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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I need some time to write a proper review, but this is a masterpiece & although I’m not a Literature Elite, Donna Tartt EARNED the Pulitzer Prize
EDIT:
Ok this is the review I sent to one of my friends that convinced him to read it (slightly modified)
This book has so many layers that you can analyze for days: life, death of a parent, drug addiction, romance, art history, obsession, philosophy, etc. Everything connects at the end.
This is essentially a coming-of-age story about a boy grieving his beloved mother’s death. I’ve read many coming-of-age books, and none of them have felt as though YOU were aging with the main character (except for “The Lying Life of Adults” by Elena Ferrante). It’s largely because of Tartt’s writing style. It’s very poignant and thorough; every single word has meaning. Each word holds power. You can tell that she spent a lot of time finding the right words to say.
The main character, Theo, works in an antique store. Tartt wrote about this field as though she had actually worked in it for YEARS. And it didn’t come across as overly technical or like she pulled facts off of articles online. It sounded so natural. You can totally tell that she talked with all kinds of people in the business to ensure that her interpretation was as accurate (and natural) as possible. She did her research. It might seem like a minor thing, but to me, it’s a pretty big deal & the mark of a great writer.
Sometimes when I read books, I notice that characters lack dimensionality and individuality, but that wasn’t the case with this book. Tartt brought every single character to LIFE. Like I said already, every character had their own dialogue style, motivations, dreams, and desires. Everyone was special in their own way. The characters were practically JUMPING out of the pages. I could rant about this for hours.
Along those lines, I really loved how Tartt handled Theo’s character development. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil anything, BUT I will say that she did a fantastic, realistic job. Instead of TELLING us he was sad or paranoid or in love, she showed that in the writing. So for example, when he had a panic attack, she didn’t merely talk about his heart racing or his head hurting, etc. She wrote short bursts of sentences that demonstrated his anxiety and growing paranoia. His words were incoherent, he wasn’t thinking clearly.
Another thing that I love about this book is that Tartt surprises you. I noticed this with her other book (The Secret History). Even though she tells you what happens in the beginning (like Theo’s mom dying in this book, and another character getting murdered in The Secret History), she surprises you. It’s HOW something happens that matters. You are going on a journey to find out how and why, and you have to trust her to get the answers.
I could spend weeks talking about this book (& it’ll definitely be my personality trait from now on, idc). Everything about this book is perfection—the writing, characters, plot, etc. If you decide to read this book, you will feel rewarded at the end. Idk if you put much stock in my reviews, but I PROMISE this will be (at least) 4 stars for you.
Note:
1) I've seen people complain about the length of the book and the Vegas part being unnecessary, and I disagree with both complaints. The length was perfect and fully encapsulated Theo's psyche and experiences. Not one page was unnecessary. The Vegas part, although long, was also perfect. It showed Theo's aimlessness as a young kid who basically loved his mother. I loved how immersive that was and by the time that part ended, I was fully hooked on the story. If Tartt hadn't added that, I would not have enjoyed the book as much as I did, or gotten attached to all the characters.
2) People have also complained about Theo's character--how depressing he is, how unlikeable he is. And he is both of those things, but who wouldn't be?? His mother literally got blown up and he had a family that didn't give a crap about him and didn't want to take care of him. Of course he isn't going to act like Jesus Christ or some saint. He's going to be deplorable. He's going to be annoying (at times).
3) Do not read this if you're trying to complete your reading goal before the year because you will rush through this to fulfill some arbitrary reading goal--and you won't like it because you rushed through it. So read this when you're in a more relaxed mood.
EDIT:
Ok this is the review I sent to one of my friends that convinced him to read it (slightly modified)
This book has so many layers that you can analyze for days: life, death of a parent, drug addiction, romance, art history, obsession, philosophy, etc. Everything connects at the end.
This is essentially a coming-of-age story about a boy grieving his beloved mother’s death. I’ve read many coming-of-age books, and none of them have felt as though YOU were aging with the main character (except for “The Lying Life of Adults” by Elena Ferrante). It’s largely because of Tartt’s writing style. It’s very poignant and thorough; every single word has meaning. Each word holds power. You can tell that she spent a lot of time finding the right words to say.
The main character, Theo, works in an antique store. Tartt wrote about this field as though she had actually worked in it for YEARS. And it didn’t come across as overly technical or like she pulled facts off of articles online. It sounded so natural. You can totally tell that she talked with all kinds of people in the business to ensure that her interpretation was as accurate (and natural) as possible. She did her research. It might seem like a minor thing, but to me, it’s a pretty big deal & the mark of a great writer.
Sometimes when I read books, I notice that characters lack dimensionality and individuality, but that wasn’t the case with this book. Tartt brought every single character to LIFE. Like I said already, every character had their own dialogue style, motivations, dreams, and desires. Everyone was special in their own way. The characters were practically JUMPING out of the pages. I could rant about this for hours.
