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A review by unoriginalinspiration
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Why does that obstinate little voice in our heads torment us so?' he said, looking round the table. 'Could it be because it reminds us that we are alive, of our mortality, of our individual souls – which, after all, we are too afraid to surrender but yet make us feel more miserable than any other thing? But isn't it also pain that often makes us most aware of self? It is a terrible thing to learn as a child that one is a being separate from all the world, that no one and no thing hurts along with one's burned tongues and skinned knees, that one's aches and pains are all one's own. Even more terrible, as we grow older, to learn that no person, no matter how beloved, can ever truly understand us.
Our own selves make us most unhappy, and that's why we're so anxious to lose them, don't you think?
Trigger Warnings: Murder, Alcoholism, Suicide, Death, Drug use, Incest, Homophobia, Greif, Mental Illness
Review:
I read this book partially because I wanted to experience Dark Academia and partially because I saw Conan Grey posting it on his story a lot. Donna Tartt's writing was philosophical, beautiful(At times) and dry. I don't know how she pulled that off. I have to admit, this book would've been so much more better if it had been short. The plot was engaging, and the characters were so fascinating, They were so immoral, carefree and super messed up, yet I found myself liking them a lot. I don't know what that says about me though *insert awkward smile*
There were a lot of dry spells in between the parts I actually found interesting. Maintaining my interest in those pages was a little difficult, But I'm glad I got through it! Because, this story is was really intriguing to me. With the little side bonus of loving the Dark Academia vibe.
Our own selves make us most unhappy, and that's why we're so anxious to lose them, don't you think?
Trigger Warnings: Murder, Alcoholism, Suicide, Death, Drug use, Incest, Homophobia, Greif, Mental Illness
Review:
I read this book partially because I wanted to experience Dark Academia and partially because I saw Conan Grey posting it on his story a lot. Donna Tartt's writing was philosophical, beautiful(At times) and dry. I don't know how she pulled that off. I have to admit, this book would've been so much more better if it had been short. The plot was engaging, and the characters were so fascinating, They were so immoral, carefree and super messed up, yet I found myself liking them a lot. I don't know what that says about me though *insert awkward smile*
There were a lot of dry spells in between the parts I actually found interesting. Maintaining my interest in those pages was a little difficult, But I'm glad I got through it! Because, this story is was really intriguing to me. With the little side bonus of loving the Dark Academia vibe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Alcoholism, Suicide, Death, and Drug use
Moderate: Incest, Homophobia, Grief, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, and Mental illness