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kallmekirby's review against another edition
5.0
it’s hard to find the words to describe my feelings for this book- I’d been putting off reading it for YEARS, terrified I somehow wouldn’t like it which would throw into question my love for dark academia which has influenced my clothing and general life aesthetic heavily, but I shouldn’t have worried. This book has only furthered my love of this sub-genre and has taken the #1 spot as my favorite book of all time- no questions asked. This will be the first of many reads. While I did enjoy The Goldfinch and loved Tartt’s writing style that particular work doesn’t begin to hold a candle to this one. My only critique, not even a critique really, just a wish: I wish we had seen more of Julian throughout the book- I would have loved to witness a little more of his manipulative charisma that so attached the characters to him.
nikotta's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
lena_swz's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
whoamo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dkamada's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Obnoxious college boys with over inflated egos do some murders and drink too much
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Minor: Animal death, Drug abuse, Animal cruelty, Murder, Blood, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Classism, Gun violence, Mental illness, Incest, Addiction, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Physical abuse, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
mirandababbitt's review against another edition
3.0
Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History” is, as expected, a masterclass in elegant and immersive prose. However, in comparison to the captivating grip that her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Goldfinch," had over me, I found "The Secret History" slightly less enthralling, although still an artful piece of literature.
I won't sugarcoat it - there were instances in this book where I felt the pacing significantly waned. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why. Perhaps while Tartt was crafting a vivid world for some readers, there were times for me when it felt as if we were stuck in molasses - exquisitely described molasses, but molasses nonetheless.
That said, Tartt definitely excels in the art of surprise. "The Secret History" is brimming with moments I didn't see coming, gradually revealed in layers. These surprises make me think I’ll to return to the novel for a second read.
Overall, though, I just can’t give more than 3 stars. I considered rating it higher, especially after reading others' enthusiastic reviews, but it didn’t quite measure up to “The Goldfinch” as I had anticipated. It remains a thrilling read nonetheless, with the final few chapters being particularly “I can’t put this down”. However, certain sections in the middle had a lulling effect that slightly disconnected me from the narrative.
I won't sugarcoat it - there were instances in this book where I felt the pacing significantly waned. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why. Perhaps while Tartt was crafting a vivid world for some readers, there were times for me when it felt as if we were stuck in molasses - exquisitely described molasses, but molasses nonetheless.
That said, Tartt definitely excels in the art of surprise. "The Secret History" is brimming with moments I didn't see coming, gradually revealed in layers. These surprises make me think I’ll to return to the novel for a second read.
Overall, though, I just can’t give more than 3 stars. I considered rating it higher, especially after reading others' enthusiastic reviews, but it didn’t quite measure up to “The Goldfinch” as I had anticipated. It remains a thrilling read nonetheless, with the final few chapters being particularly “I can’t put this down”. However, certain sections in the middle had a lulling effect that slightly disconnected me from the narrative.
hanzy's review against another edition
3.0
I’d started this book about a year ago and dnf’ed it after about 2 chapters when a kind friend reviewed it for me. Thanks to her, I was well aware to not keep any expectations (which I had sort of started to then).
I restarted my reading of the book and took on a different approach this time. While I knew not to delve too much into the storyline, it did upset me. I enjoyed the writing quite a lot, however. Donna Tartt has the ability to suck the reader in with her writing. I like dark academia and I liked the vibes set in the book. Also, I love everything about languages and it was interesting to see characters switch between languages while communicating and the whole vibe that was set.
But that’s about the only few things I did like. I’m confused about rating this one as it’s left me with a feeling of incompleteness. A lot of loose threads, a lot of implications that didn’t sit right. Abhorrent characters, ‘shocks’ that offered no resolution and vague details that serve no purpose.
The first third of the book was enjoyable while the last two thirds felt more like fillers. I get that we sort of have an unreliable narrator but it was still a let down. I would not be recommending this book to anyone unless I’d like to have some fun channeling my inner evil side by tricking them into reading and watching their reactions.
I restarted my reading of the book and took on a different approach this time. While I knew not to delve too much into the storyline, it did upset me. I enjoyed the writing quite a lot, however. Donna Tartt has the ability to suck the reader in with her writing. I like dark academia and I liked the vibes set in the book. Also, I love everything about languages and it was interesting to see characters switch between languages while communicating and the whole vibe that was set.
But that’s about the only few things I did like. I’m confused about rating this one as it’s left me with a feeling of incompleteness. A lot of loose threads, a lot of implications that didn’t sit right. Abhorrent characters, ‘shocks’ that offered no resolution and vague details that serve no purpose.
The first third of the book was enjoyable while the last two thirds felt more like fillers. I get that we sort of have an unreliable narrator but it was still a let down. I would not be recommending this book to anyone unless I’d like to have some fun channeling my inner evil side by tricking them into reading and watching their reactions.
alisbleu's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
savaging's review against another edition
2.0
Sometimes I wonder if incredibly talented women writers sometimes want to show they are 'serious' -- not girl-lady-writers for girl-ladies -- and so they deliberately write books that fail to pass the Bechdel test and are so ruthlessly 'unsentimental' that each character is unloveable.
Tartt is a very skilled writer, and also I was so sick of these selfish cold humans and their endless rounds of exploiting each other and waking up hung-over.
Maybe I just need to get back to my lady-girl books.
(p.s. If you're the one who left this book behind in an Arizona non-profit's truck, then I thank you because I was desperate for a novel at that juncture. Also I apologize, because I already gave your copy to a Utah thrift store).
Tartt is a very skilled writer, and also I was so sick of these selfish cold humans and their endless rounds of exploiting each other and waking up hung-over.
Maybe I just need to get back to my lady-girl books.
(p.s. If you're the one who left this book behind in an Arizona non-profit's truck, then I thank you because I was desperate for a novel at that juncture. Also I apologize, because I already gave your copy to a Utah thrift store).