A review by dystopian
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad 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

5.0

Fantastically written book. It was captivating and I couldn't put it down until I finished; I just needed to know what happened next! I really love the reverse murder mystery aspect this was written in. The characters are very well written but unlikable, so keep that in mind. It was intentional of course, the story wouldn't work with likable characters. Likewise, the story is incredibly put together and artfully written, but oh so disturbing.
I've lived in California my whole life, like Richard, and like Richard I've dreamed of and  romanticized  a life at a small New England university. Throughout the novel Richard adds insight to the realities of that, and while through a fictitious story, I thought that it fit very well with my own thoughts. The characters are so very human, which makes it all the more terrifying.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings