The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that follows Rachel, an emotionally troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing person's investigation. Set against the backdrop of daily train commutes, Rachel's obsession with a seemingly perfect couple she observes from the train leads her into a web of deceit and danger. Themes of memory, trauma, and the complexity of relationships are explored as Rachel grapples with her own past and the truth behind the disappearance. This gripping novel is ideal for fans of suspenseful fiction and psychological dramas. Published in 2015, it has become a bestseller and is often studied in literature courses.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of memory and trauma through Rachel's perspective
  • Follows a missing person's investigation that intertwines with Rachel's life
  • Examines complex relationships and the impact of obsession
  • Set in contemporary London with a focus on urban commuting
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Paula Hawkins
252 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Paula Hawkins
252 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
Literature
243
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RACHEL
• • •
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013
MORNING
There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth
—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably
rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby little wood up the bank.
It could have been left behind by the engineers who work this part of the
track, they’re here often enough. Or it could be something else. My
mother used to tell me that I had an overactive imagination; Tom said
that, too. I can’t help it, I catch sight of these discarded scraps, a dirty T-
shirt or a lonesome shoe, and all I can think of is the other shoe and the
feet that fitted into them.
The train jolts and scrapes and screeches back into motion, the little
pile of clothes disappears from view and we trundle on towards London,
moving at a brisk jogger’s pace. Someone in the seat behind me gives a
sigh of helpless irritation; the 8:04 slow train from Ashbury to Euston
can test the patience of the most seasoned commuter. The journey is
supposed to take fifty-four minutes, but it rarely does: this section of the
track is ancient, decrepit, beset with signalling problems and never-
ending engineering works.
The train crawls along; it judders past warehouses and water towers,
bridges and sheds, past modest Victorian houses, their backs turned
squarely to the track.
My head leaning against the carriage window, I watch these houses
roll past me like a tracking shot in a film. I see them as others do not;
even their owners probably don’t see them from this perspective. Twice a
day, I am offered a view into other lives, just for a moment. There’s
something comforting about the sight of strangers safe at home.
Someone’s phone is ringing, an incongruously joyful and upbeat song.
They’re slow to answer, it jingles on and on around me. I can feel my
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243

Figures

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins — Figure 1

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FAQs

What is the significance of the pile of clothes on the train tracks?
The pile of clothes on the train tracks symbolizes abandonment and loss, reflecting the protagonist's troubled state of mind. Rachel's fixation on the clothes reveals her overactive imagination and her tendency to project her feelings onto the scene. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the potential for tragedy, as she recalls that trains can rip clothes off people in accidents. This recurring image underscores themes of memory and the impact of past experiences on her present.
Who are Jason and Jess in 'The Girl On The Train'?
Jason and Jess are a couple living in a house near the train tracks that Rachel frequently observes during her commute. Rachel describes them as a perfect, golden couple, with Jason being dark-haired and well-built, and Jess as a beautiful, pale-skinned woman with sharp cheekbones. Their seemingly idyllic life captivates Rachel, who often imagines their daily activities and feels a longing for the connection they represent, contrasting sharply with her own loneliness.
How does Rachel feel about her past home on Blenheim Road?
Rachel has a complex emotional relationship with her past home on Blenheim Road, where she lived for five years. She experiences a mix of nostalgia and pain when she sees the house, as it was her first true home. Despite her desire to avoid looking at it, she finds herself unable to resist, which brings back painful memories, especially of Anna, who is now living there with her child. This internal conflict highlights Rachel's struggle with her past and her feelings of loss.
What does Rachel do during her train rides?
During her train rides, Rachel often reflects on her surroundings and the lives of others, particularly the couple she observes, Jason and Jess. She finds comfort in watching these strangers, as it offers her a glimpse into a world that feels out of reach. Rachel also drinks alcohol to cope with her feelings of isolation and disconnection, using the train as a temporary escape from her reality. The train becomes a space for her to process her thoughts and emotions.
How does Rachel's perception of time change on the train?
Rachel's perception of time on the train is often distorted; she finds solace in the routine of her commute, yet also feels a sense of anxiety as she approaches London. The journey is supposed to take fifty-four minutes, but frequent delays make it unpredictable. This reflects her own life, where time seems to stretch and compress, mirroring her feelings of stagnation and longing for change.
What does Rachel remember about her holiday with Tom?
Rachel recalls her first holiday with Tom in a fishing village on the Basque coast in 2005, filled with romantic memories of swimming, making love on hidden beaches, and enjoying drinks together. These memories contrast sharply with her current life, highlighting her sense of loss and the happiness she once experienced. The nostalgia for this time emphasizes her feelings of isolation and the stark difference between her past and present.

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