A review by jade_0222
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark emotional 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? It's complicated

3.75

I had intended to read this book in October. I was so excited to start reading it and get immersed in its dark academic story. There were points in the story that I took my time to read, which is why I ended up finishing it in November. However, there were parts of it that just seemed so jarring, plotwise and logically speaking, that I found myself wanting to give up reading the book. I have mixed emotions about The Secret History. I think I may have overhyped the book in my head, only to be left unsatisfied. Don't get me wrong, the plot is very interesting and the characters, though not entirely likable, are fairly well-fleshed out. I just wasn't a fan of the very quick wrap-up ending, I felt like the process of Bunny's death seemed borderline impossible to be done without getting caught, <SPOILER> They don't really get caught, and essentially got away with murder...twice, and I had a lot of questions that felt unanswered, and the epilogue left much to be desired.
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