The Grownup is a short story by Gillian Flynn published in the form of a book. It is a hybrid between a thriller and a horror story with amusing plot twists.
Even before we know her name, our narrator bombards us with her routine work schedule that leave her exhausted and force her to look for a second job. The story starts with her complaining that she is too tired working six days a week, eight hours a day. Being the best at the job adds to her workload, she says. So she quits her full time job. She starts working as a as a psychic reader making predictions of the future from her client’s attire, mannerisms etc. And at the back end of her psychic reading tent she continues her old job of giving hand jobs (now with a more flexible schedule than 6 days x 8 hours!).
Her business thrives at both ends. She has one special gentleman who visits her often (of course, for the back end service) and lends her books. Thriving businesses add to greed, right? So she agrees to do some cleansing at a haunted Victorian house at the request of a young lady named Susan to rope in a few extra bucks. She dreams big money. Our heroine’s life is perfect. Or is it? Bizarre happenings and Susan’s creepy (VERY) stepson Miles enter the picture. Are things as simple as they seem to be?
The story bears resemblance to Gillian Flynn’s writing style of suspense and a manipulative female lead. The story is fast paced and with each page you ask “Who is the Grown up?”. I did not feel the horror said to be embossed in the story, but I was more fascinated by the characters in it. I wish it was a longer book. Nevertheless it is a good read.
The Grownup is a short story that first appeared under a different title, What Do You Do?, in an anthology put together by George R. R Martin.
Title : The Grown Up
Author : Gillian Flynn
Publisher: Orion Books
Published : 2015
Language : English
Pages : 96
Rating : 4/5
One of my favorite short stories from last year. Wonderful review!
Thank you. It was my last read in 2015.
So it wasn’t scary? I haven’t picked it up because I don’t want to be scared. I’ve enjoyed her other books.
The element of horror is very negligible. But she does throw in a lot of twists and turns. SO many that I began wishing there are no more twists. Very enjoyable. So I think you will like it if you pick it up.
I only read Gone Girl, but I ha to tell you that your picture is awesome!
Thankyou! Hope you get to read her other works too.
This sounds like something that I would love to read! I’ve never read anything by Gillian Flynn before, so this might be a great place to start. Did you read the anthology put together by Martin?
Hope you enjoy the read. It hardly takes half an hour to finish the book/short story. No, I did not read the anthology.
I’ve never read anything by Gillian Flynn, but I can see how this could be an interesting read, what with all the twists and turns.
By the way, you always have the most gorgeous photos!
Thank you Kristen! If you have not read her earlier, I suggest you start with Gone Girl. I did not read the book completely. I got distracted by the movie (which was brilliant of course). But its a great place to start.
I just read this recently and there were a lot of twists! I wanted it to be longer as well, in hopes of figuring out some of those twists. Great Review!
Thank you! Yeah, everything ended so soon right?Or maybe it is the brevity that gives the edge to the story.
Sounds intriguing. I really should read Gillian Flynn. I really enjoyed Gone Girl but never went on to try anything else of hers.
This one is a short story and hence a fast read. But her style of writing kind of repeats.
That’s really interesting, how it was in an anthology that George R.R. Martin was involved with! Interesting book – I’ve only heard of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn!
I bought this thinking it was a book. Later realized its a short story
Hmm, interesting. I didn’t really like Gone Girl, but I keep thinking I should give Flynn another chance.
This one is not better than Gone Girl. So if you did not like that, I doubt you will like this one.
An interesting review, Susan. (It is Susan, isn’t it?)
One question: How many books do you read, let’s say in a week?
(I consider myself a heavy reader and on average I read a book a week)
(Puzzled emoticon)
Susan is my middle name. But people address me both as Resh or Susan, so it doesn’t matter. 🙂 That is a very difficult question. I try to get one or two books done over the week. It really depends on my mood actually, and the length of the book. And more importantly the time at hand. There are weeks when I don’t do any reading at all. I must have read one book since the holidays began and upto mid Jan. And the week after the no-reading phase I might gorge on four books or more. I do not have an organized reading schedule. Hopefully planning to get a little more organized. This one is a short one. Just over 80 pages. You can finish it in half an hour.
Sounds like a good read. Also, beautifully arranged shot!
xx Hanna | http://www.fashionablyshort.com
Thanks Hannah
Read this book recently and loved it 🙂
Glad you did.
I do need to read this one at some point!
Hope you will enjoy it! 🙂
I didn’t even know this existed – thanks for letting me know!
Glad I was of help. It is a short story.
I love your photography, especially this flatlay. The book sounds very intriguing, but I stay away from this brand of adult fiction where people are so weary and jaded by life – it just depresses me XD
Thank you dear. This one is not depressing. Just with a lot of twists. Give it a try if you feel like.
Why do you have to make this book sound so interesting? I’m kidding, but thank you for feeding my TBR List. I was wondering what Flynn book to read after Gone Girl and this seems like a good one, although I don’t think I will ever understand the drastic profession change.
Also.. I agree with aentee – your photography is wonderful! Truly.
Hehe. This is a very short one as it is a short story. So it wouldn’t affect your TBR pile much. And thank you so much for the wonderful words. Glad to know you liked the pictures.
Taking this on holiday with me and glad to see it’s not as scary as the blurb says – that has been my only hesitation picking this up earlier. Thanks Resh fo putting my mind at ease.
Hope you enjoy the read Nadia. 🙂