The Grownup
Book Review - The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
I received this short story (just 62 pages!) by Gillian Flynn from Book of the Month Club as a Happy New Year gift. This was the perfect afternoon to cuddle up indoors (Chicago is frigid right now) with a cup of hot cocoa and a good ghost story. When I was only posting #HastyBookList on Instagram, I often received comments from friends like this one, "I love how many books you read. I enjoy the pleasure of finishing books vicariously through your reviews." (Thanks Caitlyn!) Well if you don't have time to read a full length novel very often, this is the book to choose! It is satisfyingly mysterious and you can finish it in about an hour....or longer, no judgment here!
The Grownup is a psychological thriller about a sex worker turned psychic who is hired to help a woman who fears her house is haunted and her stepson Miles is possessed. At first glance, Susan Burke appears to be a beautiful, wealthy woman who is perhaps bored with her life and in need of some drama. But when the psychic and unnamed narrator of the story visits Susan's Victorian house, she realizes she no longer needs to pretend that she believe in ghosts. Be forewarned, this short story has adult content right out of the gate with this first sentence: “I didn’t stop giving hand jobs because I wasn’t good at it. I stopped giving hand jobs because I was the best at it.”
This story originally appeared as “What Do You Do?” in George R. R. Martin’s Rogues anthology.
About Gillian Flynn:
Gillian Flynn is a contemporary American author known for her gripping psychological thrillers and dark, complex characters. Born on February 24, 1971, in Kansas City, Missouri, Flynn developed a passion for writing at a young age. She earned a degree in English and journalism from the University of Kansas before embarking on a career in journalism.
Flynn's breakthrough came with the publication of her novel "Gone Girl" in 2012, which quickly became a literary sensation. The novel's twisted plot, unreliable narrators, and unexpected twists captivated readers worldwide, earning Flynn widespread acclaim and cementing her reputation as a master of the thriller genre.
Prior to "Gone Girl," Flynn published two other novels: "Sharp Objects" in 2006 and "Dark Places" in 2009, both of which also received critical praise for their intricate storytelling and exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.
Flynn's writing is characterized by its razor-sharp prose, unflinching exploration of psychological themes, and skillful manipulation of narrative tension. Her novels often delve into the complexities of relationships, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
In addition to her novels, Flynn has also found success as a screenwriter, adapting "Gone Girl" into a critically acclaimed film directed by David Fincher in 2014. Flynn's work continues to captivate audiences, and she remains one of the most celebrated authors in contemporary literature.