Along those lines, I really loved how Tartt handled Theo’s character development. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil anything, BUT I will say that she did a fantastic, realistic job. Instead of TELLING us he was sad or paranoid or in love, she showed that in the writing. So for example, when he had a panic attack, she didn’t merely talk about his heart racing or his head hurting, etc. She wrote short bursts of sentences that demonstrated his anxiety and growing paranoia. His words were incoherent, he wasn’t thinking clearly.
Another thing that I love about this book is that Tartt surprises you. I noticed this with her other book (The Secret History). Even though she tells you what happens in the beginning (like Theo’s mom dying in this book, and another character getting murdered in The Secret History), she surprises you. It’s HOW something happens that matters. You are going on a journey to find out how and why, and you have to trust her to get the answers.
I could spend weeks talking about this book (& it’ll definitely be my personality trait from now on, idc). Everything about this book is perfection—the writing, characters, plot, etc. If you decide to read this book, you will feel rewarded at the end. Idk if you put much stock in my reviews, but I PROMISE this will be (at least) 4 stars for you.
Note:
1) I've seen people complain about the length of the book and the Vegas part being unnecessary, and I disagree with both complaints. The length was perfect and fully encapsulated Theo's psyche and experiences. Not one page was unnecessary. The Vegas part, although long, was also perfect. It showed Theo's aimlessness as a young kid who basically loved his mother. I loved how immersive that was and by the time that part ended, I was fully hooked on the story. If Tartt hadn't added that, I would not have enjoyed the book as much as I did, or gotten attached to all the characters.
2) People have also complained about Theo's character--how depressing he is, how unlikeable he is. And he is both of those things, but who wouldn't be?? His mother literally got blown up and he had a family that didn't give a crap about him and didn't want to take care of him. Of course he isn't going to act like Jesus Christ or some saint. He's going to be deplorable. He's going to be annoying (at times).
3) Do not read this if you're trying to complete your reading goal before the year because you will rush through this to fulfill some arbitrary reading goal--and you won't like it because you rushed through it. So read this when you're in a more relaxed mood.
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
tense
Really liked the beginning, then it got a little intense and druggy, found it hard to keep the stamina up to the end as a very long book
Love the way Tartt writes. Fascinating story. Worth a re-read, eventually.
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the character Boris, but this book was waaaaaay too long and dragged at points.
The Goldfinch swept me up in its narrative. Like Dostoevsky who shows up as a leitmotif, Tartt writes a compelling story that is also an extended meditation on how we are shaped by our character, the influences around us, and the choices we make.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
4.4 Stars
VAGUE SPOILERS AHEAD - Nothing major but if you want to go into this book blind then don't read this.
The Goldfinch is a story set mostly in New York that follows 13 year old Theo Decker and how his life unravels following an accident. In his despair, he latches on to a very captivating and very famous painting that he later finds out is worth millions. This painting is what pulls him into the rich world of art and antiques, but also into an underworld of crime. It is a novel that explores trauma, hope, beauty, friendship, art, love, grief and conflict.
Something that really stuck with me about this novel is that it feels like a love letter to life. The Goldfinch has been expertly crafted by Donna Tartt in a style that is so distinctly hers that I wouldn't change anything about it. I can understand why it's won a Pulitzer and is praised by many to be a masterpiece of literature. The characters all felt very flawed in a way that doesn't feel like an author wrote it, but in a way that these characters are real people. Tartt's ability to create such realistic yet daunting scenes in this novel is what makes it so great to the point where it becomes ineffable. Since this is a Donna Tartt novel, I can't help but compare it with The Secret History. In The Secret History, I felt I was able to take a step back and consider whether I could trust Richard as a narrator and if his version of events was accurate. With this novel, in the best way, I couldn't do that. The way this book is written forces the reader to become Theo. Each time he is scared, we are scared. Each time he is sad, we are sad. The way that Donna Tartt was able to bring me so close to relating to Theo as a character is something that I find so rare in storytelling and is what makes it so difficult as I try to translate the genius of The Goldfinch in this review.
In another reality, I probably would rate this five stars. I can completely understand why so many consider it to be five stars. However, I have to round it down to four because of how overwhelmingly long this book is. It may seem ridiculous because I loved the length of The Secret History and had no problem getting my way through that. However, The Goldfinch is so much more. It is overwhelmingly descriptive, exceedingly complex and is overall a very dense novel to work through. Even though I am saying this, I wouldn't change it. I do think what Donna Tartt has made with this novel has accomplished everything it set out to. It is entirely my own issue when I say that this book was so long. Additionally, this book lies heavily in the literary fiction genre. This means that the narrative is widely focused on Theo's internal monologue, themes and emotions rather than the plot, action and characters. This made it difficult for me to engage with it at times.
