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dodo02's review against another edition
5.0
It is not uncommon for me to enter a reading slump. I become obsessed with literature, devouring one book after another and then suddenly I stop; stories, good stories, no longer interest me. Until I come across a book that revives that literary hunger within me and the cycle starts up once again. The Secret History was that book. A classic of the Dark Academia genre, I had the vaguest idea of the plot but I'm so glad I did not know much more. I cannot begin to explain how much I enjoyed this book. Beautifully descriptive, not so much that it tires you but enough to properly situate you in the New England landscape, for the longest time while reading it I felt like I was a part of this elite and mysterious group of Greek students. I love books in which it is not the what but the how and why that are important and, for me, Donna Tartt's novel ticked every box. Despite its hefty size (over 500 pages) I was upset to finish it and truly felt that I could have read about this dysfunctional group of college students forever.
lisatrochs's review against another edition
5.0
This is such an amazingly well written novel, it took my mind to thoughts and feelings I did not want to travel to but could not step away from.
I believe some bad reviews about this book are missing some important points: 1) this novel is supposed to follow the structure of a Greek tragedy, so ultimately the climax will be somewhat in the middle 2) the multiple mentions of drinking and smoking is elevating the hedonistic character 3) the characters are supposed to be very unlikeable and acting highly above others, that's what causes them to commit these murders anyways :-)
I believe some bad reviews about this book are missing some important points: 1) this novel is supposed to follow the structure of a Greek tragedy, so ultimately the climax will be somewhat in the middle 2) the multiple mentions of drinking and smoking is elevating the hedonistic character 3) the characters are supposed to be very unlikeable and acting highly above others, that's what causes them to commit these murders anyways :-)
dashie's review
3.0
I don't get it.
I mean it was cleverly written and the first half was engrossing enough to read. Once Bunny died it was just utter tediousness. White kids doing what white kids would do and then getting away with it.
I mean, I understand it was aesthetic, but I do not get the universal appeal. Maybe I'm not clever enough.
I mean it was cleverly written and the first half was engrossing enough to read. Once Bunny died it was just utter tediousness. White kids doing what white kids would do and then getting away with it.
I mean, I understand it was aesthetic, but I do not get the universal appeal. Maybe I'm not clever enough.
samn95's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jessie_harrison's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
0.5
This book was utterly painful to get through
amortetia's review against another edition
5.0
i loved this book so much!
donna tartt has stated that she took almost a decade (if i’m not wrong?) to write this masterpiece, and every second was worth it. the secret history is very well crafted and articulated. it’s characters are so morally insane, yet in a way that isn’t forced upon or falsified. rather in a way that is strange yet so interesting, it makes you wonder how fucked up anyone can be.
the writing was absolutely immaculate. donna has a way of rearranging words that make the reading melt in one’s mind.
julian was the true antagonist, seemingly grooming the group (especially henry) into what lead to their downfall. i believe their blood is on his hands, and i think he believed it too.
julian was the equivalent of who lord henry wotton was to dorian gray. an adult figure who plagued a younger generation’s mind with philosophical thoughts of cruelty and violence—enough to corrupt their way of thought, and eventually their way of life. julian unknowingly cursed these students, and guided them to their demise.
i loved how richard was an unreliable narrator. we will never know the real truth, because we are unable to see it. richard was unable to tell it, and therefore it is foreign to us.
each and every character was insufferable in one way or another. judy poovey was the only real character. i will always love her <3
donna’s work has impacted me so much that i hear her voice with absolute ease!!’
donna tartt has stated that she took almost a decade (if i’m not wrong?) to write this masterpiece, and every second was worth it. the secret history is very well crafted and articulated. it’s characters are so morally insane, yet in a way that isn’t forced upon or falsified. rather in a way that is strange yet so interesting, it makes you wonder how fucked up anyone can be.
the writing was absolutely immaculate. donna has a way of rearranging words that make the reading melt in one’s mind.
julian was the true antagonist, seemingly grooming the group (especially henry) into what lead to their downfall. i believe their blood is on his hands, and i think he believed it too.
julian was the equivalent of who lord henry wotton was to dorian gray. an adult figure who plagued a younger generation’s mind with philosophical thoughts of cruelty and violence—enough to corrupt their way of thought, and eventually their way of life. julian unknowingly cursed these students, and guided them to their demise.
i loved how richard was an unreliable narrator. we will never know the real truth, because we are unable to see it. richard was unable to tell it, and therefore it is foreign to us.
each and every character was insufferable in one way or another. judy poovey was the only real character. i will always love her <3
donna’s work has impacted me so much that i hear her voice with absolute ease!!’
aliann_b's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
what the frigg ; i never wanted it to end
stitchkid's review
1.0
If this was her most plot-heavy book then I dread to think what the others are like...D: