The Girl on the Train

by

Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train: Rachel: Sixteen Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Sunday, August 18, 2013. Rachel arrives at number 23 and rings the doorbell. She feels hysterical and uncertain of what she’s doing. When no one answers the door, Rachel walks around the back of the house and hops over the fence. Anna and Evie are together in the backyard—but Anna hardly even looks surprised to see Rachel standing before her. Anna pulls Evie onto her lap. Rachel asks where Tom is, and Anna replies that he’s out with his army buddies. Rachel says they need to leave the house right away, but Anna simply laughs.
Rachel returns to number 23—but this time, she’s not looking for Tom. She knows that given what she’s realized, it is her duty to share the truth with Anna—it is the only thing that stands to protect Anna and Evie from Tom’s lies and abuse.
Themes
Women and Society Theme Icon
Gaslighting, Memory, Repression, and the Self  Theme Icon
Secrets and Lies Theme Icon
Motherhood, Duty, and Care Theme Icon