Reviews

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

mjkc's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense 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

meepmoop27's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

3.25

evelynmb_'s review against another edition

4.0

i was just left astonished after reading this. the character development and dynamics were insanely incredible with an unreliable narrator *chef's kiss*

howeverrrr, i do think i would've given this book a 5 star if it was only just a tiny bit shorter. There are just some parts of the book that I felt were long and unnecessary to the story. A lot of scenes and dialogue could be cut and it would change the plot at all.

Overall, interesting and morbid read that I did enjoy.

mesmerism's review against another edition

dark 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

4.0

kmmi_booklover's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.25

supersilly247's review against another edition

challenging dark medium-paced

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

4.5

lookmairead's review against another edition

4.0

I can’t believe I didn’t rate this when I read it years ago.
Maybe because my feelings weren’t as clear as they were after The Goldfinch (a solid 5/5) and My Little Friend (4.5ish/5).
Here’s the two things that still I remember clearly-
1. Feeling frustrated not fully understanding the group school chatter/references.
2. Henry gave me CHILLS. Antagonist level: Gold.
(I was so creeped out!)

ragnatela's review against another edition

mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.0

Probably I would have liked it better in another moment, presently I can't really focus on anything.

dr_sol's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense slow-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

4.0

A wonderful book which will reside in your mind for quite a while.
Nevertheless, the plot felt dragged on in some parts of the book and I've asked myself several times if Donna Tartt is scared of ending chapters. (Over 500 pages of story put into 8 chapters!!)
The book was gloomy and it felt like you were in your own dark world full of dead languages, feelings of superiority and the loss of morality alongside the characters (who I've grown quite fond of, even after I've learnt their flaws (even Bunny has earned some sympathy))
Since I've borrowed this book and therefore it was in German, I plan to get it in English and read it again some time. 
I'm already excited!

saphieg's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.25