Overall, I do think this book is worth the read if you're in the right place to do it. I'd recommend this book to people who are looking for something complex to annotate and think about for days after. I'd also recommend it to people who enjoy long classic novels, especially those who enjoy reading Dickens. I think this book would be great if you're in a monthly book club, there is a lot to talk about! I will warn you now - don't read this if you're easily susceptible to reading slumps, this book has the potential to put you in one if you're not ready for how heavy it is.
Favourite Character:
Boris Pavlikovsky is easily the most interesting character in this novel. He acts as a foil to Theo as they share similar backstories and trauma. Despite his chaos and impulsivity, he always steals the scenes when reading with his general approach to life. He lives life to the fullest, which doesn't always mean the best for those around him. Either way, it makes him the most entertaining character to read about.
Favourite Line:
“That life - whatever else it is - is short. That fate is cruel but maybe not random. That Nature (meaning Death) always wins but that doesn’t mean we have to bow and grovel to it. That maybe even if we’re not always so glad to be here, it’s our task to immerse ourselves anyway: wade straight through it, right through the cesspool, while keeping eyes and hearts open. And in the midst of our dying, as we rise from the organic and sink back ignominiously into the organic, it is a glory and a privilege to love what Death doesn’t touch.”
4.4 Stars
VAGUE SPOILERS AHEAD - Nothing major but if you want to go into this book blind then don't read this.
The Goldfinch is a story set mostly in New York that follows 13 year old Theo Decker and how his life unravels following an accident. In his despair, he latches on to a very captivating and very famous painting that he later finds out is worth millions. This painting is what pulls him into the rich world of art and antiques, but also into an underworld of crime. It is a novel that explores trauma, hope, beauty, friendship, art, love, grief and conflict.
Something that really stuck with me about this novel is that it feels like a love letter to life. The Goldfinch has been expertly crafted by Donna Tartt in a style that is so distinctly hers that I wouldn't change anything about it. I can understand why it's won a Pulitzer and is praised by many to be a masterpiece of literature. The characters all felt very flawed in a way that doesn't feel like an author wrote it, but in a way that these characters are real people. Tartt's ability to create such realistic yet daunting scenes in this novel is what makes it so great to the point where it becomes ineffable. Since this is a Donna Tartt novel, I can't help but compare it with The Secret History. In The Secret History, I felt I was able to take a step back and consider whether I could trust Richard as a narrator and if his version of events was accurate. With this novel, in the best way, I couldn't do that. The way this book is written forces the reader to become Theo. Each time he is scared, we are scared. Each time he is sad, we are sad. The way that Donna Tartt was able to bring me so close to relating to Theo as a character is something that I find so rare in storytelling and is what makes it so difficult as I try to translate the genius of The Goldfinch in this review.
In another reality, I probably would rate this five stars. I can completely understand why so many consider it to be five stars. However, I have to round it down to four because of how overwhelmingly long this book is. It may seem ridiculous because I loved the length of The Secret History and had no problem getting my way through that. However, The Goldfinch is so much more. It is overwhelmingly descriptive, exceedingly complex and is overall a very dense novel to work through. Even though I am saying this, I wouldn't change it. I do think what Donna Tartt has made with this novel has accomplished everything it set out to. It is entirely my own issue when I say that this book was so long. Additionally, this book lies heavily in the literary fiction genre. This means that the narrative is widely focused on Theo's internal monologue, themes and emotions rather than the plot, action and characters. This made it difficult for me to engage with it at times.
Overall, I do think this book is worth the read if you're in the right place to do it. I'd recommend this book to people who are looking for something complex to annotate and think about for days after. I'd also recommend it to people who enjoy long classic novels, especially those who enjoy reading Dickens. I think this book would be great if you're in a monthly book club, there is a lot to talk about! I will warn you now - don't read this if you're easily susceptible to reading slumps, this book has the potential to put you in one if you're not ready for how heavy it is.
Favourite Character:
Boris Pavlikovsky is easily the most interesting character in this novel. He acts as a foil to Theo as they share similar backstories and trauma. Despite his chaos and impulsivity, he always steals the scenes when reading with his general approach to life. He lives life to the fullest, which doesn't always mean the best for those around him. Either way, it makes him the most entertaining character to read about.
Favourite Line:
“That life - whatever else it is - is short. That fate is cruel but maybe not random. That Nature (meaning Death) always wins but that doesn’t mean we have to bow and grovel to it. That maybe even if we’re not always so glad to be here, it’s our task to immerse ourselves anyway: wade straight through it, right through the cesspool, while keeping eyes and hearts open. And in the midst of our dying, as we rise from the organic and sink back ignominiously into the organic, it is a glory and a privilege to love what Death doesn’t touch.”