Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - The Secret History

I seem to be in the minority in my feelings about this book, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
First, the positives: Donna Tartt is an incredible writer and the book is undoubtedly well-written. The dark academia vibes are there if that’s what you’re looking for. The imagery is so vivid. I felt like I could clearly see the campus and visualize all the characters, which typically isn’t easy for my nd brain. It was a page-turner for me despite how slowly things moved (though I wonder if that is because I kept turning, hoping to find what everyone was raving about).

Now, for the negatives: After hearing the reviews for this book, I went in expecting pure dark academia with layers of mystery and intrigue (one reviewer said it was like “grown up Harry Potter”; my expectations are not Tartt’s fault). I expected suspense and plot twists around every corner. But, to be honest, it didn’t take long to be able to predict what was going to happen at each turn. Yes, the characters seem at first to be unpredictable, but in reality they turn out to be entirely predictable to the point of being a cliché. So okay, maybe suspense and plot are not the purpose of the book. In that case, what is? When I finished the book, I was so confused. Was that really it? They supposedly have this obsession with Greek, but everyone except Henry seems hardly interested in it at all. So what are they forming their cult around? Henry himself? Boredom? None of them had an ounce of remorse, only fear of consequences. It felt like they were a group of sociopaths. Was this some commentary on privilege? If so, then why were only two of the characters actually rich? Why can’t the less-privileged ones see any horror in what they’re doing? Many people said that they found the characters likable at first and slowly realized how horrible they were, but that wasn’t the case for me. They had their moments, and certainly they were intriguing, but they always seemed horrible. And strangely all alike, with none of them except Bunny feigning disapproval of the wild decisions being made. Maybe they aren’t meant to be realistic characters, but a representation of this addiction to superficial aesthetics? If so, that point wasn’t really driven home for me. I am searching for anything substantial to get out of this, but sadly I haven’t found it yet.

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pexadillo's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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pbthealien's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The Secret History is a perfect representation of the most carnal violent desires of the human experience, a perverse obsession with the macabre, and the arrogance of (specifically wealthy) youth. Allowing the audience to grow to love these characters, to empathize with them, was a stroke of genius by the author. For the first few hundred pages I thought the pacing was too slow, but the author was merely allowing enough time for the characters to become familiar and relatable.

Without spoiling the plot, I believe the narrative was divisive and engaging throughout, while still deeply linking to the novel’s core themes. The juxtaposition of the groups’ erratic and cruel actions and their sophisticated environment serves to highlight their depravity even more.

Richard, specifically, was a character who felt like a blank slate in the best way. He is the Everyman in a sea of wealthy elites, who is just along for the ride with the others. He is the only part of the book on which I am torn. I would have loved to see his character expanded upon more considering he was the MC, but his (relatively) passive role in the plot serves to provide a reliable narration.

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feralbookwife's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I have never craved a cigarette so much. A visceral, pretentious read filled with coming of age angst, greed, ego, and a dash of nihilism. Be sure to be in the mood to enter this world before starting it all the characters will feel insufferable.

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