characters are far from conventionally likable, they are often highlighted as complex, realistic, and unforgettable, with the protagonist Libby Day frequently cited as a standout example of a deeply flawed yet compelling figure. The effective use of multiple perspectives is also commended for enriching the narrative and gradually unveiling the story's layers. However, the book is not without its criticisms. A significant number of reviewers found the characters, particularly Libby, to be consistently unlikable, selfish, or even vile, which made it difficult for them to connect or empathize. The narrative's pervasive darkness, graphic descriptions of violence, gore, and other disturbing themes such as underage sex, were too much for some, occasionally feeling gratuitous or added merely for shock value. Another common point of contention was the ending, with several readers expressing disappointment, finding it to be underwhelming, unrealistic, or overly contrived after the intricate build-up. Some also felt that the pacing could be slow in parts, with certain descriptions or plot elements feeling like unnecessary filler. In conclusion, this book is a polarizing yet often highly effective dark mystery thriller. It is recommended for readers who appreciate intense psychological suspense, are drawn to complex narratives with morally ambiguous or deeply flawed characters, and do not shy away from graphic or disturbing content. Those who enjoy a challenging mystery that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, even if the resolution might divide opinion, are likely to find it a compelling read. However, readers seeking lighthearted stories, conventionally heroic protagonists, or a less visceral experience should approach with caution.

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This edition
Boekerij, 2014
ISBN
9789022570005
Language
Dutch
Original edition Originally published in 2009 · English · Shaye Areheart Books

Other editions (124)