‘The Girl on the Train’ is not based on a true story. It is a fictional thriller novel written by Paula Hawkins, published in 2015. The book introduces us to Rachel Watson, a woman who becomes entangled in a missing person’s investigation that delves into her own troubled past. While the characters and events are products of the author’s imagination, they are crafted in a way that evokes real emotions and scenarios that resonate with many readers.
Hawkins has stated that her inspiration came from her own life experience and the psychological issues involved in the story, yet the plot itself remains entirely fictional. The book gained immense popularity and was adapted into a movie in 2016, further solidifying its status as a compelling work of fiction rather than a true crime tale.