The Grownup Book Summary - The Grownup Book explained in key points

The Grownup summary

Brief summary

The Grownup is a thrilling novella by Gillian Flynn that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of a con artist who becomes involved in a haunting that may be more real than she ever imagined.

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    The Grownup
    Summary of key ideas

    The Start of a Deceptive Journey

    In The Grownup by Gillian Flynn, we are introduced to a young woman who makes a living by providing sexual services to men. She is a master manipulator, using her intelligence and cunning to deceive her clients. However, she decides to change her life and starts working as a fortune teller at a place called Spiritual Palms. She quickly realizes that her new job is just another form of deception, as she pretends to read auras and predict the future for her clients.

    One day, a wealthy woman named Susan Burke visits the shop. She is troubled by the strange behavior of her stepson, Miles, and the eerie occurrences in her Victorian mansion. The narrator, sensing an opportunity to make more money, offers to cleanse the house of its negative energy. She visits the mansion and is immediately struck by its unsettling atmosphere. She also finds Miles to be a disturbingly intelligent and manipulative boy.

    The Haunting of Susan Burke

    As the story progresses in The Grownup, the narrator continues to visit Susan's house, pretending to perform her cleansing rituals. She becomes increasingly convinced that the house is indeed haunted. However, she is unsure whether the haunting is real or just a product of Susan's paranoia and Miles' manipulations. The narrator also becomes entangled in a complex web of relationships, as she starts an affair with Susan.

    During one of her visits, the narrator discovers a hidden room in the house, filled with disturbing artifacts and evidence of a violent past. She also learns about the tragic history of the house and the fate of its previous inhabitants. The more she uncovers, the more she becomes convinced that the house is truly haunted. However, she is also aware that her own perceptions might be clouded by her past experiences and her tendency to deceive.

    The Twist and the Unraveling of Truth

    In a shocking turn of events in The Grownup, the narrator's relationship with Susan takes a dark and unexpected turn. She discovers that Susan has been manipulating her all along, using her as a pawn in a twisted game to get rid of Miles. Susan believes that her stepson is evil and responsible for the haunting of the house. She wants the narrator to help her get rid of him, even if it means killing him.

    Feeling trapped and manipulated, the narrator decides to take matters into her own hands. She confronts Miles and learns the truth about the haunting of the house. She discovers that Miles is not the evil force Susan believes him to be. Instead, he has been a victim of his mother's psychological abuse and manipulation. The narrator realizes that Susan is the true evil in the house, and she must protect Miles from her stepmother's dangerous plans.

    The Final Deception

    In the final act of The Grownup, the narrator devises a plan to outmaneuver Susan and protect Miles. She stages a fake séance to convince Susan that the house is indeed haunted. In a moment of panic, Susan confesses to her plans to get rid of Miles. The narrator uses this confession to turn Susan's husband against her, leading to her institutionalization.

    As the story concludes, the narrator leaves the house, realizing that she has once again deceived herself into believing a convenient lie. She reflects on the nature of truth and deception, acknowledging that she will never know the real truth about the haunting of the house. In the end, she accepts that her life will always be a series of deceptions, and she is okay with that.

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    What is The Grownup about?

    The Grownup by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of a con artist who poses as a fortune teller, only to get involved in a haunting mystery at the house of one of her clients. Full of twists and turns, this book will leave you questioning everything until the very end.

    The Grownup Review

    The Grownup by Gillian Flynn (2014) is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's why this book is definitely worth the read:

    • With its twists and turns, the story will keep you guessing until the very end, making it impossible to put down.
    • The book masterfully explores the blurred lines between reality and fiction, leaving readers questioning what is true and what is not.
    • Through its complex and morally ambiguous characters, the book delves into the dark depths of human psychology, providing a thought-provoking reading experience.

    Who should read The Grownup?

    • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and unsettling mysteries
    • Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
    • People who are interested in exploring the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural

    About the Author

    Gillian Flynn is a renowned author known for her dark and twisted storytelling. She has written several bestselling novels, including "Gone Girl," which was adapted into a successful film. Flynn's books often explore the complexities of human nature and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface. With her sharp and captivating writing style, she has gained a dedicated following of readers who are drawn to her thrilling and suspenseful narratives.

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    The Grownup FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Grownup?

    The Grownup explores the blurred lines between reality and deception, highlighting the power of manipulation.

    How long does it take to read The Grownup?

    Reading time for The Grownup varies, but you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Grownup a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Grownup is a gripping read, with twists that will keep you hooked. It's definitely worth picking up.

    Who is the author of The Grownup?

    The author of The Grownup is Gillian Flynn.

    How many chapters are in The Grownup?

    The Grownup doesn't have chapters with titles.

    How many pages are in The Grownup?

    The Grownup contains 62 pages.

    When was The Grownup published?

    The Grownup was published in 2014.

    What is the main message of The Grownup?

    The main message of The Grownup is a thrilling exploration of the blurred line between reality and deception.

    How long does it take to read The Grownup?

    The reading time for The Grownup varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Grownup a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Grownup is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

    What to read after The Grownup?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Grownup, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda