Nothing is half as perfect as it seems. Everything, an illusion. But the truth is, an illusion is only an illusion when you see both visions, both perspectives. What humans believe and accept is the vision they choose to see. It might not be the reality, but it’s their reality.
But, what happens when you see the illusion?
‘The Girl On The Train’ by Paula Hawkins is a beautifully written novel that is bound to keep one hooked till the end. A mixture of psychological thrill, murder and mystery; this novel explores the imperfect side of the human world. The novel is sure to enthral the reader thanks to its suspense-filled writing.
A history of traumatising events has led Rachel to where she is today and she does not know the way back. The novel revolves around this main character, who is unable to balance her very complicated life. Rachel has a set ideal; the couple she sees every day from the train. But one day, she sees something that crashes her hopes of a perfect world. It is only a moment before the train starts moving but it’s enough to change her life forever.
Rachel has seen it now, the illusion. So, nothing remains reality, not to her.
Before I read this novel, I believed in a perfect world, a perfect life. I wouldn’t say the same now. You might think of that as a negative characteristic, but it isn’t. This book proved to be a powerfully written eye-opener for me.
The fact is, humans believe what they choose to believe. Very honestly, humans are afraid of reality and humanity in itself. And so, we create a belief to comfort ourselves. The belief that a perfect life exists. But, deep down we too know that this is our reality. We live an imperfect life, that no matter how bettered will still be imperfect. One might say that hope generates positivity. But, it is when we accept the fact that our life is and will always be imperfect that we will be able to cope with our flaws.
It was this very novel that made me realise the same. Although the novel does not majorly focus on this aspect I believe, it was what made me love the book so much.
— The reader is a student based in Dubai.
